For over a century, Wade Ceramics has held a special place in the hearts of pottery collectors. From Wade Whimsies to larger Art Deco figures, earthenware pieces and Gluggle Jugs, the Stoke-on-Trent manufacturer is synonymous with British ceramic charm. Yet among Wade Pottery’s output, one category stands above the rest in terms of rarity and desirability: prototypes.
In recent years, we’ve seen growing interest and rising prices for rare Wade test pieces. But what exactly makes rare Wade Pottery prototypes so collectable, and why are collectors so eager to track them down?
What Are Wade Pottery Prototypes?
Prototypes are the trial runs, pieces created during the design process to test new moulds, colours or glazes. Unlike production items, which were made in the tens of thousands, prototypes were produced in tiny quantities – sometimes just one or two examples ever made.
These items were rarely intended for public sale. Many remained in Wade’s archives on factory shelves, or in the hands of designers themselves, making their way to the market only decades later, often via factory clearances or former employee collections.
Why Are Wade Figurine Prototypes So Valuable?
Scarcity
With only a handful in existence, prototypes naturally command higher prices. When a prototype version of a beloved Whimsie or nursery figure appears, competition is fierce. Collectors know another opportunity may not come along for years.
Unique features
Prototypes often feature unusual colourways or experimental glazes that never reached production. This might mean a familiar figure in an unexpected shade, or a striking glaze effect that sets it apart from every other example on the market.
Historical insight
These pieces offer a window into Wade’s creative process. They reveal how designs evolved, showcasing variations that hint at what might have been. For serious collectors, prototypes aren’t just rare, they’re pieces of ceramic history.
Top Tips for Identifying Wade Prototypes
- Look for documentation: Provenance is key – factory stickers, handwritten notes or employee histories can all add value.
- Examine glaze and colour: Unusual finishes may indicate a prototype. Compare with known production pieces for confirmation.
- Beware of misattribution: Some rare colour variants were production errors rather than true prototypes. Get in touch with us for advice if you’re ever unsure.
- Watch the market: Prices for prototypes fluctuate, but trend consistently upward as collectors compete for the rarest examples.
Recent Rare Wade Prototypes at Auction
Check out some of our recent sales of Wade prototypes at auction below.
This lot of two boxes of animal figure Wade Whimsies were in an unusual green glaze. Removed from the archives of the Wade factory and possible prototypes or colour samples, they sold for an impressive £1,400.
Lot 38 in our March 2024 20th Century Rare Ceramics Auction was a collection of 10 Wade animal figures, including Comical Caterpillar, a Babycham figure, Disney Owls and more. This lot was removed from the Wade factory archives and features possible prototypes or colour samples, ultimately selling for an astounding £3,000.
Another lot from our March 2024 auction, this collection of Wade bird themed items included gull wall plaques, a dove (with handwritten text), a parakeet, stylised birds, comical birds marked F! in handwritten text and more. This lot was also removed from the archives of the Wade factory and includes possible prototypes or colour samples. The collection found a new home for £2,300.
These four Wade Hollowbase Prototype Gnomes form part of the collection of Thomas Colclough, a mould maker and modeller of the Wade Factory in the 1950s and general works manager from 1965 to 1986. They sold at our July 2024 auction for £700.
Sell Your Rare Wade Pottery at Auction
At Potteries Auctions, we’ve handled some exceptional rare Wade Pottery prototypes over the years, achieving strong results for our consignors and offering collectors rare opportunities to acquire them.
If you have Wade prototypes for sale – or suspect you might – our specialists are available for free valuations. Please get in touch with us if you’re looking for an expert evaluation and are seeking to sell your rare Wade pottery. Free valuation days are held every Tuesday at our Silverdale saleroom – to book an appointment, use our online booking form here.
Due to popular demand, we have also started to offer a private valuation service for premium items. Please contact us directly to arrange an appointment by emailing amy@potteriesauctions.com.
You can also email us at enquiries@potteriesauctions.com or call us on +44 (0)1782 638100, or valuations can even be provided via WhatsApp – simply send some clear images of your items via the app to 07864 667940.