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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: Audrey and Paul on January 26, 2014, 10:47:25 pm

Title: Fine porcelain Tea Set
Post by: Audrey and Paul on January 26, 2014, 10:47:25 pm
Hi, We have inherited many antiques and collectibles from Paul's mom who had an antique shop - and now we are trying to deal with all of the pieces. I am trying to figure out the value/history of a pretty porcelain tea set (a tall tea pot or coffee pot with a gold spout, and tea cups and saucers and a sugar bowl) with gold trim/plating and with red roses. Each saucer and cup are half gold plated or painted.The insignia of the maker is on the bottom - it says "Argosa Fine Porcelain". Does anyone know of this maker?
Title: Re: Fine porcelain Tea Set
Post by: greenacres on January 26, 2014, 11:20:02 pm
Photos would be appreciated.  :)
Title: Re: Fine porcelain Tea Set
Post by: KC on January 27, 2014, 01:25:15 am
Please post pictures so we can try and help you out!  Thanks for stopping in!
Title: Re: Fine porcelain Tea Set
Post by: Audrey and Paul on January 27, 2014, 11:59:49 am
Thanks for helping out KC and greenacre - here are some photos - we are new to the site so we didnt see the option to attach a picture. After doing some research last night it looks like the pieces are called "lusterware" because the surface is a little irridescent.
Title: Re: Fine porcelain Tea Set
Post by: mart on January 27, 2014, 01:18:05 pm
The style of this coffee set says its fairly new !! Perhaps late 30`s or 40`s but the floral decoration looks even later than that,, like 1960`s !! Did not find a reference to the label at all which makes me think that it is a subsidiary of a larger company !!
It was not listed in "porcelainmarksandmo re either !!
Title: Re: Fine porcelain Tea Set
Post by: Ipcress on January 27, 2014, 01:37:17 pm
The mark looks mid 20th Japanese, moreso with what could be Mt Fuji within the text

Worth little, unfortunately.
Title: Re: Fine porcelain Tea Set
Post by: mart on January 27, 2014, 01:50:30 pm
Could well be Japanese import !!
Title: Re: Fine porcelain Tea Set
Post by: Audrey and Paul on January 27, 2014, 01:54:20 pm
Thanks for the help with the dating and possible country, yes I saw other Japanese lusterware online that looks like this - maybe not valuable but its still pretty tho.
Title: Re: Fine porcelain Tea Set
Post by: KC on January 27, 2014, 02:26:04 pm
What is interesting, there is an Argos, South America!  The way the letters were spaced together made me think that immediately.
Title: Re: Fine porcelain Tea Set
Post by: mart on January 27, 2014, 04:33:21 pm
I agree !! Its a very pretty set !! 50`s and 60`s is my style !!
Title: Re: Fine porcelain Tea Set
Post by: Ipcress on January 27, 2014, 04:49:13 pm
What is interesting, there is an Argos, South America!  The way the letters were spaced together made me think that immediately.

There's an Argos in the UK


Not sure what you mean.
Title: Re: Fine porcelain Tea Set
Post by: KC on January 28, 2014, 01:12:05 am
Me either Ipcress!  LOL   No, really just thought the mark was interesting and was wondering if the spacing of it gives any ideas toward the maker.

Agree looks like the items of Japanese origin.
Title: Re: Fine porcelain Tea Set
Post by: Ipcress on January 28, 2014, 07:58:14 am
Oh, so ARGO SA as in Argo South America ?

Title: Re: Fine porcelain Tea Set
Post by: KC on January 28, 2014, 02:44:46 pm
That is what I was pondering!  Which is odd to be on this piece.  Doesn't seem to help any...but somewhere along the way one day this may come to light while we are venturing on another piece!
Title: Re: Fine porcelain Tea Set
Post by: Ipcress on January 28, 2014, 06:26:07 pm
Maybe. It's not valuable, anyway. " Fine Popcelain "  :P
Title: Re: Fine porcelain Tea Set
Post by: mart on January 28, 2014, 07:51:29 pm
Sure does ,,doesn`t it ??  Never noticed that !!
Title: Re: Fine porcelain Tea Set
Post by: Audrey and Paul on January 29, 2014, 11:22:50 am
Thanks for the ideas about origin. I wondered why it says "Popcelain"! It feels like a porcelain piece. I can't find Argo South America, and it looks more like a Japanese porcelain tea set to me. Can you call this "Lusterware"? And is the gold a "gold plate" or "paint"? I have attached a picture of the set, maybe not valuable but would be fun to serve tea or coffee in.
Title: Re: Fine porcelain Tea Set
Post by: Ipcress on January 29, 2014, 11:34:24 am
Honestly think it's likely to be Japanese in origin, although where it was produced i think value is minimal despite being a fine looking tea set.

One of those items that an auctioneer would value at £5-10 but someone out there might happily pay £30-40 for.

Precious metals, known brands and items which are sold regularly are quite easy to value. Others which are more subjective in appearance - well there isn't one valuer out there who hasn't been made to look foolish before.
And if we're happy with owning an antique and it suits your home and personality, then value is almost inconsequential.
Title: Re: Fine porcelain Tea Set
Post by: mart on January 29, 2014, 12:38:21 pm
The gold is likely the same as with other sets from that era !! Some is a thin 14K gold and is applied like a paint but when fired is very pretty !!
Title: Re: Fine porcelain Tea Set
Post by: KC on January 29, 2014, 04:10:19 pm
Nice set and if you like it that makes it better.

Not alot of value in these pieces right now. 

Do think it looks like so many of the pieces that came from Japan and weren't marked.
Title: Re: Fine porcelain Tea Set
Post by: mart on January 29, 2014, 05:01:57 pm
Just use it and enjoy it !! Maybe invite us all to have coffee some day !!