We are accustomed to seeing rare Royal Doulton figures in our sales, ranging from Jesters to Jockeys. Take a look at the valuable Doulton figures we have in our next sale.
How Can You Spot a Rare Royal Doulton Figure?
To start with, limited edition pieces, denoted by corresponding markings to the base, are likely to be rarer, as well as figurines that are decorated in unusual colourways.
Among collectors, prototype figures are also particularly sought-after. Markings to the base such as “Design Sample”, “Factory Proof” or “Survey Figure” are great indicators of a prototype piece.
Less common, too, are early pieces, with examples in good condition being even less so. Consequently, an older piece with no cracks, chips or signs of wear is naturally going to be rarer and more valuable. If a small number can be seen to the right of the backstamp, adding 27 to it can aid in establishing a piece’s age.
Our Past Sales
In recent years, Potteries Auctions has enjoyed repeated success in the sale of rare Royal Doulton figurines in our auctions, including in our March 2022 Fine Art auction, where among the rare pieces offered was a double figure “Spooks” HN88.
Sold in our March 2022 Fine Art auction, this double figure “Spooks” HN88 soared to a hammer price of £5,300!
Another fantastic sale was our November 2022 Fine Art auction, which featured an extensive collection of figures. These included several prototype Jester pieces, along with a rare Pavlova HN676 figure dated for 1924 and a prototype lady hiker figure.
One of several prototype jesters featured in our November 2022 Fine Art auction, this seated example fetched a hammer price of £1,900.
Another rare figure from our November 2022 sale was this Pavlova HN676. Dated 1924, it was avidly contested by bidders and sold for £4,700.
Our March 2023 Fine Art auction was also a highlight, with the sale of a number of early and prototype figures, plus a display-only example of Princess Badoura HN2081.
A fantastic piece, this large prestige figure Princess Badoura HN2081 was displayed in Royal Doulton’s showroom in Burslem, being released to the market upon the 2005 closure of the Nile Street factory. It achieved a hammer price of £4,400.
Rare Royal Doulton Figures on Sale in November
In our upcoming November Fine Art sale, we’ll be featuring a wonderful array of rare Royal Doulton figures. Among them is a sizeable collection of early figures, many of which are miniature figures, including different colourways, along with two flambé examples.
Among the rare miniature figures to be featured in our November Fine Art auction is this flambé Eastern Old Man Sitting. Lot 337, estimate £800-£1,600.
Also to be featured in our November Fine Art auction is this rare figure Grief HN595. Lot 336 carries an estimate of £800-£1,600.
There’s also a selection of prototype pieces, which include character figures Champion Jockey Lester Piggott and a seated fisherman patching a sail, as well as a good amount of limited edition and prestige pieces.
With an estimate of £800-£1,600, lot 295 in our November Fine Art auction is this prototype Lester Piggott character figure.
Lot 295 in our November Fine Art auction is this character figure of a fisherman patching a sail, to be featured with an estimate of £800-£1,600.
Finally, the plethora of rare figures to be featured this November sees the inclusion of an amazing terracotta figure of a jester, by George Tinworth.
Entitled ‘The Jester’ and dated for 1900, lot 343 is the terracotta figure by George Tinworth, to be featured in our November Fine Art auction with an estimate of £5,000-£8,000.
You can bid on these items now via Potteries Live.
Do you have rare Royal Doulton figures to sell?
Do you have rare Royal Doulton figures to sell? Our team of expert valuers can help you consign them to auction. We hold free valuation days every Tuesday at our Silverdale saleroom. Book an appointment using our online booking form here.
Alternatively, you can email us at enquiries@potteriesauctions.com or call us on 01782 638100. We can even value your items via WhatsApp – simply send some clear images of your items via the app to 07864 667940.