Delft porcelain plates have become highly coveted by antique collectors and can be worth a considerable amount of money depending on the age, condition, rarity and manufacturer. Determining an accurate value for an antique Delft plate requires some research into the history and hallmarks of Delft porcelain as well as an assessment of the physical qualities of the individual plate. There are a few key factors to examine in order to estimate the potential market value and help you decide whether to sell, insure or simply cherish your Delft plate as a treasured family heirloom.
History of Delft Porcelain
Delft porcelain originated in the city of Delft in the Netherlands in the early 17th century. The term ‘Delftware’ refers to the blue and white tin-glazed earthenware produced in Delft which imitated the style of Chinese porcelain highly popular at the time. Delftware was first created around 1620 when potters began using tin-oxide to create a white glaze which provided the perfect background for exquisite hand-painted designs in cobalt blue.
The Delft potters guild known as ‘The Guild of Saint Luke’ regulated the production of Delft and required all porcelain to meet certain standards. Early Delft featured Chinese-inspired designs like pagodas, bridges and flowers. By the mid-1600s more European motifs became popular like windmills and hunting scenes. The Golden Age of Delft porcelain lasted from about 1640 to 1740 with over 30 factories producing Delftware at that time. Some of the most coveted Delft came from notable factories like De Grieksche A (The Greek A), De Paeuw (The Peacock), De Porceleyne Fles (The Porcelain Bottle) and De Pauw (The Peacock).
Delft’s popularity waned in the late 18th century due to competition from English porcelain makers and the discovery of kaolin clay in Limoges, France which allowed the production of hard-paste porcelain. The last remaining Delft factory, De Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles (The Royal Porcelain Bottle), still produces authentic Delftware to this day.
Key Factors in Delft Value
There are several main factors which determine the value and price of antique Delft plates:
– Age – Plates from the 17th and 18th century Dutch Golden Age are worth more than later pieces.
– Maker’s Marks – Plates marked by famous Delft factories like De Grieksche A command higher prices.
– Condition – Plates in excellent condition with no damages, repairs or restoration fetch higher valuations.
– Rarity – Unique designs and unusual shapes tend to increase value for collectors.
– Provenance – Plates with documentation showing previous ownership or place of origin have added value.
– Subject Matter – Certain motifs like animals and windmills are currently in high demand.
– Size – Larger plates, chargers and platters are often worth more than smaller plates and saucers.
– Auction Prices – Recent auction sales of comparable pieces help gauge the current market.
Dating Delft Porcelain
The age of a Delft plate plays a major role in determining its value on the antique market. Dating Delft involves looking for telltale clues in the style of artwork plus examining specific backstamps and markings utilized by the different Delft factories over time. Here are some useful dating tips:
– Early 17th century Delft featured Chinese-inspired scenes painted in cobalt blue, often with figures in Asian robes. As Delft developed its own European style, these exotic designs became less common.
– Objects like sailing ships, windmills and cheese markets point to a late 17th or 18th century date while motifs such as flowers, animals and hunting scenes were popular throughout the Golden Age.
– Detailed backstamps with factory names help narrow down dates. De Grieksche A used a Greek alpha from 1653-1694 while De Porceleyne Fles marked plates with a cursive FV inside a bottle outline after 1651.
– The quality and color of the glaze also helps date Delft. Earlier tin-glaze has a grayish, bluish or white tone while 19th century lead glazes added an opalescent, creamy hue.
Consulting reference guides on Delft hallmarks can assist collectors in accurately pinpointing the period a particular plate was produced based on the stylistic elements and identifying factory marks.
Examining Maker’s Marks
One of the most critical aspects in determining Delft values is identifying the maker’s marks pointing to renowned Delft factories which fetch premium prices among antique dealers and auctioneers. Here are some of the key porcelain houses and their corresponding hallmarks:
– De Grieksche A – Also called The Greek A Factory, it used various marks including the Greek letter alpha or a griffin inside a shield from 1653-1694 during the peak of Delft’s artistic achievement. pieces marked by De Grieksche A are highly desirable.
-De Pauw – Founded in 1691, De Pauw used a strutting peacock as its backstamp. Its tableware and plaques with delicate hand-painted flowers and insects are very collectible.
– De Porceleyne Fles – Dating back to 1651, this factory marked plates with a cursive FV inside a bottle along with mysterious marks like AK, DV and HP. The Porcelain Bottle remains in operation today producing modern Delftware.
– De Paeuw – Translated as The Peacock, it adopted a symbol of a peacock standing on a pedestal starting in 1720. De Paeuw was known for its fine polychrome plates and exquisite tulip motif dishes.
– PAB – These initials stood for Pieter Adriaansz Broszeit who opened his successful pottery workshop in 1764. Pieces marked PAB featured European table and garden scenes.
Spotting these coveted marks of Delft’s most acclaimed factories will increase the value and appeal for serious collectors. Lesser known Delft factories can still produce desirable plates but usually will not command the same level of pricing and prestige.
