Vintage Teacup

5 Important Things to Look for When Vintage Teacup Shopping

Similar to tea leaves, every vintage teacup tells a story. I’ve been collecting teacups for a few years now, but have recently been getting into it a lot more. I love going through my tea treasures I’ve collected and wondering about those who previously loved them, too. Perhaps they had a favourite steep that always filled the teacup. Maybe they took a daily 2pm tea break with the ware. Or they always enjoyed their cuppa with a loved one by their side. The history from my vintage teacups make me treasure them even more. Over the years I have learned a few things while vintage teacup shopping that may help anyone else that is looking to start their own teacup collection.

Where to Shop for Vintage Teacups

Fortunately, there are quite a few places where you can find vintage teacups. If you’re interested in shopping online for them, Etsy can be a good place to start.

However, you won’t snag a teacup for just a few bucks there. Vintage teacups can be worth quite a lot! You’ll find them priced from $20-$100, even more if it is rare and in mint condition.

My teacups were gifted to me by family or I purchased them myself anywhere from $4-$10.

Personally, I prefer shopping for teacups in person because I think searching for them is part of the fun! Thrift stores, yard sales, antique shows and auctions are usually teacup heaven when it comes to finding some for just a few bucks and in excellent condition.

It’s not always easy though. Few things beat that feeling when you come across a piece of tea treasure you adore.

My own teacup collection is small at the moment — only at about 30 (until I can find more space!). I can’t imagine it will take me long to get to 101 teacups though. 

I’m currently collect teacups for my personal use, whether it’s for everyday drinking or an afternoon tea party. I’m not collecting to resell. If you’d like to do the same, here are some things you should keep in mind and look for when building your own teacup collection.

Please note these tips are mainly for teacup hunting in person, not online. If you prefer finding your next tea treasure online through those who have already curated beautiful teacups, I have shared some links towards the end of this post.vintage teacup

What to Look for When Vintage Teacup Shopping

I’m not an expert in any way, these are just some tips that I have learned while searching for my own tea treasures. I hope they help you, too!

1. Chips and/or Cracks

When I say “excellent condition” vintage teacup, that means no chips or cracks. Usually I just buy teacups that may have slight wear on the gold rimmed cup, handle or saucer.

It just means the teacup was well-loved! Small design flaws are perfectly okay, too.

Some chips and/or cracks can be very small or just forming, making it hard to see in store. To check for them, gently run your finger along the rim of the cup, handle and saucer.

Do the same inside and outside the cup and saucer. If you may have felt something, inspect that area a bit closer. Shine a light to notice any hairline cracks.

2. Matching Saucer

I prefer my teacup and saucer to match. They’re actually more valuable that way! Sometimes you’ll find orphaned teacups and saucers, or you’ll find them paired up to make a set.

If that’s the case, they should be very inexpensive then. Making sure the saucer matches the teacup it’s with is more than just looking at the colour and design.

There are many teacups out there, and similar designs and colours may repeat. Always check the stamp on the bottom of the teacup and make sure it matches the stamp on the bottom of the saucer.

3. Manufacturers

Speaking of stamps, if you’re looking for eye catching and valuable teacups, it’s a wise idea to check who the manufacturer is. This can simply be done by reading the stamp as it typically reads something like “Royal Albert fine bone china ENGLAND”.

Here are some popular vintage teacup brands you can keep an eye out for:

– Royal Albert
– Royal Stafford
– Aynsley
– Shelley
– Royal Doulton
– Wedgwood
– Paragon
– Stanely

Some stamps are followed by numbers and/or pattern names that you would reference if you wanted to look up information about the teacup. Such as value, status and pattern name (if you just had numbers).

You can input the number into the manufacturer’s website (check discontinued items) or Replacements for most details. For pattern information from Royal Albert branded teacups, I use www.royalalbertpatterns.com

Just like mismatch teacups and saucers, if value isn’t an issue to you, then don’t worry about spending a few bucks on a teacup that has no stamp or just reads “Made in China”.

4. No Repairs

I have come across a few vintage teacups that caught my attention immediately because of their style, but was then disappointed when I noticed something else. A handle was glued on, meaning it was once broken and has been repaired.

