Description Suggestions
We all know
"a picture is worth a thousand words." Still, a thorough description is
appreciated by bidders, since some
simply don't have time to ask questions or wait for answers. It is also considerably
easier for a seller to offer the information initially, rather than repeatedly respond to
a common question.
Most bidders would like to know:
1.
Item name and size: for example, the height of a creamer, length of a
platter or sauceboat, diameter of a plate, and so forth.
2. If topmarked
or custom decoration, include known
dining
establishment information: name, location, chain or individual restaurant, years of
operation, link to an informative site on the internet, or any other relevant
information. (Click Patterns link and Logo Identification link at left for list of
identification and location resources).
3.
Pattern name, if known,
type of decoration
(underglaze decal or overglaze
decal [the difference can be critical to value and authenticity], transfer print, stencil
airbrushed [also called stencilair], hand painted, lined, banded, or?) and decoration colors,
since color appears
differently on various monitors.
4. Body material (for example vitrified china, bone china,
or porcelain), thickness (fine, medium, or heavy gauge)
and body color
(white, off-white, ivory, tan, blue pink, or yellow).
5.
Manufacturer and
date code.
It is helpful to include the actual date code: letters/numbers
and
the year equivalent if you can interpret the code. If it is not too difficult, a photo of
the backstamp is also appreciated by many bidders, particularly if there is no date code.
Note: because many date codes are often poorly
stamped on ware (portions of letters or numbers may be missing), unclear codes should be
rechecked with a strong magnifying glass.
6.
Condition: flaws and wear are not necessarily visible
on the computer monitor or there may be a fault that is not shown in the photographs
(e.g., the back or bottom). Honesty is always best, because disappointed buyers probably
won't buy again (many have "avoid seller" lists now and some share these lists
with other collectors) and they may return the item which is very time
consuming. On valuable items it's a good idea to include a photo of cracks
and chips for the best clarity.
Damage: chips, cracks, hairlines, crowsfoot, minor or
excessive utensil scratches, rust stains.
Wear: is the glaze full gloss, slightly worn, or is the
body partially exposed (has dull spots: many, some or a few) or fully exposed (dull overall)? Three 1/8"
to 1/4" evenly spaced exposed spots on the bottom are standard (these were glaze spikes caused by
firing stilt prongs that have been ground down), unless the piece is dry footed (i.e.,
glaze was removed from foot before glaze firing).
Manufacturer flaws: glaze
defects (pits, pops, skips, spikes, bubbles, or crazing), dark spots under the
glaze, decal or transfer print defects
(splits or missing a portion).
Note:
You may also want to read "Restaurant
China Item Names" and "Restaurant Ware Is Not
Advertising China!".
Photograph
Suggestions
Comparable pieces generally sell for much more when photographed
(rather than simply described) and thus pictures ARE worth a thousand words (or a thousand
pennies, nickels, or dimes). Likewise, very good pictures are more useful than mediocre or
poor quality photos. It is worth the time to make sure they have sufficient clarity, contrast
and brightness. In
addition, photos that load quickly are welcomed by bidders. Resizing and cropping
increases speed. If you use Windows, this can be easily accomplished by
simply pasting photos in the Windows Paint
program (supplied free with Windows and usually in the Programs, Accessories
folder), cropping tight to edges of item and manufacturer mark (backstamp),
and saving as jpeg.
Some feel that at least THREE photos are needed to accompany each
listing (photos below courtesy of Pat Carie):
-
Broad view of the entire piece
-
Close-up of a logo or pattern detail
-
Close-up of the backstamp
Additional photos may be important for any number of reasons. For
example, when a pattern includes multiple decorations or a seller wishes to
illustrate flaws in order to avoid disappointment and return by bidder.
