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Auction Highlights: Exceptional Results from Our Latest Sale

Dave Spence

Our latest auction saw strong bidding across a wide range of categories, with collectors and enthusiasts competing fiercely for ceramics, vintage hi-fi equipment, jewellery and collectibles. Several lots dramatically exceeded their pre-sale estimates, demonstrating continued demand for quality and unusual items at auction.

From specialist audio equipment achieving more than twelve times its upper estimate, to collectible figurines and fine bone china attracting spirited bidding, the sale produced some truly standout results.

Here are some of the auction’s most notable performances.

Vintage Hi-Fi Collection Sells for £750 (Against a £60 Top Estimate)

A collection of Hifi equipment to include Aiwa stereo integrated amplifier XA-950, Aiwa compact disc player XC-950, Aiwa tuner XT-950, Aiwa double cassette deck AD-WX828, Onky T-4020 network tuner, Technics SL150 turntable, JM Labs focal electra 926 speakers, & Townsend seismic sink isolation platform. Courier or Collection Only.

One of the sale’s biggest surprises came from a collection of vintage hi-fi equipment, which achieved an impressive £750 hammer price against a modest £30–£60 estimate.

The lot included:

  • Aiwa stereo integrated amplifier XA-950
  • Aiwa compact disc player XC-950
  • Aiwa tuner XT-950
  • Aiwa double cassette deck AD-WX828
  • Onkyo T-4020 network tuner
  • Technics SL150 turntable
  • JM Labs Focal Electra 926 speakers
  • Townsend seismic sink isolation platform

Vintage audio equipment continues to attract strong interest from audiophiles and collectors alike, particularly when quality brands and complete systems are offered together.

Estimate: £30–£60
Hammer Price: £750
Achieved: £690 above top estimate

De Lamerie Fine Bone China Made for the Sultan of Oman Achieves £850

De Lamerie Fine Bone China, a collection of tea and dinner ware with heavy gilt decoration, made specially for His Majesty The Sultan of Oman, to include - plates, square serving plate, tea cup, saucer, side plates, salt and pepper pots and crescent-shaped plate. Made in England (approx. 17 pieces) (2 Trays)

A beautifully decorated collection of De Lamerie fine bone china, produced specially for His Majesty The Sultan of Oman, drew exceptional attention from bidders.

Featuring heavy gilt decoration and comprising approximately 17 pieces including plates, tea wares and serving pieces, the collection sold for £850 against an estimate of £100–£200.

Specialist ceramics and pieces with royal or diplomatic provenance continue to perform particularly well when fresh to the market.

Estimate: £100–£200
Hammer Price: £850
Achieved: £650 above top estimate

Vintage Gold Charms Triple Their Estimate

11 x small vintage 9ct gold charms / pendants, old 'new stock' mostly still sealed so weighing not possible

Jewellery buyers competed strongly for a collection of eleven vintage 9ct gold charms and pendants, many still sealed as old shop stock.

Gold items continue to attract consistent interest, particularly when offered in group lots with collectible appeal alongside bullion value.

Estimate: £100–£200
Hammer Price: £600
Achieved: £400 above top estimate

Oriental Chargers Draw Competitive International Interest

Two Oriental chargers, a blue and white example together with one in the Imari palette, diameter of largest 37cm (2).

A pair of Oriental chargers, including a blue and white example and another in the Imari palette, significantly exceeded expectations during the sale.

Decorative Asian ceramics continue to generate strong online bidding, especially for larger display pieces with striking decoration.

Estimate: £35–£70
Hammer Price: £340
Achieved: £270 above top estimate

Royal Doulton Middle Earth Figurines Prove Popular with Collectors

A collection of Royal Doulton Middle Earth figurines to include Tom Bombadil HN2924, Samwise HN2925, Gandalf HN2911, Gollum HN2913, Galadriel HN2916, Aragorn HN2916, Boromir HN2918, Barliman Butterbur HN2923, Gimli HN2922, Bilbo HN2914, Frodo HN2912 & Legolas HN2917. (12)

Collectors showed strong enthusiasm for a complete collection of Royal Doulton Middle Earth figurines inspired by characters from Tolkien’s world.