Something like this would be fine if I wanted to re-purpose the teacup, but my collection right now is so I can drink out of them. Since the handle was already broken, there’s a decent chance it will break again when handling it to drink with.

Repairs would decrease the value of the teacup, too. So, when shopping, also keep an eye out for any repairs that were made on the vintage teacup (not necessarily just the handle, check saucer as well).

Some repairs may be harder to notice than others though. If you really want to make sure there were no repairs done, you can test under a black light and they will become more visible.

5. Whatever Grabs Your Attention!

At the end of the day, if you’re searching for teacups for yourself to use or display, you want a style/pattern that you like.

I never really know what I like when I go vintage teacup shopping. I usually just know when I lay my eyes on one and suddenly find myself walking away with it.

Wide mouth teacups, pastel colours and little to no floral used to be my preferences (or so I thought). But there are a few floral pieces in my collection that stand out and I really love them.

Be open minded and check out every single piece that you come across. If there is a teacup you really, really love but you found a small chip or the saucer doesn’t match, just get it (provided it’s not overpriced for not being in the best condition) and use it!

Go ahead and treat yourself to a vintage teacup. Everyone should have something fancy for their tea time!

Where To Buy Vintage Teacups Online

Shopping for vintage teacups can be time consuming. You’re never guaranteed to find exactly what you may have had in mind. There are a lot of times you may leave empty handed.

So, if you don’t have time to spare, or antiquing is not your thing, I would recommend shopping online. Online shopping for vintage teacups can be easier if you’re looking for something more specific, too.

However, it’s a bit trickier to check for things like cracks, or repairs just by images, so you want to check an online shop that provides as much detail as possible on the teacup they are selling.

Here are some reliable websites where you’ll find beautifully curated vintage teacups, in good condition, for sale. 

The Teacup Attic

So many lovely finds on this online shop with a variety of styles and pricing. Check “The Missing Piece” section for orphaned teacups and saucer, which is great if you need a replacement item for part of a set that broke. The owner, Cynthia, is very knowledgeable. She’s pretty good at spotting a teacup and guessing the name/manufacturer, too! The Teacup Attic also offer free shipping on all Canada & US orders.

Antiques And Teacups

When I first came across this online shop I was amazed at how huge the catalog was! They have a section devoted to just vintage teacups, but they also offer many antique kitchen items that can be used for tea time.

Prairie Vintage Shoppe

This is a reliable Etsy shop that is constantly updated with gorgeous vintage ware. Teacups are the main product but there are times you will also find vintage teapots, cream and sugar bowls. The owner, Kristine, often comes across rare vintage teacups that you will spot for sale on her online shop, too!

Cup & Carriage

This online shop has a variety of vintage items. Teacups are definitely the focus, but you can even find other vintage tableware, home decor and accessories. I actually really enjoy following their hunting adventures via their Instagram as well.  Sometimes they sell some vintage pieces directly through their Instagram stories as well!

Put your vintage teacups to use and check out The Afternoon Tea Guide: a digital guidebook to help you learn more about Afternoon Tea as well as how to prepare and host this traditional tea service at home.

Are you a vintage teacup fan? Pin this post for later here –> http://bit.ly/2YjQri2vintage teacup

Do you have a vintage teacup collection or like collecting other vintage ware? Share in the comments below along with any additional tips you may have!

Cold Brew Matcha (Make It in 30 Seconds!)

At the Tea Table with Karen Gardiner of ArtfulTea

64 thoughts on “5 Important Things to Look for When Vintage Teacup Shopping”

  1. Such a cute thing to collect! Very good tips. I didn’t think there was so many brands! I hope you do get up to 101;)

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    • Jennifer I was given years ago some misc. teacups with no saucers. I believe no identification or marks that I know of. How can I identify or know what I have here.

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    • Hello everyone I just inherited quite a few matching sets of porcelain tea cups. To which I am still cataloging. Most of which are Bavarian… I am willing to sell. I just need to educate myself to see what I have. Any suggestions for helping decode their markings?

