Collectors Hunt For This Valuable Hand-Painted Dishware On Thrift Store Shelves

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The idea of striking gold by finding a rare vintage item on a thrift store shelf is a very appealing one, but these things rarely happen by accident. Knowing what's valuable and what you should pass on means taking the time to learn about different brands, and not just the famous ones. That said, Blue Ridge is a name you should add to your list. 

The vintage American brand is known for its charming and colorful designs, often of fruit and flowers, produced in a whimsical style. Though Blue Ridge items aren't among the vintage plates worth a fortune, the right pieces can go for hundreds of dollars. In fact, some items such as breakfast sets can reach thousands at auction.

This pottery brand was manufactured by Southern Potteries in Tennessee, from 1917 to 1957. While for many valuable vintage brands it's the older pieces that are more valuable, it's Blue Ridge pieces made after 1938 that are the best known and most sought after. This is when the company gave up on the decal printing that was so popular at the time and switched to hand-painted designs. Although this was a much more labor-intensive process, it set the company apart. The subtle variations in each piece that came with hand panting gave these items a more casual appeal, perfect for everyday dining and a contrast to the formal dinnerware made by other brands.

The overall look of Blue Ridge pottery makes it easily recognized, but identifying the most valuable collectible plates can be more difficult. During the company's 40-year run, it produced upwards of 4,000 different patterns (not all of which have an official number or name) and 1,000 different shapes. And although the pottery was hand-painted, for all intents and purposes, this was mass production, with artists churning out 324,000 pieces per week at its most popular. As such, there are plenty of Blue Ridge pieces that will only get you a few dollars each. But think twice before you pass on these; they can be an inexpensive way to decorate a cozy, grandma-inspired kitchen.

Generally, natural floral and fruit designs are much more common, so look for designs with animals or people, as well as more geometric designs. Holiday themes are more collectable, too. The Turkey Gobbler platter is an easy piece to identify, worth upwards of $100 — and as much as $600 if it was signed by the artist. In fact, anything with an artist's signature will raise the value significantly.

Shapes beyond the standard dinnerware settings can also be more valuable. Seek out butter dishes, coffee pots, and chocolate trays, which can be worth hundreds of dollars depending on the design. From the 1950s, Blue Ridge sold a range of character jugs, featuring the faces of Paul Revere, Daniel Boone, as well as a Pioneer Woman, all of which are highly sought after pieces.