The set included:

  • Gandalf
  • Frodo
  • Gollum
  • Aragorn
  • Legolas
  • Bilbo
  • Tom Bombadil
  • and others

Character collectibles with crossover appeal between fantasy fans and ceramic collectors continue to perform strongly at auction.

Estimate: £100–£200
Hammer Price: £440
Achieved: £240 above top estimate

Large Royal Albert Lavender Rose Service Sells Well Above Estimate

A substantial Royal Albert “Lavender Rose” tea and dinner service achieved £340 after competitive bidding.

The extensive collection included teapots, dinner plates, serving dishes, cake stands, coffee wares and decorative accessories across six trays.

Traditional English china remains popular with both collectors and buyers seeking complete usable services.

Estimate: £80–£160
Hammer Price: £340
Achieved: £180 above top estimate

Beswick Top Cat Figures Double Expectations

A set of Beswick characters from the Top Cat series comprising Officer Dibble, Top Cat, Benny, Brain, Choo-Choo, Spook and Fancy Fancy. (7)

A charming collection of Beswick Top Cat character figures also proved popular with collectors of vintage television memorabilia and Beswick ceramics.

The seven-piece set included:

  • Top Cat
  • Benny
  • Officer Dibble
  • Brain
  • Choo-Choo
  • Spook
  • Fancy Fancy

Estimate: £60–£120
Hammer Price: £220
Achieved: £100 above top estimate

Dolby Atmos Speaker Collection Performs Strongly

PSB imagine XA Dolby atmos speakers, together with KEF Q50a Dolby atmos speakers & metal hifi stands.
COURIER OR COLLECTION ONLY

A lot featuring PSB Imagine XA Dolby Atmos speakers together with KEF Q50a speakers and hi-fi stands comfortably exceeded its estimate.

Modern audio equipment continues to attract competitive bidding as home cinema and premium listening systems remain highly sought after.

Estimate: £30–£60
Hammer Price: £160
Achieved: £100 above top estimate

Strong Results Across Multiple Collecting Categories

The sale demonstrated continued buyer confidence across a broad range of collecting fields including:

  • Vintage audio equipment
  • Fine ceramics
  • Gold jewellery
  • Collectible figurines
  • Decorative antiques

Competitive online bidding and international interest helped drive strong prices throughout the auction.

If you are considering selling antiques, collectibles, jewellery or specialist items, our team is always happy to provide advice and auction valuations.

Thinking of Selling?

We are currently accepting entries for upcoming auctions and welcome enquiries for:

  • Antiques & interiors
  • Ceramics & glass
  • Jewellery & watches
  • Collectibles
  • Vintage hi-fi & audio equipment
  • Specialist collections

Contact our valuation team today to discuss your items or arrange a free auction valuation.

Get a Free Auction Estimate for Your Wedgwood Pottery


Frequently Asked Questions

Why did some lots sell so far above estimate?

Estimates are guidance ranges based on market conditions and past results, but strong competition between bidders, rarity, and condition can all drive prices significantly higher on the day of sale.

How are auction estimates calculated?

Estimates are set by specialists using recent auction results, market demand, condition, and rarity. They are intentionally conservative to encourage competitive bidding.

Do all items sell above their estimate?

Not always. While many lots in this sale exceeded expectations, results vary depending on demand, timing, and bidder interest.

What types of items perform best at auction?

We consistently see strong results for specialist categories such as vintage hi-fi, fine ceramics, gold jewellery, collectibles, and complete matching sets.

How can I sell items like these?

You can contact our valuation team for a free appraisal. We assess items individually and advise on the best auction approach.

How do I get a valuation?

You can:
Submit images through our online valuation form
Send photos via WhatsApp 07864 667940
Book an in-person appointment
Email: enquiries@potteriesauctions.com

Deadline for entries to our July Rare Ceramics, Jewellery & Collectables auction: 20th MayBook a valuation
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