If you want to buy "antique transferware" then you need to learn soemthing about the marks.
If you don't care....why then go to Marshalls or TJ Maxx and buyw hat you like.
I think you ought to have some sort of paramters though...like only one color or only with buildings on them or only Dutch transferwear, or French or Chinese.
I think having a cohesive idea is much better than a willy nilly bunch of dishes.
Linda C

Here is a link that might be useful: about old English transferwear

Linda, thanks for the link. I found it interesting and informative. No, I don't want something from Marshalls or TJ Maxx. I'm interested in authentic pieces, which is why I am really wanting to learn more about the marks. There were a couple of book suggestion on the web site you suggested. I was able to find a used copy on Amazon and ordered it.

Around here the type of collective antique shops generally have cards on each vendor. There should be someone there that can give you the vendors contact information to answer questions.

I think specializing is a great idea. I really love the Arts and Crafts brown transferware, but it's become very popular and thus, harder to find. Children's dishes are great, too, but are also hard to find.

Even modern transfer ware is made by the old method....
I have Mason's Pink Vista, and up until a few years ago, the pattern and blank was the same for 100 years. The back stamp changed slightly to include the words "detergent proof" and then later "dishwasher safe" but the patterns were the same, to look at the dishes you would not know which was new and which was not.
For example, Spode Tower was in continuous production until very recently, fron the late 18th century.
It's all authentic transferware, weather it's 150 years old or made yesterday.
Linda C

Ideefixe, the brown transferware from the arts and crafts period is exactly what I'm interested in.

eandhl, yes I asked about the vendor but she only comes in during a weekday morning, once a week. Unfortunately that's when I'm working too. She has an amazing collection for sale, though. One thing I don't understand - she has a notecard attached to each piece but it never tells the date or even range of dates. Why do you think this is?

Linda, now I'm really confused. : (
"It's all authentic transferware, weather it's 150 years old or made yesterday. "
Does this mean that it doesn't matter how old the piece is that I buy?

If you like brown transferware, take a look at the Clarice Cliff Tonquin items on ebay. Makes me swoon!

{{gwi:1382924}}

Unless you are looking for antique value, or something which is no longer made, if you are looking for transferware as a decorative item....it doesn't matter....it's all "genuine transferware".
If you are "starting a collection" I suggest you decide what you are collecting other than just "transferware".
Linda C

Sometimes it's called Aesthetic Movement. Check the British and Canadian Ebay for it under that name.
Ruby Lane has lots of it or so they say. I've never bought anything from them.

Yes, transfer ware is made now, but I think most of the patterns are banal. I love the brown and white, which would look nice with Tiffany sterling flatware in Audubon.

Here is a link that might be useful: Aesthetic Transferware

There are new transferware patterns that I love....I am still eating my heart out over a bunch of plates and bowls I saw at TJ Maxx, in black and white that depicted the skyline of various cities!
Some have seen this picture before....but it's on Photobucket abd I love the stuff, so I'll post it again.
BUT remember, just because the cupboard is full dosen't mean I have stopped looking!

Ideefixe, I have always favored simple traditional patterns. My flatware is a Paul Revere pattern, Gorham, Olde English Tipt, it's very plain, and looks really nice with ornate china.

Thanks, for the link.