- 1). Check for the maker and pattern name of your fine china. Usually you can turn a dinner plate, saucer or dessert plate over and find this information. The maker and pattern name will be printed or painted in the center of the back of the china piece. If there are no markings, consult any documentation you may still possess from the original purchase of the china.
- 2). Take a digital photo of your fine china showing the details and colors of the pattern if you don't know the maker or pattern name, it isn't indicated on the china or you don't have any original documentation for the china. You can email this photo to the customer service department of a china replacement company. They have reference materials available to help them identify your particular make and pattern of china. For example, Replacements LTD carries more than 300,000 china patterns.
- 3
Most china replacement companies don't have catalogs.Tea cup trimmed by gold image by Igor A. Bondarenko from Fotolia.com
Check online for a china replacement service that has terms and prices you find acceptable. Read the fine print. Most companies don't have catalogs. Some companies have catalogs that are available for purchase at a substantial expense. However, most companies prefer to work on a pattern and piece-by-piece basis than provide a heavy, expensive catalog laden with photos of many patterns you're probably not interested in purchasing. - 4). Fill out any online form or email the appropriate customer service email address, providing any requested information, such as china maker, pattern name or submit your digital image. According to Classic Replacements, "Finding items that have been out of production for 20, 30, 40 and sometimes over a hundred years is not an easy task. We have dedicated buyers who scour auctions, estate sales, and tag sales for the best items at the best prices. We also have independent suppliers who sell to us as well as many individuals who contact us when they decide to sell their private collections." If the company offers one, subscribe via email to their notification service alerting you to when they have pieces of your fine china pattern in stock.
- 5
Replacing fine china is often expensive and the price increases with the age of the pattern.tea cups isolated on white image by Elnur from Fotolia.com
Prepare to wait. If you're looking for something more obscure, or certain serving pieces, it may take the company longer to locate this piece. Common items like dinner plates, tea and coffee cups, bowls and saucers are readily available for most patterns; but age and rarity of the maker and pattern decrease the amount of stock and increase the price.
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