Q: In 1970, when I was in high school, my boyfriend bought me a 45-piece set of dinnerware, service for 8 people, made by J. & G. Meakin of Staffordshire, England. The pattern is “Blue Onion.” When I got the set, I opened the box and took out a cup to look at, then put it back and sealed up the box. They’ve never been used. I’d like some information about the company that made them, the pattern, and the value if I decide to sell.
A: The pattern called “Blue Onion” originated in China and was first made in Europe in the 1700s. Meissen, the first European pottery to make porcelain, began making porcelain with blue underglaze patterns about 1739. Blue Onion is one of Meissen’s most popular patterns. Many other companies made similar patterns with different names, but collectors often call them all Blue Onion. Your J. & G. Meakin dinnerware is “Blue Nordic” pattern. James and George Meakin built a pottery in Hanley, Staffordshire, in 1859. The company name became J. & G. Meakin Ltd. in 1890. It became part of the Wedgwood Group in 1970. Production ceased by 2000. MEakin’s “Blue Nordic” sells for lower prices than Meissen’s “Blue Onion.” An online matching service lists a Meissen Blue Onion dinner plate for $85 and a J. & G. Meakin dinner plate for $20.
Photos: Replacements, Ltd.
I’ve noticed their prices are very high and wondered about how much you could get for pieces that you sell to them. I’m assuming you are speaking from experience.
Replacements.com is not a good gauge of what you can sell a piece for. Usually you are lucky to get half if not far less, especially if you want to sell your items to them.