French Country · Encyclopedia · Tableware, Kitchen and Decorative Objects
Cake Stand
Footed stands for cakes, in glass, porcelain and silver.
Serving Pieces · Indicative US retail $30–$500
At a glance
- Family: Serving Pieces
- Periods most often found: Most date from 1870 to 1960.
- Typical price: about $100; range $30 to $500 and more for exceptional pieces
- What drives value: Material, pattern
What it is
Footed cake stands (présentoirs, compotiers, plats à gâteaux sur pied) displayed cakes, tarts, fruit and pastries on the 19th- and 20th-century table. American pressed-glass stands in patterns such as Daisy and Button, Bull's Eye and Westward Ho; French barbotine (majolica) stands with leaves and fruit from Onnaing, Saint-Clément and Sarreguemines; Limoges and Paris porcelain compotiers from dessert services; Christofle silver-plate stands; and Art Deco glass stands are all collected.
How to identify and date it
Check the foot and rim, the most exposed parts, for chips and repairs, and the join between stem and plate on two-part stands. On pressed glass, look for mold seams and pattern names; on barbotine, for glaze loss; on porcelain, for factory marks and gilding wear. Stands from complete dessert services are worth more in sets.
Periods and styles
Most date from 1870 to 1960.
How much is it worth?
On the US retail market, most cake stand examples ask around $100. Simple or worn pieces start near $30, while documented, signed or exceptional examples can pass $500. The main value drivers are: material, pattern. These are indicative ranges, not an appraisal; see our price guide for French antiques for the method.
Questions buyers ask: vintage cake stand prices. The answer depends on the points below, which are worth checking before you compare prices.
Before you buy
- Check foot and rim
- Inspect glaze or glass
- Read marks
Living with it
A cake stand on a kitchen counter holds fruit, cheese or a cloche; stack two for a tiered display.
How we write these guides: identification notes are general guidance written by French Country; a style name, a region or a resemblance does not by itself date or attribute a piece. Price ranges are indicative US retail asking prices for antique and vintage examples in sound condition (dealers, specialist marketplaces and auctions), estimated and rounded as of November 2026; check recent sold results before relying on a figure. They are not appraisals or offers to buy or sell: condition, provenance and documentation can move a value far outside the range. For insurance, estates or sales, ask an independent, qualified appraiser for a written valuation.