Record the whole piece
Begin with the shape, measurements and visible decoration. Photograph the face, back, foot and any marks. The underside can reveal useful information, but an isolated mark is not enough to settle every attribution. Keep the seller’s description distinct from observations you can document directly.
Look beyond an attractive glaze
Ask for close views of edges, raised decoration and any lines crossing the surface. Glaze crazing and a structural crack should not be treated as interchangeable descriptions. Enquire about known repairs, retouching and changes in colour. A group photograph cannot substitute for examining the condition of each piece.
Match the object to its purpose
A plate intended for display and one intended for restaurant service require different checks. Appearance alone does not establish suitability for food contact or a particular cleaning method. Define the use first, then obtain appropriate confirmation. For a decorative group, establish a colour or shape rule that leaves room for deliberate variation rather than insisting on an uncertain maker attribution.
For the next part of your selection, read Silver plate marks and condition: a buying guide.
For a related collection, explore French antique faience tableware at French Country.