You have questions ?
General information about Assiettes anciennes
Who is behind Assiettes anciennes?
Behind Assiettes anciennes, there is Camille! She covers everything, from general management to sales and marketing. She also answers your questions and takes care of expeditions and logistics. There's a lot on her plate! But Assiettes anciennes also welcomes occasional or regular contributors who work in the shadows to present you with the most beautiful vintage tableware items. And we thank them for that.
Can we contact you for a question or advice?
Of course ! There are several options for getting in touch with us. You can send us a request by email by filling out the form on our contact page . You can also use the chat button at the bottom right of your screen. Finally, you can write to us directly on Instagram by going to our account page.
What data do you collect and how do you use it?
We collect certain information that is necessary for us to process your order. If you give us your consent, we may also collect other information regarding your browsing (the “cookies”) which we use to understand and optimise the performance of our website. All this information is detailed in our privacy policy .
Tableware information
Where does the tableware for sale on the site come from?
All the pieces of tableware that you can see on our site have been found and thrifted by us. This explains the great diversity of models and the low quantities of a given model: at Assiettes assiettes, the tables are all mismatched!
When do the plates and other vintage pieces from Assiettes antiques date from?
Most of our pieces date from the end of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th. We also happen to have more recent ones for which we have a real crush. The period (known or estimated) of each item is generally indicated in the product description.
How to recognise an old plate or piece of crockery?
Centenary plates are often marked on the back: this is what we call the stamp. This inscription generally gives the name of the manufacturer, and certain clues (shape of the "logo", initials, etc.) can help date the model. But it is sometimes impossible to trace the origin of certain pieces and the mystery remains as to their history...
Where were the tableware pieces made?
Most of our pieces were made in France, in one of the great earthenware factories of the time: Sarreguemines, Digoin, Gien, Saint Amand, Creil Montereau, Lunéville, Choisy-le-Roi, Clairefontaine… Very few are still in production. activity ! We also have some pieces from our Belgian and English neighbors.
Earthenware or porcelain?
This is earthenware! Although earthenware and porcelain are part of the ceramic family, they do not have quite the same appearance or the same properties. Porcelain is thinner, very white and has a slightly translucent appearance. Earthenware is lighter and has a matte appearance. It was the latter which was most widely used to make the old tableware sets that we offer you.
What are the different styles you offer?
We can distinguish three main styles:
- Ironstone: also known as "opaque porcelain", these pieces are most of the time monochrome (blue, green, red, etc.) and have beautiful decorations. These are the oldest pieces on the site;
- Floral prints: more recent, these plates are generally characterised by a white background and small floral patterns, to which are sometimes added a gold or silver border;
- Hand-painted pieces: the decorations of these collections feature large floral motifs in cheerful colours, generally on a light background (white or cream).
Mismatched tables within the same style always hit the mark, and you can even find beautiful harmonies in different styles.
Purchasing Information
The part I am interested in is no longer available, will it come back in stock?
Difficult to predict! The models have not been manufactured for decades and the only way to obtain these parts is to hunt for them. The luck factor therefore plays a major role: your favorite piece may come back... Or not! Who knows ?
My parts show signs of wear, is this normal?
Of course ! This is what makes them so charming. There are several types of wear marks:
- Patina, which gives pieces a darker color, uniformly or in the form of spots. The charm of the old!
- The crack, which indicates fragility in one area of the room;
- Chipping, which harms the aesthetics of the room and can cause infiltration.
Cracked or chipped parts are obviously sold at reduced prices.
How do I maintain my dishes? Are the parts dishwasher safe?
If your plates, dishes and other tableware are in good condition, you can use them as if they were new. They can therefore be put in the dishwasher, with the exception of pieces with gold edging, as gilding does not tolerate this treatment well.
If your pieces are slightly damaged, the precautionary principle applies: it is better to wash them by hand.
Do you have a return policy?
Yes ! Our returns policy is accessible on this page .
How can I recover my invoice?
After your purchase, your receipt will be sent directly to you by email. If you need an invoice with additional information, simply send us a request by return email or by using our contact page . Don't forget to tell us the order number!