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          • I have 11 tea cup Royal Staffordshire floral with a double back stamp I would like to sell but I don’t know how much they are worth? I am in Ca

      • A friend of mine has live with and taken care of his mother for his entire life.
        She passed away several years ago and he had a yard sale.
        I did find some interesting and needed items for a very good price.
        On my way out I saw a lone tea cup shining and glistening in the sun. I bought her for.50 cents USD. I am obsessed with her although she has no saucer, nor marks, she does have a few not so randomly placed dots on the bottom of her footed base. I would love to show this beautiful couple, but I am unable to control. It has lots of gold on it and I couldn’t believe that for the price. I have many cups. This is my favorite.

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  4. I had a great vintage teacup collection that I displayed on a shelf up high around my entire vintage kitchen. But, I forgot to take the teacups down when I sold the house!

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      • Good afternoon Lu Ann. I am helping my aunt to sell her collection. She has over 64 matched sets all in great condition. Looking to get $10 a set. You name the make, she has it. Lots of Royal Albert, Paragon, Aynsley. I am in Waterloo

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          • I have many teacups with matching saucers. Any particular colors, patterns, or makes? breakfast set of pitcher and matching glasses. Would you like a photo?

          • Hey Lorena I have Several “Like New”, No Cracks, Tea Cups/Saucers matches. I have many Grant rest, Paragon, Royal Albert and more for Sale. Happy to Chat. Cheers. Tom

          • Hello Lorena,I also have a few Royal Alberts cups and saucers I’d like to sell,( my kids don’t want them) would you be interested? Can send pic’s.

          • Hi Lorena,l am writing from ma. Not too sure if you would be interested in my cups and saucers. I’m not into them as I used to be and would like to sell them. Would love to hear from you and give you more information.

          • I live in Florida near Mount Dora. I have six boxes of tea cups which are vintage and include several of the best and beautiful for collectors. My friend wanted me to sell them to her for a craft project but as a collector of vintage well loved jewelry I just cant do it. I know that tea cup collectors feel as I do about their collection.

          • Hi Lina. I have Several Grant rest Royal Albert and Paragon as well as your Queen the Majesties Rosina China. . I ship overseas too. Photos available. Cheers. Tom

          • Lina,Not too sure if you were reading my post,but I would be willing to send to Singapore. As I mentioned,I have a few and would like to sell. If interested,write to me,if not that’s fine too.

        • well a few pictures would be quite warming to receive, like the tea they host, shall await them …. am closeby in Halton region …thanks

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    • Oh my heavens.. I’m so sorry. I was moving and had 5 more days to remove my possessions. I was driving and working 3 hours away. I would leave my children at 3am, get to work and begin at 7am. I would get to the old place every night about 8-83pm.. I arrived on the 28th, everything was gone.
      Antique bowls, Corning ware, Lenox cordial stemware, a complete bottle collection which even consisted of Spode and several local finds of lavender colored medicine bottles. My heart sunk as I truly realized what I had lost that was most important of all. My mother’s graduation photo which cost a bit of money because they had it colorized. The photo was the only one, and I have never gotten over the fact that I lost it.
      I feel so sad for you. I often think that the things that we are attracted to and that we purchase for ourselves, I feel that they take us back to a safe place.
      It’s so sad to lose our prized possessions, no matter how big, small, costly or even perhaps a gift. They become a part of us and our lives. Hugs

      Reply

  5. Such a wonderful article and I have no idea about the vintage teacups to be frank. You have really given a lot of information, tips regarding the vintage teacups and how to choose them to buy online.

    I am so thankful for this informative post and I am trying to buy some vintage teacups if possible 🙂 Thanks again for this useful post.

    Reply

  7. Hello. I acquired 5 Royal Albert Bone China demitasse cups a couple years ago. They are all back stamped except for one cup. It only has matching reg number and pattern number. Can you tell me how that affects its value? More valuable or less valuable? Thank you.

    Reply

  8. I have 2 bins of my moms cups and saucers so 200+…I loved drinking tea from these as a kid, feeling so grown up. Opened one bin of two to enjoy. Taking inventory and many are numbered, Royal Albert, Royal Stafford, Regency, Queen Anne, Winterling from Bavaria Germany, Paragon, USAKO Occupied Japan, and Hand Painted Occupied Japan, Queens Rosina China Co., Porcelaine Limoges France, Adderley England, Shelley Dainty Blue Reg. 272101 and numbered, Ainsley Reg 765788, Paragon by Appt HM The Queen and HM Queen Mary…
    Unsure how to sell any if I can bear to part with them. Anyone know of an appraiser near Toronto or Ottawa Canada? I live half way between so could drive there

    Reply

  9. Thank you for the Marie Kondos comment. It totally made my day and I will inwardly turn to you, Lu Ann, when I am feeling “uncool” for failing to be a minimalist. You are better than a therapist!