Assessing Condition
The physical condition of an antique Delft plate plays an extremely important role in determining fair market value. Collectors and dealers pay premium prices for pieces in near pristine or fully restored excellent condition. Here are some tips on evaluating condition:
– Check for cracks, chips, hairline fractures, crazing, dents or other surface damage. Even minor issues can significantly decrease value.
– Examine the rim and edges for nicks, rounding from wear or signs of grinding down rough areas.
– Inspect the glaze for discoloration, staining, burnt spots, flakes or losses from trauma.
– Look at the bottom for stilt marks from firing which can bruise edges if not properly ground down.
– Check if the plate sits flat when laid on a table or wobbles from warping.
– Evaluate overpainting, repaired cracks with restoration filler, seals or touch ups which impair originality.
– Assess the vibrancy and clarity of original artwork, which fades over time affecting eye appeal.
Delft in flawless condition is scarce. But minor imperfections can usually be overlooked if the overall appearance remains bright and intact. Restoration should be repaired to museum quality standards to avoid diminishing antique value.
Impact of Rarity
Common Delft porcelain tableware with standard floral designs and basic shapes may sell for a few hundred dollars while extraordinarily rare items can fetch over $100,000 at auction. Factors that influence rarity and increase desirability include:
– Unique shapes – Odd or whimsical figural forms appeal to collectors’ tastes.
– Rare patterns – Unusual designs in high demand due to limited production.
– Early dates – 17th century pieces from Delft’s founding era rarely come to market.
– Signature plaques – Decorative plaques marked with Delft artist signatures command steep prices.
– Pairs and sets – Matching or related plates and platters from one set are harder to source.
– Prestigious provenance – Linkage to royalty or aristocracy adds great prestige.
– Important events – Delft gifts presented on historically significant occasions.
– Master painters – Works attributed to renowned Delft artists based on signed initials or style.
– Eccentric motifs – Strange imagery like skulls, monkeys or mythological themes.
Delft that exhibits exceptional characteristics reflecting important historical contexts, elite prior owners or mystique from the early days of Delftware will have tremendous appeal to serious collectors.
Provenance Paper Trail
Provenance refers to the chronology of previous ownership of an antique item. Documented provenance can greatly bolster the collectability and valuations of Delft porcelain. Having a paper trail that traces your plate’s history back to its origins provides important evidence vouching for authenticity and significance. Types of provenance documentation that enhance desirability include:
– Factory records – Archival material directly from Delft porcelain houses.
– Auction catalogs – Listings in prominent auction house sales establish prominence.
– Exhibition history – Having been displayed in museum shows adds pedigree.
– Appraisal documents – Valuations by experienced experts.
– Old collector notes – Prior owner or expert commentary validating importance.
– Photographs – Images verifying existence from a certain period or context.
– Receipts of purchase – Invoices recording sales details between former buyers and sellers.
– Family lore – Oral history and anecdotes passed down through generations.
While provenance can rarely be fully conclusively traced back to a Delft factory or first retail transaction, any reliable records that help corroborate age, ownership history and significance will enhance financial worth along with enriching the story behind a Delft plate.
Impact of Subject Matter
Delft porcelain spans a remarkably wide range of imagery from traditional Dutch scenes to exotic Chinese-inspired designs. Currently, certain pictorial motifs are more sought-after by collectors and museums which drives up values for Delft plates exhibiting those desirable themes. Some of the most prized and valuable subject matter includes:
– Exotic Animals – Monkeys, camels, elephants and lions captivate buyers.
– Birds – Eagles, peacocks, swans and exotic parrots are popular.
– Horses – Equestrian themes, horses in battle or hunting have strong appeal.
– Dogs – Hounds from hunting scenes or portraits of lapdogs.
– Wildlife – Deer, foxes and game fowl from woodland scenes.
– Seascapes – Ships under sail and ports evoke the Dutch maritime Golden Age.
– Windmills – Quintessential Dutch windmills always attract interest.
– Flower & fruit still lifes – Especially on-trend varieties like tulips.
While portraits, garden party scenes, and lacemakers may be classically desirable, today’s tastes lean toward plates with striking animals and bold nautical imagery. Markets fluctuate over time so evaluating current collecting trends can provide advantage in optimal timing of a Delft plate sale.
Impact of Size on Value
In addition to technique and decoration, the physical size and form of a Delft porcelain plate impact its artistic merits and market value. Larger pieces tend to command considerably higher prices for several reasons:
– Greater skill required – Large scale Delft was more challenging to flawlessly produce without defects.
– Visual impact – Big pieces have stronger visual presence when displayed.
– Rarity – Oversized Delft survived in fewer quantities over the centuries.
– Utility – Large platters, chargers and serving forms were less practical and affordable in their day.
– Decorating area – More room to showcase elaborate artwork and scenes which could justify higher original costs.
