Discover The Top 10 Most Valuable Lefton China Pieces!

Lefton China is like a treasure trove of unique and beautiful pottery and porcelain pieces. Each piece tells a story of the brand's history, production, and design. Collectors and enthusiasts alike have been scouring the world for the most valuable and rarest Lefton China pieces, and their search has not been in vain.

In this article, we will take a deep dive into the world of Lefton China and explore the top 10 most valuable pieces that have survived the test of time. From figurines to tea sets, we will examine each piece's condition, design, age, glaze quality, and signature mark to determine their worth.

We will also provide tips for spotting authentic Lefton China pieces, so you can add them to your collection with confidence.

So sit back, relax, and let's discover the treasures of Lefton China!

Brand History

The history of Lefton China can be traced back to the late 19th century, when the Lefton company was founded in Chicago and began importing pottery and porcelain pieces from occupied Japan. The company quickly gained popularity due to its highly collectible pieces, which were produced in various styles and colors.

However, the most sought-after Lefton china pieces were those that featured unique designs and had survived in excellent condition. Lefton china production moved to nearby Taiwan and Malaysia in the 1980s, which led to a decrease in the value of post-war production from these countries compared to pre-1980s Japanese production.

Despite this shift, Lefton China remains a highly collectible brand, and its pieces are suitable for any style, from modern to classic. Today, Lefton China is a solid purchase for anyone looking to add a special touch to their home or collection.

Production and Locations

Production of Lefton china began in Japan in the late 19th century and continued until the 1980s when production shifted to nearby Taiwan and Malaysia. The move was a result of rising production costs in Japan. The Lefton family maintained their commitment to quality even though production shifted to other countries. The company continued to produce high-quality China pieces with unique designs and styles.

Here is a table with the locations and dates of Lefton China production:

Location	Dates
Japan	Late 19th century - 1980s
Taiwan	1980s - present
Malaysia	1980s - present

The production shift did not affect the quality of Lefton China pieces. The company maintained its reputation for producing highly collectible and valuable China pieces. Today, Lefton China is still a highly sought-after brand, and many people enjoy collecting their unique pieces.

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Types of Lefton China

One way to categorize the collectible items produced by Lefton is by their style and color. Lefton China pieces were made in various styles, from classic to modern, and in a wide range of colors, from soft pastels to bold primaries.

Here are five types of Lefton China pieces that are highly collectible:

• Figurines: One of the most sought-after types of Lefton China pieces, figurines come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from animals to people to mythical creatures. They are often highly detailed and feature intricate designs.

• Tea sets: Lefton China tea sets are another popular collectible item. They often feature delicate floral designs and come with a teapot, cups, saucers, and a sugar and creamer set.

• Plates and dishes: Lefton China plates and dishes come in a variety of sizes and are often decorated with intricate patterns and designs. They can be used for display or for serving food.

• Vases: Lefton China vases are highly collectible and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are often decorated with floral motifs and other intricate designs.

• Decorative elements: Lefton China decorative elements include items such as wall plaques, ashtrays, and candlesticks. These pieces are often highly detailed and feature intricate designs.

Evaluation Factors

Evaluation factors for determining the authenticity and value of a Lefton China piece include the condition, age, design, glaze quality, and signature markings. The condition of the piece is crucial, and any chips, cracks, or signs of wear and tear can significantly decrease its value. Age is another essential factor, with older pieces being more valuable than post-war production from Taiwan or Malaysia. The design of the piece is also critical, with unique and rare designs fetching higher prices. The glaze quality is another vital factor, with a smooth and glossy finish being a hallmark of Lefton China pieces. Finally, the signature markings, usually in red paint, are crucial in determining the authenticity and value of a Lefton China piece.

To further understand the evaluation factors of Lefton China, here is a table that showcases the various factors and their impact on the value of a piece:

Evaluation Factor	Impact on Value
Condition	Significant decrease in value if there are chips, cracks, or signs of wear and tear
Age	Older pieces are more valuable than post-war production from Taiwan or Malaysia
Design	Unique and rare designs fetch higher prices
Glaze Quality	A smooth and glossy finish is a hallmark of Lefton China pieces
Signature Markings	Crucial in determining the authenticity and value of a Lefton China piece

By considering these evaluation factors, collectors and enthusiasts can make informed decisions when purchasing and valuing Lefton China pieces.

Tips for Spotting Authenticity

When assessing the authenticity of a Lefton piece, it is important to closely examine the markings and finish.

The main thing to look for when assessing authenticity is the markings, usually with red paint. The markings can indicate the country of origin, date of production, and the Lefton company's logo.

It is important to note that some Lefton pieces may not have markings, but this does not necessarily mean that they are not authentic.

In addition to the markings, the finish of a Lefton piece can also indicate its authenticity. Lefton pieces have a glossy, smooth finish that is characteristic of their production process.

The finish should be free of any cracks, chips, or other damage that may indicate a fake or damaged piece. Any imperfections or inconsistencies in the finish can also be a sign of a fake Lefton piece.

By carefully examining the markings and finish of a Lefton piece, collectors can ensure that they are investing in an authentic and valuable piece of pottery or porcelain.