    Reply

    • Hi Andrea, You just made my day & week with this comment! Thank you so much for the kind words. I’m trying to be more of a minimalist myself but I also like to make note and highlight the things that bring more joy in my life like tea and pretty teacups 🙂

      Reply

  10. My beautiful tea cup collection is now for sale, because when we retired we had to sell our home and move into a small house. Sad. I’ve been collecting them for 55 years, most have ‘feet’, all have matching saucers. If anyone would like photos, email me.

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    • I am just seeing this now Wanda and I am collecting some for myself. Tea tastes so much better from a teacup. If you could send me photos if you have any left. I realize I am very late in replying. Thanks, Bonnie

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  11. You know I love pretty tea cups. A lot of the, we’re gifted but I’ve picked up some on my own and I usually just look for what grabs me. My last one (the pink one with the print inside and butterfly) definitely grabbed my attention and I couldn’t leave it in the store. I’ll have to check my inventory to see how many I actually have. Loved this post!!

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  12. I have an old teacup and matching saucer that is hand painted. It was my Grandmother’s, but now I have it. I noticed that there is a fingerprint on it in one of the same colors that is used in the cup. Has anybody ever heard of, or seen, that before?

    Reply

  13. Thank you for your wonderful look into the tea cup world. I love all tea cups they are Art to me. Sadly I am in a small city in the west and tea cup hunting is very hard. Lots of great tips. Cheers

    Reply

  14. I don’t know if it is good or not but I’m obsessed with vintage wares. I collect a lot of things, but I especially give preference to vintage teacups because I really like drinking tea and this process is like the whole therapy for me. I absolutely agree with you that any cup has its own special story and it is so fascinating to deepen in it. To tell the truth, I bought vintage teacups in a lot of different places, but I can say that my favorite one is Etsy because there was always a great selection of gorgeous vintage wares. I think that it is so significant to pay great attention to various details during your shopping because you can face unscrupulous sellers. I always make a deal about the condition and appearance of teacups because as you said it indicates the attitude of the owner to his product. If I see a lot of cracks and chips, I will realize that there is not even a hint of a careful attitude here. It means that I can’t trust such a person.

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  15. Some of the links you included are for shops selling very expensive teacups. ($130 for one cup and saucer?) I’m guessing your $4-$10 finds were not from any of these places. Has the market changed in the past couple of years?

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    • Hi Liz, correct! The shops linked are from those who curate and sell vintage teacups for their value today. It is pricier, but an option if someone is looking for specific pieces online. I got a few from there before. If you want to find vintage teacups for $10 or less check out auctions and antique/thrift shops! That’s where my more affordable ones came from…and bonus, it’s always fun hunting for new teacups 🙂

      Reply

  17. I’m trying to check the value of a cup/saucer red of gold … S. Ouisse maker … set bought in San Francisco CA in 1991 … appreciate some feeback … thanks

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  18. Hello, I am Tim, My beautiful Mother, Janet Mae, 88 years young, recently passed, I was caring for her the last 11 years. I kept her house immaculate, which included cleaning all her collectible tea cups and saucers once or twice. She has over 300 sets and all have been displayed in 5 different glass China cabinets. She bought her first set 62 years ago, and all the rest soon after that, they are at least 50 years old. She asked me to find a place or persons to sell them to, that would appreciate them as she did. I just finished cleaning and photographing her miniature sets also, there are 21 sets and misc. pitchers with tops. Way to many names and descriptions to type at this moment. Everything is exquisitely new looking, they have not left there displays more then twice, for cleaning and moving for new carpet. Please reply if interested, Thank You, Tim

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    • I’m so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing Tim! I would love to hear more about her collection. It sounds amazing.

