I am looking to sell my Mother's Flow Blue collection , She collected back in the 1990's I know she went to several Flow Blue Conventions and that many of the pieces where purchased at them. Collection is all wrapped in boxes and stored. I have no room to display them and would like them to go to someone who appreciates it. Not sure of the value, but I'm not looking to make a fortune off of it.
Hello Mike, The decade of the '90s was the heyday of flow blue collecting - prices were high and interest was strong. I've attended FBICC conventions since 1992, so there's a good possibility your mother and I crossed paths during that decade. As you see from other posts on this message board, there are many people in your same situation. While there are still lots of dedicated collectors, the audience has narrowed and the prices on regular plates, bowls, platters, etc. have dropped considerably. The truly rare items still command high prices but few of us have the "truly rare."
To sell effectively, what you need is a detailed inventory of all those treasures that are wrapped in boxes, including the type of pieces, dimensions, marks on the back with pattern name and maker's name and, very important, the precise condition. Condition makes a HUGE difference in what price an item might realize.
I will alert some collectors in your area that you wish to sell. Perhaps one of them or someone looking at this site will contact you. There are also businesses that will sell things on eBay for you for a percentage of the sale. Google can help you find one. There are also reputable auction houses who would help you dispose of the collection. Then there is the FBICC. Besides this free message board, if you became a member you would have access to all the selling venues in the Club, including the convention auction, regional meeting table sales and the For Sale section of the Club's newsletter BlueBerry Notes.
Here's hoping you'll find the best selling avenue for your mother's lovely collection. Cindy
Hello Mike: Cindy N. mentioned to me your note on the FBICC message board. I am a member of FBICC and Regional Director of Region 1 which includes Rochester. I live in the Monroe County area and would be interested in looking at your collection. My e-mail is dh60crumb@gmail.com or 585-392-5848. Please feel free to contact me.
I am searching for a 18” x 14” platter in the Blue Willow pattern manufactured by J & G Meakin and dating from the 19th century. If you come across one as you inventory your mother's collection, I would so appreciate you letting me know. Thank you in advance!