Wedgwood Jasperware Handled Cutlery

Dear vintageestate

Hello! I can answer your questions on these items with great specificity.

First off, there are two versions of Wedgwood cutlery. One is the acanthus pattern, which you have, and the other is a more formal pattern with the "Aurora" chariot pattern.

Secondly, the acanthus pattern is the less sought after of the two. The reason being that the acanthus pattern is more geared toward luncheon rather than dinner. Also, there is a greater variety of pieces available in the "Aurora" chariot pattern.

Third, these pieces you have are indeed very nice. However, the "buy it now" available on Ebay is not a good indication of the value of these pieces. The reason is that the "buy it now" is far overpriced and generally intended for people in desperate need of a piece. (This is true for all the pieces from "replacements", not just the Wedgwood items.)

Fourth, in regard to the first set of six knives, they are not steak knives but fruit knives. The length is a good way to indicate this, though also because Wedgwood did not make steak knives in this pattern. There is another set of knives of exactly the identical length, but with rounded tips and without a serrated edge. These are the dessert knives, but also are frequently referenced as butter knives. Incidentally, Wedgwood also made a three prong fork in this pattern. So the pattern is generally a luncheon or dessert set, used for salad or dessert.

As for the value, I have purchased this exact same set twice in the past year. Once for $40, unboxed, and another for approximately $67 ($80 with shipping) in the same box and in the same condition, even down to the cellophane wraps on the blades.

Fifth, the carving set was made in both the acanthus and "Aurora" chariot patterns, though the "Aurora" chariot pattern did not have a sharpening rod. As for the value, I purchased a similar set, unboxed, for $15 which included an extra cake knife. (Admittedly rather low.) Also, I purchased another set, boxed, for $30 and both sets had no damage.

Recently, on Ebay there have been attempts to sell the set you have in the exact same condition. However, the sellers have been unrealistic in their hopes. The first one, about six months ago, had a cracked handle on the sharpening rod in an otherwise perfect set. He wanted $50 and received no bidders despite putting it up three times for a week each time. Not surprising. More recently, there has been a set exactly like yours in perfect condition on Ebay that has been put up twice for a week each time. The starting bid was $99 and again not surprisingly there were no bidders.

Depending on your shipping demands, which ought to be no more than $10 for USPS Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation and Insurance, the fruit knife set should sell for between $50 and $70 depending on the time of year. Either price would be fair to both the buyer and seller.

As for the carving set it should go for between $20 and $40 with a somewhat reduced price for shipping. Bear in mind that the low end is what the items generally sell for and the high end is only if things get crazy, as they sometimes do.

Of course, I realize that these prices may not be as high as you hoped. However, they are realistic prices. Having been buying and selling these patterns for many years, I can tell you that these details are strictly accurate.

One reason for the less than expected price can be that this pattern is extremely fragile. You or a guest cannot accidentally drop a knife at dinner and not expect to have to purchase a replacement. For this reason many people prefer not even to get started with them. Hence, fewer buyers and lower prices. Even I who have many rarely use them.

Hopefully this will help you in your assessment of the items and whether to keep or sell them. Take care.