The Retired Lenox Pattern That Can Be Valuable — Especially If You Find The Whole Set

If you spot Lenox china at a thrift store, estate sale, or flea market, it can be hard to know if it's valuable. Some Lenox patterns are highly collectible, especially if they were discontinued. Others don't command much on the secondhand market, which leads some collectors to look for other valuable porcelain brands. One pattern worth closer attention to is the Lenox Charleston, particularly if you find several matching pieces or a complete set.

Introduced in 1982, Charleston was in production until 2008. The pattern's popularity shows that dishware doesn't need to be antique to be worth a buy. The pattern features the traditional look many people associate with Lenox, but with a softer, slightly more colorful design. Its ivory-colored bone china features a border of pastel scrollwork and geometric motifs, finished with a platinum accent around the rim. The result is formal without looking overly ornate, which may be part of why the pattern appeals to collectors.

 A 73-piece Charleston set, for example, has sold for $850, but that doesn't mean every 73-piece set will merit that price tag. Condition, the exact pieces included, and the buyer's willingness to pay all matter. China with chips, cracks, heavy scratches, or worn accents will generally be less desirable. However, a smaller set can still be attractive to collectors, as a 20-piece set with service for four can fetch $65. 

Most Charleston pieces feature a gold "L" and "Lenox Charleston – Made in U.S.A." on the back. You may also find dishes marked "Cosmopolitan" on the back. But don't assume that the word "Cosmopolitan" means you've found a different version of the pattern. Charleston was part of Lenox's Cosmopolitan Collection, so you might see dealers describe it as "Charleston by Lenox — Cosmopolitan, Pastel Floral Band." The pattern itself is the same Charleston design: ivory china decorated with pastel flowers, scrolls, and a metallic rim.

Pay special attention to the platinum rim, because discoloration along the edges can hurt a Charleston set's value. If the platinum is bright and unbroken, it can be a good indication that the original owners took care of their china. And when you're evaluating any second-hand china, there are several other signals worth checking before you buy.

The replacement market is one reason Charleston is worth a closer look. Someone searching for a single gravy boat or serving platter may not be interested in starting a new collection; they may be trying to replace a piece from their family set. That creates demand for individual pieces even when a shopper doesn't find enough china to assemble a complete service. Replacements, Ltd., for example, lists a four-piece Charleston place setting for around $139.00, and a 1999 gravy boat with underplate for $285.00. So if you find an entire cabinet's worth of matching Charleston china? You may have hit the jackpot.