Antiques & Potteries Specialisms

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.

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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Antique Furniture: Refresh Your Home

It’s still early in the year, and spring is about to arrive, so why not give your antique furniture the refresh it needs with Potteries Auctions? This Edwardian glazed double fronted display cabinet sold for £420 in a recent Antique Furniture & Collectors sale Giving your interior a new lease of life can be a …

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9ct Gold Jewellery, British Pottery & More up for Auction in February 2024

This Lot of three Shelley Mode shape trios, together with an Eve shape trio, will be featured in our February Antique & Collectors auction. Lot 499A, estimate £100-£150 We have some fantastic items coming up in this month’s Antique & Collectors auction. Fancy treating yourself to a new watch? Feel like your home interior needs …

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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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What’s My Royal Albert China Worth? Tea Sets & Dinnerware at Auction

Royal Albert China had its origins in 1896 in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, when the Albert Works pottery was purchased by Thomas Clark Wild. The following year, under the brand name Albert Crown China, Thomas Wild & Co. produced bone china pieces to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. The St Mary’s Works, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent which came into …

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Antique Furniture for Sale in January 2024

The New Year beckons, and with it comes an opportunity to spruce up your home with some quality furniture items. January 2024 at Potteries Auctions promises a wonderful collection of 19th Century, Victorian and Edwardian antique furniture for sale. Lot 479 in our January 12th Antique & Collectors auction is this lovely heavily carved glazed …

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What is My Wedgwood Jasperware Worth?

Wedgwood Jasperware is one of the most ubiquitous and recognisable ceramic wares. It is celebrated and sought-after by collectors the world over. Rare pieces, in particular, can be quite valuable – so, what is your Wedgwood Jasperware worth? Sold at John Moran Auctioneers in California, this pair of Pegasus vases sold for $17,250, in March …

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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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De Lamerie Fine Bone China & Glassware

We sell De Lamerie China, Crystal and Silverware crafted in Stoke-on-Trent and loved by collectors worldwide. To be featured in our November Fine Art auction, Lot 1070 is a fine set of four Samarkand pattern dinner plates, with an estimate of £80-£160. De Lamerie Fine Bone China utilises designs and moulds by, or inspired by, …

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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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Buy Rare Bunnykins Figurines

An example of the Bunnykins nursery ware range. Credit: royaldoulton.com First introduced in 1934 as a range of nursery tableware featuring anthropomorphised rabbits, Bunnykins was briefly expanded into a range of figurines in 1939, with six different figures produced, before the outbreak of WWII curtailed production. Eventually reintroduced in 1969, the variety of figurines increased …

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Rare Royal Doulton Figures for Sale

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 …

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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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Selling Royal Crown Derby at Auction: What’s it Worth?

Royal Crown Derby is one of the oldest remaining English ceramics manufacturers, based in Osmaston Road, Derby. The company is known for its high-quality bone china and has been producing tableware and ornamental ware since 1750. Through their ranges of products and patterns, the Royal Crown Derby name has become synonymous with quality and desirability. …

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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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Revisiting our July 2023 Fine Arts Sale

There was plenty of excitement for our July Fine Art auction, with some fantastic collections of rare ceramics and jewellery going under the hammer. From the Wade factory archives, the quirky and one-of-a-kind piece ‘Ivy’ was contested up to a hammer price of £4,200. Highlights from the July Sale Prominently featured was the second part …

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The Creative Minds Behind our Moorcroft Collections

Moorcroft pottery is a staple of our auctions, with rare, sought-after items sold each sale. Let’s look at the creatives behind these works. This wonderful Swallow Tail trial vase will be featured in our upcoming November Fine Art auction, with an estimate of £900-£1,800. William Moorcroft’s Vision William Moorcroft began his career in 1897, when …

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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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Auction Preview: 20th Century Pottery, Jewellery & Furniture

Sep 2023 This month we have over 2,000 lots for you to explore over 3 auctions of 20th Century Pottery, Collectables, Jewellery and Furniture. You can view the catalogues for auctions here. A quick reminder that we are offering a reduced buyer’s premium of 20% for all in-person bidders, so come on down to our …

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Pâte-sur-Pâte: From Paris to Stoke-on-Trent

Pâte-sur-pâte is a specialised decorative technique. Highly sought after, pâte-sur-pâte manufacturers in Stoke-on-Trent saw great success in the 19th and 20th centuries. History of the Technique The technique was developed in the mid-1850s by Parisian ceramics producer Sèvres in an attempt at recreating an earlier Chinese technique. It involves building up multiple layers of white …

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Stoke-on-Trent Potters Spotlight

Stoke-on-Trent has a rich history steeped in pottery and artistry. But it’s not just a historical tale; it’s a living, breathing canvas of talented local artists and potters who continue to shape the city’s vibrant arts scene. Join us as we take a closer look at Stoke-on-Trent’s local artists and potters, where tradition meets innovation …

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Rare Wileman & Shelley Intarsio for Sale in November 2023

We have an incredible collection of Wileman & Shelley Intarsio Ware coming up in our November Fine Art auction. This blog will explore the world of Intarsio products, which add significant value to any collection. If you’re considering selling your cherished Wileman & Shelley collection, you’re likely aware of the brand’s reputation for timeless pieces. …

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Clarice Cliff’s Rhodanthe: Rare Collection Up For Auction

Coming Nov ’23 We are thrilled to present an exceptional collection of Clarice Cliff’s Rhodanthe designs. This was acquired from a passionate collector who meticulously preserved these treasures. Our auction, scheduled for November, offers an opportunity for individuals to own a piece of design history from one of the most renowned ceramic artists of all …

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