The Vintage Kitchenware You Can Thrift That's Quickly Becoming A Hot Collectible

Thrift stores are filled with hidden gems waiting to be discovered, but many shoppers get discouraged by the thought of sifting through endless aisles to find something truly valuable. However, with some patience and an eye for the right items, you can find the vintage pieces you've always wanted for an affordable price. The retro style kitchen is beginning to make a comeback, and secondhand shopping is one of the best ways to find decor pieces to complement the look. That said, there is one specific kind of kitchenware you'll want to keep an eye out for during your next thrifting spree — Royal Worcester's dishes in the Evesham pattern. These pieces are becoming a highly popular collectible, as their design is well known to be a luxurious symbol of mid-century modern style.

The Evesham pattern is quite literally a fruitful design, with various still-life produce art printed on the ceramic. The demand for these pieces is rising quickly, which often means that reseller prices are bound to skyrocket as well. If you want to find this collectible for an easy price point, thrift stores are the best place to look — especially if you know which features to look out for.

Not every ceramic dish with a fruity design you come across will be an authentic Royal Worcester collectible. Genuine pieces may be difficult to hunt down, but there are a few things to look out for to make sure you've found the real deal. The easiest way to identify these items is to look for the Royal Worcester factory marks. These can come in a range of codes and symbols, like letters, dots, and shapes, to identify the year they were manufactured, but the standard mark will likely have a number "51" in the center of the Royal Worcester stamp. Some clues that you've come across a fake version are cracks in the item, as the authentic pieces are not made with a glaze that cracks over time.

If you're keen on value, it's important to look for the pieces that have remained in top condition. Certain styles are also valued higher by collectors — specifically platters, casserole dishes, and the lidded tureens are in the highest demand. Some expert tips for thrifting home decor like attending estate auctions, yard sales, and even church rummage sales can be a helpful place to start your hunt for Evesham dishes. Even if it takes time to come across these collectibles, there are plenty of vintage dishware brands to bring your kitchen retro charm — knowing what you're looking for in the cluttered shelves of your local thrift store is often the true key to success.