Antiques & Potteries Specialisms

Antiques and potteries are our specialist subject matter at auction and we always know which items will fetch a good price at auction.  You can also find out more on our specialist potteries page for examples of interesting lots sold at auction.

Get in touch if you have similar or unusual items that need a valuation.

A Beautiful Private Collection of Ruskin Ceramics

Every collection tells a story, but some arrive with a history that feels almost cinematic. We are proud to present a private Ruskin Collection, recently consigned to our upcoming Fine Art Auction, which a fascinating collection connected to the artist William Howson Taylor, accompanied by personal letters and ephemera that offer a rare glimpse into …

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Which Shelley Teaware Patterns are Popular at Auction?

Shelley tea ware comes in a whole host of different sizes, shapes and patterns. Read on to find out what Shelley teaware patterns are valuable and highly sought-after at auction. If you have ever wondered, is this tea set worth anything?, then you are not alone. Tea sets make a frequent appearance in our auction room, …

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Compton & Woodhouse Collectables: Are They Valuable? Figurines, Prices & Selling Guide (2026)

Compton & Woodhouse was a UK-based retailer specialising in exclusive, limited-edition collectables, particularly fine porcelain figurines. Founded over 25 years before its closure, the company built a strong reputation for: Rather than manufacturing items themselves, Compton & Woodhouse partnered with prestigious brands—most notably Coalport and Royal Worcester—to produce collectible ranges aimed at enthusiasts and gift …

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Rare Beswick Horses: The Most Sought-After Models & Colourways Explained

Rare Beswick horses are among the most desirable collectables in the ceramics market, attracting strong demand from both long-standing collectors and new buyers entering the auction world. While many Beswick horse figurines were produced in relatively large numbers, certain limited colourways, early production runs, and experimental finishes have become highly sought after due to their …

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Top 10 Most Valuable Beswick Horses Ever Sold

Beswick horses remain among the most desirable ceramic collectables in the UK and international auction market. While many standard models achieve modest prices, rare colourways, limited editions, and exceptional condition pieces can command significant premiums. The most valuable Beswick horse ever recorded at auction is a Shire Horse (Model 818) in Painted White Gloss, which …

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Beswick Pottery & Figurines Value Guide (Horses, Animals & Prices)

If you have Beswick pottery, horses, figurines or animal models and are wondering what they may be worth, this guide will help you understand the key factors that influence value. From classic Beswick horses and shire horse models to birds, dogs and Beatrix Potter figurines, many pieces remain highly collectable and can achieve strong prices …

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Top 25 Highest Selling Lots

Happy New Year to all our customers. Our first sale of 2017 was well supported despite the misty, cool weather.   Our best seller at this sale was Lot 251, a large collection of Anysley Orchard Gold items, which sold for £500.00. A collection of unmarked heavily glazed unframed tiles credited to Poole Pottery realised …

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Top 25 Highest Selling Lots

Our first Antique, Rare Pottery & Fine Art Sale of 2017 took place on Saturday 11th February and was extremely well attended despite a flutter of early morning snowflakes. The sale comprised of over 1100 lots of exceptional variety with the star lots of the day consisting of a number of pieces of Oriental Qing …

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Top 25 Highest Selling Lots

Our July 30th sale went really well, with a good turnout on a typical warm summers’ day.  A barbeque, kept everyone satisfied and well fed, with a choice of tasty burgers and sausage and bacon baps. Out of 740 lots, the Beswick and Moorcroft items were among our top sellers in this sale, with the …

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Moorcroft Pottery Guide: Identify, Collect & Value Your Pieces

Moorcroft pottery brings wonderfully bright colours and intricate designs to any home or collector’s display. At Potteries Auctions, we have been selling Moorcroft pottery, from rare vases to stunning lamps, for over 25 years. Moorcroft is highly prized by collectors, and its value has steadily increased over the years. If you are looking to expand …

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What Are My Rare Books Worth? First Editions, Signed Copies & Auction Prices

Antique leather-bound books and first editions have long been treasured by collectors, libraries, and enthusiasts for their craftsmanship, historical significance, and rarity. From 18th-century bindings to early 20th-century first editions, these works often carry both literary and investment value. At Potteries Auctions, we have been valuing and selling rare books, manuscripts, and collectable printed works …

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A Complete Guide to Spode Pottery, China & Marks

Discover the history, identification, and value of Spode pottery and china, including tips on backstamps, markings, and collectible pieces like Christmas dishes. Spode is one of the most iconic names in English ceramics. From classic tableware to collectible pieces, understanding Spode marks, backstamps, and patterns is essential for collectors and anyone looking to buy or …

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Fine Art Consignments Close 20th SeptemberStart your free valuation
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