Hannah Widdop

Hannah Widdop

What to expect from selling at your first auction

The prospect of selling your possessions at auction for the first time can be a daunting one if you don’t know what to expect. Here at Potteries Auctions, we host regular auctions both in-person across our two saleroom sites as well as online, that allow you to access an incredible audience of eager bidders and …

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How to Spot Fake Moorcroft Pottery

Highly prized by collectors since the 1800’s and still exceptionally collectible today, Moorcroft pottery is a favourite among our buyers, and you’ll find items with varying degrees of rarity, age, pattern, shape and form featured in the vast majority of our auctions. With this popularity, however, means that unfortunately there’s also plenty of fake Moorcroft …

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Can I get down on one knee with a vintage ring from auction?

When it comes to deciding to pop the question, choosing the perfect engagement ring for your partner is just as – if not maybe even more – important as the proposal itself. Not only does your choice in ring embody your promise of forever, but it also shows that you really know your significant other …

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How to Spot Fake Royal Worcester Pottery

Good quality porcelain is often copied, and unfortunately the beautiful work of Royal Worcester is no exception, with plenty of convincing fake pottery pieces on the market. Need help deciding whether you have a fake Royal Worcester piece on your hands? Read on for some handy tips and tricks for how to spot fake Royal …

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Want to Try Timed Auction Buying But Too Afraid? Here’s What to Expect

The prospect of bidding on an item in your first timed auction can be a daunting one if you don’t know what to expect. Here at Potteries Auctions, we host regular timed online auctions that allow you to access an incredible range of auctions right at your fingertips, and bid from the comfort of your …

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Is Lorna Bailey Pottery Collectible?

In the realm of collectibles, few things hold the allure and charm of pottery. Each piece tells a story, weaving together craftsmanship, history and artistic expression. Among the many pottery brands that have left their mark on British pottery enthusiasts, one name that stands out is Lorna Bailey. Lorna Bailey’s journey into creating pottery started …

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How to Tell if Your Toby Jug is Valuable

Toby jugs are charming and characterful ceramic pitchers that have captured the hearts of collectors for centuries. Still proving incredibly popular to this day – especially the more rare and limited edition jugs – here at Potteries Auctions we regularly see toby character jugs pass through our salerooms to much interest from buyers. If you’ve …

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Which Beswick Horses Sell Well at Auction?

In the collectable ceramics market, few figurines have captured the hearts of enthusiasts over the years quite like the Beswick horse. Selling Beswick figures has been a cornerstone of our auction house since the 90s, so we’ve seen huge numbers of Beswick horses of all shapes, sizes and colourways pass through our saleroom over the …

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Where Can I Sell My 14k Gold Jewellery?

With gold prices at a current high, if you’ve been considering selling your 14k gold jewellery then now is a great time to do so. Let Potteries Auctions walk you through the process of selling your gold items at auction, ensuring you get the best value for your 14k gold pieces. What is 14k gold? …

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A Guide to Coalport China Markings and Backstamps

Coalport is renowned for producing high quality tableware, figurines and commemorative pieces that has captured the hearts of both casual appreciators and hardcore collectors alike for over 200 years. If you’re a collector or simply curious about these exquisite pieces, it’s good to understand how to identify Coalport China markings and backstamps. In this guide, …

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A Guide to Minton Pottery Markings and Backstamps

Established in 1793, Minton Pottery is an iconic British ceramics manufacturer with a storied legacy of producing fine bone china, earthenware, and porcelain items for over two centuries. Their wares have graced the tables of nobility and have been coveted by collectors worldwide. If you’ve come across a piece of Minton porcelain or are considering …

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A Guide to Hammersley China Markings and Backstamps

Hammersley China is a name synonymous with timeless beauty and exquisite craftsmanship, and has enchanted collectors for generations. If you’ve come across a piece of Hammersley chinaware or are considering adding it to your collection, understanding how to identify Hammersley china markings and backstamps is essential. Located in The Potteries – just like we are! …

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A Guide to Royal Doulton Pottery Markings

At Potteries Auctions, we have been successfully selling Royal Doulton pottery for over 25 years. If you’re looking to expand your collection, or want to auction your collectable Royal Doulton pieces, then we can help. Our experts can help you curate the perfect collection of valuable Royal Doulton for your family to treasure. Our Royal …

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A Brief History of Pocket Watches and How Well They Sell at Auction

Sold in our 2022 July Fine Art auction, this 18ct gold Delolme London gents full hunter pocket watch achieved a hammer price of £900. The pocket watch is the epitome of the quality timepiece, with connotations of class and distinction. With a multitude of different styles and types, they can be a very personal item …

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Fake or Genuine: Vintage Nautical Collectibles

Vintage and antique nautical items are highly collectible and include all sorts of brass instruments such as compasses, sextants and telescopes, along with bridge furnishings like ship’s wheels, bells, engine room telegraphs and external navigation lights. They’re all functional and decorative items that hark back to a bygone era of sailing history. Knowing the provenance …

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How Well Do Optics Sell at Auction?

As decorative and functional pieces, all kinds of optical items can be of interest to collectors – but what kinds are sought-after, and how well do optics sell at auction? To start with, vintage binoculars can be a popular collector’s item – especially ones of high quality, including vintage military iterations. In addition to the …

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Weird and Wonderful Items Sold at Auction

Undoubtedly quirky, yet consistently popular, pottery by Simon Carroll often performs well at auction. This earthenware jug sold in our November 2021 Fine Art auction for £520! Many weird and wonderful items pass through our doors at Potteries Auctions and you may be surprised at the variety and breadth of items that can gain interest. …

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