Due to the nature of supplying discontinued tableware, it naturally follows that to source the items, they would usually be previously owned. It is quite unusual to find an obsolete piece that is unused
We only search for and supply the best condition items we can find, however as nearly all our items are previously owned, there can be varying degrees of signs of use/wear. This may be more apparent on the everyday pieces such as dinner plates, cereal bowls, mugs and knives and forks. However you can be rest assured that we only supply items that we would be happy to use ourselves!
Tableware Condition
Broadly speaking fine china or porcelain tableware sets tend to be easier to find in excellent condition, as these types of sets were often used for 'best', so with much less use over time than a pottery or stoneware set, it then follows that any wear will be minimal. Sets made for everyday living are often made from earthenware, pottery or stoneware, and are generally dishwasher and microwave proof. This is wonderful for our often busy daily lives, but it does impact of the condition of the glaze of these items over time
When purchasing and offering tableware for sale, we take the condition of the glaze very seriously into account. Glaze is very important for every tableware product that holds liquid or food. It is applied to ensure that the item is impermeable to liquids, to make it much tougher, and to withstand the use of cutlery. Once the glaze begins to break down, whether this be through wear from cutlery use, small, deep scratches, minor chips, the material underneath will start to absorb any liquid it may be exposed to, and over time will become weaker, eventually leading to further damage.
Dishwashers are part of our everyday lives now in most households, and whilst they save a lot of time, with frequent use and the use of strong detergents and hot temperatures, they can help contribute towards the glaze of items becoming dull. Despite products often being labelled or marketed as 'Dishwasher Proof', what does this mean? Generally, it means the item will not break or crack in the dishwasher, but depending on the manufacturers material, discolouration, fading of pattern, or loss of glossiness to the glaze could occur over time. If in any doubt at all, check with the manufacturer of your set before putting in a dishwasher.
Items which tend to get used more than others will shows any signs of use more, these are usually dinner plates, cereal bowls and mugs. Shown typically in the way of scratches to the centre. We will tilt the items in a strong light to let the light bounce off the glaze, as this shows if (& if so, how much) there are any scratches apparent, and how much. Grey lines from cutlery use are also sometimes visible, and on occasion may be removed with Bar Keepers Friend (& some hefty elbow grease) but often still show, albeit more faintly. Generally speaking we do not buy items with grey cutlery marks, deep scratches or general wear to the items, as it is usually for this reason, our customers look to replace their items. Certainly any items that may have minor signs of use or wear would be automatically graded into our 'Grade 2' condition
Glassware Condition
We only look to buy & sell glassware which is as new a condition as possible. Being made from glass or crystal, 99% of the products will be clear, so any imperfections may show quite clearly depending on the design/shape of the item. With some manufacturers, and ages of the designs we stock, small imperfections, such as a small air bubble, are quite natural due to the production techniques and methods, and with this in mind, if the item looks 'eye perfect', we will offer it in 'Grade 1' condition
Washing your glassware in accordance with the manufacturers instruction is quite important to ensure it doesn't get damaged and stays looking it's best for many years to come. Crystal should never be put in a dishwasher, as the detergents and often high temperatures can cause the glass to 'bloom' (look cloudy)
Cutlery Condition
Cutlery is used with nearly every meal, so of course the main items, dinner knives, forks and dessert spoons tend to incur a lot more use than a fish fork for example. Scratches on the blade of the knife or the bowl of the spoon is more common place due to washing & using a scouring sponge
Cutlery is generally made from stainless steel, and is usually offered as 18/0 or 18/10. The '18' refers to the Chromium content, 18% being standard in the manufacturer of cutlery, and the '0' or '10' referring to the percentage of nickel content. With cutlery being 18/10 as opposed to 18/0, it may be slightly more expensive, but it has a higher rust and corrosive resistance, a more brilliant shine than 18/0 and is extremely durable
Some of the cutlery we stock is Electro Plated Nickel Silver or 'EPNS' for short. The durability is not as high as stainless steel, and care needs to be taken when cleaning or washing it, as due to the thin layer of silver plate, it does tend to scratch quite easily. It also can tarnish over time, but as long as the plate is still intact, usually a gentle wash and dry, and a buffing with a soft cloth will bring it back to life, although there are also silver plate cleaners which can be used sparingly as well