Selling a single-owner collection at auction offers many advantages for both the seller and for potential buyers. These benefits stem from the unique nature of single-owner collections, which often tell a story, reflect a particular taste or passion, and offer a level of rarity and history that can enhance the appeal of the items being sold.
For large single-owner collections, a bespoke service we’re able to offer is to consign them to their own dedicated timed auctions to give the whole collection – and the collector – the respect and attention that they deserve. One great example of this is a recent Moorcroft collection that we sold on behalf of a family, giving it it’s own dedicated timed auction on our website to attract Moorcroft enthusiasts from all over the world.
This large single-owner Moorcroft collection came into our possession when David and his father, the original collector’s son and husband respectively, came to us with their late mother/wife’s prized personal collection. Collected over 20 years and containing over 520 pieces, it was an incredibly exciting collection to work with, including exclusive trial and limited edition pieces from artists such as Paul Hilditch, Kerry Goodwin, Rachel Bishop, Anji Davenport, Emma Bossons and more.
After combing through the entire collection, we put together a timed auction containing 250 lots of Moorcroft pottery which took place from late May to early June earlier this year. The mother’s collection initially began as a result of sibling rivalry. When her brother, David’s uncle, bought his first piece the competition started from there – and she, as you can well imagine from the sheer volume of pieces she amassed over the years, ended up with the larger collection. Becoming a keen Moorcroft collector meant that she was a dedicated member of the Moorcroft Collector’s Club, with many magazines from it being included in this collection too.
Here’s just a small selection of some of the wonderful Moorcroft items we sold as part of this collection:
This Moorcroft ‘Blue Yacht’ 1997 Centenary Florian vase sold for a wonderful £220.
This William Moorcroft commemorative mug, created to celebrate the coronation of Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in 1902, sold for £100.
Dated 2015, Lot 900 was this exquisite Moorcroft flambe poppy vase that fetched a hammer price of £210.
Lot 982 was a Moorcroft Strawberry Thief pattern vase, dated 1995, that found a new home for £200.
This incredibly charming Moorcroft Mr Coal Christmas Cat plaque sold for £150.
This Moorcroft Blue Rhapsody vase was a Moorcroft Collectors Club piece, signed by Philip Gibson and dated 2001, that fetched a hammer price of £140.
The benefits of selling a single-owner collection using a dedicated timed auction
History and trust
Single-owner collections often come with a well-documented history. This traceable history can help with the value of the items. Buyers tend to trust the authenticity and condition of items in a single-owner collection, knowing they have been curated by an individual with a specific interest or expertise. This trust can lead to higher bids and more enthusiastic participation in the auction.
Marketability and appeal
A single-owner collection often represents a coherent theme, style or category, such as a particular artist, period or type of collectible. This cohesiveness can attract collectors and enthusiasts who are specifically interested in that niche.
The uniqueness of a single-owner collection can also create a sense of exclusivity, making the auction a must-attend event for serious buyers and collectors.
Higher potential returns
The uniqueness of single-owner collections often drives up demand, as buyers know they are bidding on items that are not commonly available. This increased competition can lead to a higher hammer price.
Auctions for single-owner collections also often attract significant attention from the media and the collector community, which can lead to premium pricing for the items due to the heightened interest.
Personal connection and storytelling
Single-owner collections often reflect the personal tastes, interests or life story of the collector. Sharing this story can create an emotional connection with potential buyers, making them more invested in acquiring pieces from the collection.
Being able to use this storytelling in promotional materials and showcase the collection in its own dedicated timed auction also helps to draw more attention to the auction as a whole. Single-owner collections often garner media attention due to their uniqueness and the stories behind them. This publicity can attract a wider audience and increase participation in the auction.
Targeted marketing and publicity
By creating a dedicated auction specifically for one single-owner collection, we can tailor our marketing efforts specifically to the themes or interests represented in the collection. This targeted approach ensures that the auction reaches the right audience and increases the chances of successful sales.
Streamlined sale process
Selling a collection as a whole can simplify the process for the owner or owner’s loved ones, as it involves working with a single auction house that handles everything from cataloguing and marketing to the sale and post-auction settlement.
At Potteries Auctions, we provide expert guidance throughout the entire process, from appraising the value of the collection to determining the best way to present and market the items. Our professional support ensures that the collection is showcased to its fullest potential.
Legacy and tribute
Auctioning a single-owner collection can be a way to honour and preserve the legacy of the collector. It allows their passion and taste to be recognised and appreciated by a wider audience.
A single-owner collection auction can also become a memorable event, celebrated by collectors and enthusiasts alike. It’s a way to pay tribute to the collector’s life and dedication to a particular area of interest.
Looking to sell a large single-owner collection at auction?
Selling a single-owner collection at auction offers many benefits, from maximising financial return to ensuring that the pieces in the collection are appreciated and preserved for future generations. The unique history, trust and storytelling associated with single-owner collections piques plenty of interest at auction, attracting a broad range of buyers and often achieving exceptional results.
If you’re looking to sell a collection that reflects a lifetime of passion, then a single-owner timed auction offers a compelling opportunity to engage with the market and shine a spotlight on yours or a loved one’s dedication to a certain type or brand of pottery or other collectible.
We pride ourselves on providing a smooth and simple selling experience for our customers, especially when it comes to large volumes of wares. David had this to say of his experience selling his mother’s collection with Potteries Auctions: “Bill (Senior Valuer) was very efficient to deal with, from the initial photos I sent via WhatsApp to us coming in.”
To enquire about selling a single-owner collection or our timed auction services, please call us on 01782 638100 or email enquiries@potteriesauctions.com, where one of our friendly members of staff will be able to assist you.