Some typical size premiums according to shape:
– Plates over 12″ diameter fetch over 50% more than smaller 9″ plates.
– Platters over 16″ long can sell for double or triple the price of 12″ platters.
– Chargers over 18″ diameter achieve prices up to ten times higher than small plates.
Of course, other factors beyond size are crucial. But when comparing two similar quality Delft pieces, the larger example will usually command a considerably higher market value.
Analyzing Auction Results
One of the best methods for accurately gauging the current open market value of Delft porcelain is to examine recent sales results from major auction houses. Specialist firms like Sotheby’s and Christie’s regularly hold auctions dedicated to European ceramics and Delft which provide concrete data points for price comparisons.
It is important to note details like:
– Auction dates – Prices fluctuate over time with market trends.
– Maker marks – The master Delft factories command higher multiples.
– Size – Larger pieces reach higher price thresholds.
– Condition – Restored or damaged examples sell for lower prices.
– Provenance – Famous prior ownership boosts auction prices.
– Rarity – Unusual examples and pairs fetch exceptional results.
Here are some real world examples of Delft auction prices realized:
| Description | Auction House | Sale Date | Price Reached |
| De Grieksche A Dish, 1680s | Sotheby’s | March 2021 | $18,750 |
| De Porceleyne Fles Platter, 1700s | Christie’s | January 2022 | $24,000 |
| PAB Dish with Birds, 1780 | Bonhams | May 2020 | $4,200 |
| Damaged De Grieksche A Plate | Quittenbaum | Nov 2019 | $9,500 |
Analyzing multiple comparable auction results provides objective real-world data to help estimate the potential market value of a Delft porcelain plate.
Appraisals From Experts
Securing a written appraisal from a qualified expert can provide critical third-party authentication and valuation for Delft porcelain. Opinions from specialists carry more weight for insurance coverage and establishing provenance or fair market valuations for potential sale. Look for appraisers with respected qualifications like:
– Certified Appraiser of Personal Property (CAPP)
– Member of the Appraisers Association of America (AAA) or International Society of Appraisers (ISA)
– Specialist expertise in European Ceramics and Delft
– Prior professional experience with auction houses
A credible appraisal will examine all the relevant factors covered in this guide such as maker marks, condition, subject matter and provenance. The appraiser will also analyze the artwork style and craftsmanship in detail. Photos of any significant markings should be included along with notes justifying the concluded valuation in current fair market terms. For very valuable or rare Delft, a second independent appraisal can provide further reassurance of authenticity and price estimates.
Insuring Delft Collections
Owners of antique Delft porcelain plates should consider obtaining personal property insurance policies that cover breakage or theft. Premium Delft can warrant insurance schedules similar to fine art. Be sure to work with providers experienced in antique valuations like:
– Art Insure
– Heritage Insurance Services
– Collectibles Insurance Services
– Hugh Wood
– DeWitt Stern Group
The appraised value will determine the annual premium. Coverage details like exclusions for certain events or deductible amounts should be reviewed closely. Scheduling regular reappraisals is also advised as market values for Delft can appreciate over time. Photography and documentation are key for claims. Insuring irreplaceable Delftware provides peace of mind against unfortunate losses.
Selling Delft Through Auctions vs Dealers
Those looking to sell a Delft porcelain plate have two main options – auction houses or antique dealers/galleries. Auctions can potentially yield higher prices but require giving up a percentage through seller’s fees. Dealers typically buy Delft outright at negotiated wholesale prices. Here is an overview of the pros and cons:
Auction House Advantages:
– Open bidding can result in exceptional prices especially for rare high quality Delft.
– Global marketing and distribution reaches more qualified collectors.
– Auction catalogue provides provenance and enhances future value.
Auction House Drawbacks:
– Commissions are typically 20% or more of the hammer price. Other fees may apply.
– No guarantee an item will meet the reserve minimum set.
– Delayed payment timeline – auction houses pay weeks after the sale.
Antique Dealer Advantages
– Faster payment, dealers pay immediately upon purchase.
– No fees or commissions to pay.
– Guaranteed sale at an agreed upon wholesale price.
Antique Dealer Drawbacks
– Wholesale offers are usually 40-60% under potential retail values.
– No exposure of the piece at public auction.
– Dealers must factor in their own overhead, costs and profit margins.
For extremely fine museum quality Delft, auction houses may yield the optimal return. But consigning pieces carries risk along with delayed payment. For quick, convenient transactions, reputable local antique dealers often present good sale solutions at fair wholesale prices.
Conclusion
Determining the true market value of antique Delft porcelain requires a keen eye and in-depth knowledge of hallmarks, condition factors and collector trends. While pricing guides can provide a general framework, establishing an accurate and well-supported appraisal requires tapping expert guidance, scrutinizing auction records and considering the unique qualities of each individual plate. Patience is often rewarded to wait for the right venue and market timing. Delft owners should carefully weigh options before parting with these irreplaceable works of art from
