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.

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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170 Lots of Unique Kevin Francis / Peggy Davis Collectables

Kevin Francis collectables are synonymous with unconventional handcrafted figurines that delight collectors everywhere. Since 1981, they have been wowing collectors with their daring and unconventional handcrafted figurines that defy the ordinary. With traditional production methods, their brazen designs stand out, attracting enthusiasts from all corners of the globe. Lot 401: Kevin Francis / Peggy Davies …

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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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British Pottery, Furniture, Dinner & Teaware Cobridge Auction Preview

July 2023 Our second Cobridge sale of this month is just around the corner! We couldn’t be more excited to showcase a fantastic selection of Pottery, Furniture, Dinner & Teaware. There are a number of many unreserved items as well! Let’s dive right into the preview of our most anticipated items, and you can view …

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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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The Profile of a Collector: Mike Maunder

Beginning with our March Fine Art sale, Potteries Auctions will be featuring a wonderful and large collection of Carlton Ware pieces over several upcoming auctions. Understood to be the largest such amount to be featured at auction, the items have come from a single vendor. The collector parting with the pieces, Mike Maunder, is a …

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Carlton Ware’s Earliest Ranges & A Preview of Upcoming Carlton Ware Pieces at Auction

One of the many iconic manufacturers within the locality of the Potteries, Carlton Ware – originally Wiltshaw & Robinsons – endured for many years. They produced a wide variety of popular ranges and patterns from the company’s inception in 1890. A fantastic and large collection of Carlton Ware items was recently consigned with Potteries Auctions …

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Upcoming Royal Doulton Advertising Figures at our January 2023 Auction

Royal Doulton is often highly sought after at our auctions, and we expect the advertising figures we have going under the hammer this month will be no different. Lot 524 pictured here features two limited edition Royal Doulton advertising figures of Penfold Golfer MCL1 & Dunlop Caddie MCL2, both boxed. Happy New Year from all …

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Why are Royal Doulton Prototypes So Valuable?

This Beswick Royal Doulton Prototype Dunn Belted Galloway cow was estimated to sell for just £60-£120, but ultimately found a hammer price of an amazing £660 after avid Royal Doulton collectors were eager to snap it up. During the height of 20th-century pottery production, every ceramic manufacturer would create prototypes during production, however Royal Doulton …

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What is the Most Popular Royal Crown Derby Pattern?

The Royal Crown Derby is one of the oldest concurrent porcelain manufacturers in the UK. Their founding year of 1750 is up for discretion, as it is disputed by Royal Worcester (founded in 1751), but claim that Royal Crown Derby was also founded in 1751. Still to this day the title of oldest porcelain manufacturer …

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5 Unique, Rare or Surprisingly Valuable Items Sold at Auction

At Potteries Auctions, we are specialist sellers of pottery, antiques, and all sorts of extraordinary items. Potteries Auctions is an auction house based in the heart of the Staffordshire Potteries with two salerooms: our Silverdale Saleroom in Newcastle-Under-Lyme, and our Cobridge Saleroom. Established in 1991, we are now one of the leading auction houses in …

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The History of Royal Lancastrian Pottery

The Royal Lancastrian Pottery Company was an innovative producer of decorative pottery, whose distinctive designs earned the company a royal warrant. This July, our Fine Art sale will be featuring a selection of these gorgeous pieces. Here’s some background on this illustrious company. The company began life in Clifton, Lancashire, as the result of a …

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