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  19. Found your site and was so pleased – I have to down size my vintage tea cup collection … Does anyone know of a place in Winnipeg Manitoba that I can contact? I have both my own collection, my mother in law’s (who has passed away) and her Mom’s. I love to keep them all but can’t. They are in excellent condition with no cracks or chips, (some were used for display and other’s were hardly used or used on only special occasions. I already sold over 100 of them at a yard sale (people only offered a couple dollars each, which made me so sad because I know they were worth so much more) but still have too many. Drinking tea from a tea cup is a wonderful experience …. way different than drinking it out of mug …. I have some wonderful memories drinking tea with so many people over the years …… part of the fun of drinking tea together with some one was letting them choose which tea cup they would like to drink from and because I also had a tea pot collection, I would let them choose which tea pot we would make our tea in. So many of the cups were used very little as I didn’t have the room to display them and so they didn’t get used. So now with having to down size, I need to find someone or an outlet that is interested in purchasing them, as so many are very old and rare. I always had this dream to open a tea place where people could come in and relax over a nice hot cup of tea, they could choose their own tea cup and tea pot and enjoy their cup/pot of tea with a nice tea biscuit or afternoon sweet ….. maybe this is someone else’s dream too. I also used to take tea cups from my collection and give them to young girls who I would minister to, using the analogy comparing the beauty, rarity and uniqueness of the tea cup that they would choose for tea to themselves, taking the opportunity to helping them to explore and discover how beautiful, rare and unique they are …. more precious and valuable than any of the beautiful tea cups that were displayed for them to choose from. It was a wonderful opportunity to encourage and minister to young girls and it was such a special time. I have heard back from some of the girl’s over the years that they still have and use their tea cup to this day. Any ways I thought I would share this story with you ….. I will be away for about 3 weeks but if anyone has any ideas of where in Winnipeg Manitoba I could contact or if anyone else is interested please contact me ….

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  21. Hello All, HELP!

    I’m here trying to educate myself on these numerous tea cup & saucer sets that I’ve recently inherited from a friend. Sadly, Rita passed a month ago and I now have her mothers collections. They’re wrapped in Korean newspaper from the 70’s…? Mixed in with Brilliant Era cut glass dishes.

    I dearly want these to go to someone who will adore them.
    I am in the western suburbs of Chicago.
    Best regards,Allison

    Reply

  22. I ENJOYED THE ORIGINAL POST AS WELL AS THE REPLIES AND WILL KEEP THE TIPS IN MIND WHEN SHOPPING IN THE FUTURE
    AT THIS TIME I AM WONDERING HOW TO BE SURE IF THE SET OF ELIZABETHAN STAFFORDSHIRE RED AND BLUE TEACUPS WITH HEAVY GOLD FEET AND HANDLES ARE ORIGINAL OR REPRODUCTION
    I FOUND ONE SET ON EBAY FOR $49 AND $39 EACH AND ONE ON 1ST DIBS FOR $149 i DONT WANT TO LIST INCORRECTLY AND WANT TO BE SURE I DESCRIBE CORRECTLY. WHERE DO I GO FOR INFORMATION?

    Reply

  23. I bought almost 200 teacups/saucers for my daughters wedding in 2018.
    I need to downsize and want to sell about 120 sets – some ARE vintage, English fine bone china, others are just pretty Noritake, Bavaria, etc.
    I am working on getting them ready for sale.
    I have been collecting teacups for about 15 years. I have some that I display and use occasionally for teas – but mostly just to display their lovely beauty! I’m glad you enjoy your teacup collection and finding a new one now and then!

    POSTS on this site:
    Diana Lindsay:
    LOVED your post! I would love to have a little tea shop as you mentioned – but I know that isn’t really my talent or calling! I loved that you used the teacups / tea gathering to encourage young girls and now years later they may recall with special fondness the gift of time and tea / teacup memories and mentoring you shared! What a special testimony! God bless!

    Reply
  24. Pingback: Is A Silver Plate Pot Safe For Brewing Tea – SanctuaryBrewCo

  25. Hi, I went to a yard sale in W.V. I picked up 2 boxes Each one had 2 cups and two saucers. On the box and the cups and saucers said ZHAO YE them. What is strange is the shape of the saucer it’s longer and it has a curve in it. Both sets looks like gold around it. I’d like to know if it’s worth anything if not I’m going to put a candle in it.

    Reply

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