Something I've been wondering about that I decided I would go ahead and ask you all: At what price do you consider a bone china teacup a bargain? In the Atlanta area, I'd say average prices for a vintage English bone china cup and saucer are in the range of $16-$25. If I see one for $10-$15, that's on the low end of things. And I just don't see too many under $10. I nearly walked by a familiar booth in a Marietta antique mall the other day when my eye caught a glimpse of something and went, "Wait a minute, is that a chintz teacup?"
It was, and it was just $8.50, which I thought was "a deal," even though this set is fairly new and not vintage. And to my surprise, this booth had those little paper-strip coupons offering 20 percent off everything in the booth. So, my teacup was $6.80, which made it a very good buy in my mind. That got me to wondering how my personal pricing system compares with teacup prices elsewhere in the country. Would $6.80 be a good deal for this in your neck of the woods? What about $25? (I'm happy with it no matter what, I'm just curious to know which area of the country gives us the most for our teacup dollars!)
The backstamp says this is the Vintage Florals Grape pattern by Royal Albert from 2003. When I looked online, I confirmed that the word "grape" is not referring to the fruit but to the color. This design also came in other colors including Lilac, Blush and Peach. When I checked out with my "grape" teacup, I was rather amused that the cashier at the antique mall was so impressed with my find. "Wow, you really got a bargain on your teacup here ... yes ma'am, that was a bargain on this set ... say, did that booth have any more of these?" (No, I told her. I'd have gotten them if they had!)
What a fun idea to compare teacup prices across the country! I am afraid I am no help as I don't often buy teacups, but I look forward to seeing what your readers say!
ReplyDeleteI am very lucky here in Myrtle Beach as we have some very good yard sales. I can often pick up bone china teacups for 1.00. At Goodwill they are anywhere from 3.98 to 1.91.
ReplyDeleteWhen I lived in Ky bone china tea cups were along your price range there.....I think it just depends on the area you live.
Great buy! Lovely tea cup. I don't collect singles so am not sure what they sell for in our area. I do know in my beloved blue and white transferware that they run about the same as you can buy them for retail in most malls IF you can find them!!!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty and a great price.
ReplyDeleteGREAT price in my opinion...I always buy what I like not so much by the stamp or how old. This is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful teacup, Angela, and the price you paid would definitely be a bargain in my area - especially at an antique mall.
ReplyDeleteTo find a teacup under $10 is a real bargain and most of the ones in our antique shops run about the same as your area. My collection is not huge but to purchase a new one, it has to be really unique in shape and/or colour.
ReplyDeleteBTW, my hydrangea cupcakes sold for $2 each, wish I had of baked 2 dozen.
Judith
It just really depends on condition, make, year, etc.
ReplyDeleteBut without a doubt if you purchased a RA pink chintz in perfect condition for $6.50 you got a real bargain definately. Everyone loves chintz so if you are ever lucky enough to get it for less than $10 you got yourself a true bargain.
This is a gorgeous teacup.
Interesting question! There are yard sale prices and there are store and/or antique mall prices. In an antique store, if it is a teacup I really really want, I will pay upto $12.00 for it. Otherwise, I tend to pass them by.(unless it really really speaks to me!). When going to yardsales, I set my limit at $5.00 per cup. When we vacation in RI, we can find nice teacups in the $3.00 range. That's fun
ReplyDeleteHi Angela,
ReplyDeleteBeautiful teacup/saucer set and a true bargain - especially for Royal Albert. In San Diego county (Southern CA) In "antique" malls the average price for teacup/saucer made in England is $17.00 - $22.00. Royal Albert can go up to $25.00 depending on the booth. Shelley start at $60.00 and go up to $120.00. I'd love a Shelley one day - but not at those prices. Made in Japan or China average $14.00. Thrift stores are another story. Teacup/Saucer sets run $4.00 to $8.00 depending on the thrift store. Goodwill tends to run on the higher end. I have some beautiful sets from thrift stores - including Royal Albert that I've paid $4.00. They are getting harder to find since tea and tea parties have become so popular. One of my favorite finds is my Royal Albert birthday of the month trio for March (my birthday month.) I found the cup/saucer in a thrift store for $4.00. A year later I found the dessert plate in an "antique" mall. It was high on a shelf and very dirty - $6.00. Washed up it is beautiful and in mint condition - so for $10.00 a Royal Albert trio. Not bad!
Margie in CA
A truly great bargain and what a treasure!! Enjoy that lovely tea cup!!
ReplyDeleteHow pretty! I would consider anything under $10 a good deal, especially at an antique shop, and you got a great deal! I did pick up several teacups/saucers at our church rummage sale recently for $3 each and I think that's a great deal, too!
ReplyDeleteThis would definitely be a bargain in my part of the country too. I would say the prices are typical of prices here in Oregon, but sometimes if I see something extra special it can be $50 or more, like a Shelley.
ReplyDeleteYep, a bargain here too! Anything under $15 is what I consider a good deal. (Tho I just scored two gaiwan at 50 cents a piece!)
ReplyDeleteUnder $10 is a bargain, in my opinion. My prices compare to yours. Perhaps we should go to FL looking for teacups. Mary finds a lot of bargains on her trips there.
ReplyDeleteAngela, I think you got a great deal. In my area that would be 15.00 or higher. A beautiful addition to your collection!
ReplyDeletelovely tea cup. My area is the same as yours.
ReplyDeleteThat is a very pretty Royal Albert teacup and definitely a good buy.
ReplyDeleteHi Angela, that is a beautiful teacup and a very good price. To me, if it's under ten dollars - that's a good deal. Joanie
ReplyDeleteHello!
ReplyDeleteI love to find teacups for my sisters; we all love Tea and feminine things!
For me, a bargain is $2 or $3 at a thrift store, $5 or $6 at a gift or antique mall.
I try to find them under ten, though there is the occasional beautiful bone china for $10-15 that I can't pass by.
I've noticed the prices have gone up in the last five years, particularly as thrift shops become savvy about "bone china" and gold painted numbering on the bottom (the only kind I look for.)
I'm enjoying your site very much! Thank you!
E.m.