Potteries Auctions held their first fine art sale from their new home in the Silverdale salerooms on Saturday 25th April. The sale was the largest ever for the provincial auction house involving an unprecedented 1100 lots. It proved to be an impressive launch from the new premises generating not only a record sale total in the company’s twenty year history but also a record price realised for a single item for an important William Moorcroft flambé Eventide exhibition vase. The buyer paid a not inconsequential £21,328 for this exceptional 59cm vase.
The auction comprised of an eclectic mix starting off with 272 lots of Royal Doulton Bunnykins. £3600 was collectively realised for a 1930’s figure Freddie and a figural milk jug and sugar bowl. Next came over forty gramophones and phonographs before the furniture section of the sale including a Georgian oak Lancashire dresser base which reached £2,400 and an enormous Edwardian carved oak fireplace which made £1200. Jewellery, coins and watches were to follow with £1400 realised for an Omega Seamaster co-axil chrometer gents stainless steel wristwatch.
During a more unusual section of the auction one buyer purchased a Victorian taxidermy Rowland Ward trophy mount zebra head for over £700 before the second half of the sale reverted back to twentieth century pottery. A collector from Scotland had entered over one hundred lots of rare Wade pottery that created quite a stir in the saleroom. Following the success of the Moorcroft section climaxing with the aforementioned Moorcroft Exhibition Vase came two hundred and fifty lots of Crown Derby generating a wealth of interest from internet bidders culminating in some surprisingly high prices. The Cheshire Cat produced for Sinclairs made a remarkable £920 against an estimate of £40-£80 and the Spirit Of Peace Dove limited edition piece realised £650. Bidding remained fierce throughout the entire two hundred and fifty lots.
Selling Beswick/Bunnykins at Auction
If you have Beswick or Bunnykins pieces you’re looking to sell, their pieces consistently perform well at auction and our staff is well-placed to provide valuations and advice on selling your items. Call 01782 638100 or email enquiries@potteriesauctions.com to book a valuation appointment to attend one of our Tuesday valuation days. We also provide valuations via WhatsApp, simply send some clear photographs of your items via the app to 07864 667940.
Additionally, we can send you links to our catalogues via WhatsApp–message the above number via the app and ask to receive our catalogues. Make sure you are subscribed to our email newsletters, too!