Vintage plates
Buying authentic vintage Fiestaware can be tricky. While there are a lot of good and reputable retailers out there, some of them are not as honest as you’d like them to be. When searching for vintage Fiestaware, it helps to do a bit of prep work in advance. Once you know all about Fiestaware, you can then begin to shop for it using a keen eye.
Check Pricing Guides
Take a look at a Fiestaware price guide (these can be found online or through Homer Laughlin). Understanding the approximate price of each piece you are searching for will help you become better prepared for shopping. Also, make sure that you have a good grasp of Fiestaware stamps and engravings – these markings will help you determine whether or not a piece is truly vintage. After you have done some quick homework, you can begin looking for vintage Fiestaware.
Where to Start
Start by searching the Internet, but look for sellers who are close to your home. This way, you can visit a seller if you wish to see a piece in-person. You can also look at online auction sites, though it’s important to ask for references before buying from an online antique retailer. Another way to find vintage Fiestaware is to spend a weekend browsing antique shops. If you happen to have a few antique shops in your area, take the time to visit but you may also find some other antique goodies. Again, make sure the shop you are buying from is reputable.
Antique Shows
Lastly, you can travel to an antique show. There are lots of antique shows strewn throughout the world each summer. These shows usually include sellers who have been carefully screened. In short, you’re a lot less likely to purchase a knock-off piece from an antique show seller, though this isn’t always the case. When it comes down to it, the best possible way to buy vintage Fiestaware is to educate yourself before shopping – the rest is just a matter of finding a seller who you can trust. In Canton, Texas there is a semi-permanent booth that sells Fiesta. You can find it without having to walk all over the properties. Check online and local information to see if there is something like that in your area.
Ebay
I love buying from Ebay. You can see pictures, confirm the sellers reputation and there are “money back” policies to protect us from being taken advantage of. Ebay is probably the biggest selling of vintage Homer Laughlin Fiesta in the United States. Just type in what you are looking for and be specific. An example would be “Vintage Evergreen Water Pitcher”. If you aren’t looking for anything specific you will find hundred of good deals. There is usually a bid price and a “Buy it now” price. If it is what you are looking for, go ahead and use the instant buy. Who knows when that item will pop back up if it is a vintage piece. If you have any reservations, look for sellers with a long history of sales with perfect reviews. If there isn’t a picture of the logo on the back, you might want to ask for that. Ask about any policies for breakage during shipping.