3 IMPORTANT THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN VINTAGE TEACUP SHOPPING

Smokey Cocktail

Similar to tea leaves, each classic cup of tea tells a story. I've been gathering teacups for a few years now, but lately, I've become more interested in them. I love going through the tea treasures I have collected and also wonder who has loved them. They may have got a favourite dip that's always full of tea. They could take a daily tea break at 2 pm with the treats. Or they always enjoy their cup of tea with a loved one by their side. The history of my vintage teacups makes me appreciate them even more. Over the years, I've learned a few things about buying vintage teacups that can help anyone looking to start their teacup collection.

Where to buy classic teapots?

Luckily, there are plenty of places where you can find vintage teacups. Smokey Cocktail might be a good place to start if you want to buy them online. However, you won't find a cup of tea there for just a few dollars. Classic teacups can be worth a lot! 

I prefer to buy teacups in person because finding them is part of the fun! Thrift stores, garage sales, antique displays, and auctions are often heaven when finding one for just a few dollars and in excellent condition.

It can be challenging though. Few things beat that feeling when you stumble across a treasure trove of tea you love.

My own collection of teacups is minimal at the moment - only about 30 (unless I find more places!). I can't imagine how long it would take me to drink 101 cups of tea.

I currently collect tea cups for personal use, whether for daily drinking or for afternoon snacks. I do not collect to resell. If you want to do the same, here are some things to keep in mind and look for when making your own teacup collection.

Please note that these tips are intended primarily for teacup hunting in person, not online. If you want to find your next tea treasure online through people who have curated beautiful teacups before, I've shared some links near the bottom of this article.

1. Chips and/or cracks

When I say a classic teacup set "in excellent condition", I mean no chips or cracks. Usually, I buy teacups with gold rims, handles or plates that may be slightly worn.

It just means that the cup of tea is appreciated! Minor design flaws are also perfectly acceptable.

Some chips and/or cracks may be so small or formed that they are barely visible at the store. To test them, gently run your finger along the edge of the cup, handle, and plate.

Do the same with the inside and outside of cups and plates. If you can feel something, examine the area a little closer. Shine a light to notice hairline cracks.

2. Matching Saucer

I like the cup of tea, and my plate is more consistent. They are actually more valuable that way! Sometimes you'll see the teacup and saucer separate, or you'll see them paired together to form a set.

If so, then they will be very cheap. Making sure that the saucer matches the cup of tea it's in is more than just looking at the colour and design. There are many teacups, and the same patterns and colours can be repeated. Always check the stamp on the bottom of the teacup and make sure it matches the stamp on the bottom of the plate.

3. No Repairs

I've come across a few vintage teacups that immediately caught my attention due to their styling, but then I was disappointed to notice something else. A handle is stuck, meaning it was damaged and has been repaired. Things like this would be fine if I wanted to reuse a teacup, but my collection is for now, so I can drink from it. Since the handle is broken, it will most likely break again when you hold it to drink.

Repairs will also reduce the value of the teacup. So when shopping, keep an eye out for vintage teacup repairs (not necessarily just the handle, check the plate as well).

However, some fixes may be harder to notice than others. If you really want to make sure that no corrections are made, you can test under a black light, and they will become clearer.