Your trusted expert guides for collectors, buyers and sellers
Welcome to the Potteries Auctions Knowledge Centre – our growing library of expert guides designed to help you identify, value, buy and sell antiques, collectables and specialist items with confidence.
Unlike many online guides, our articles are written from practical auction experience. Since 1991, Potteries Auctions has handled thousands of collections and individual items, from world-record Royal Doulton figures and rare Beswick models to jewellery, watches, designer handbags, vintage toys, Pokémon cards, coins, stamps and fine art. Every valuation, auction and collection we handle adds to the knowledge we share here.
Whether you’ve inherited a collection, discovered an unusual item in the loft, or simply want to learn more about the things you collect, our aim is to provide clear, trustworthy information based on real auction expertise—not guesswork.
Our Knowledge Centre is organised into specialist subjects, making it easy to explore everything from pottery identification and maker’s marks to current market values, collecting advice and selling guidance. Many of our guides also include examples from items we’ve handled, expert valuation advice, and insights into what today’s collectors are actively searching for.
Explore our expert guides
Identification Guides
Learn how to identify manufacturers, makers, hallmarks, backstamps and patterns with our growing collection of identification resources.
Popular guides include:
- A Guide to Wedgwood Pottery Markings
- Royal Doulton Pottery Markings Guide
- Royal Albert China Markings Guide
- Moorcroft Pottery Markings Guide
- Spode Pottery Markings Guide
- Beswick Pottery Markings Guide
- Coalport China Markings Guide
- Shelley Pottery Markings Guide
- Hammersley China Markings Guide
- Arthur Wood Pottery Marks Guide
- Crown Staffordshire Marks Guide
- Aynsley China Marks Guide
Value & Price Guides
Wondering whether something is worth selling? Our value guides explain what collectors look for, which pieces command the strongest prices, and the factors that influence value.
Popular topics include:
- Which Matchbox Cars Are Collectable?
- Pokémon Cards Worth Money
- Barbie Collectibles Guide
- Swarovski Crystal Value Guide
- Vinyl Record Price Guide
- Tea Set Value Guide
- Amber Bead Necklace Value Guide
- Pocket Watch Value Guide
- Costume Jewellery Guide
Brand & Collector Guides
Explore in-depth articles covering some of the world’s most collected brands and manufacturers, including:
- Wedgwood
- Royal Doulton
- Royal Albert
- Moorcroft
- Beswick
- Swarovski
- Pandora
- Louis Vuitton
- Rolex
- Chanel
- Pokémon
- Matchbox
- LEGO
- Star Wars
Selling at Auction
Thinking about selling? Our selling guides explain how auction values are determined, what buyers are looking for, and how to achieve the best possible result. You can also learn more about:
Built on real auction experience
Every guide in our Knowledge Centre is reviewed against the knowledge and experience of our specialists. As markets evolve, new collectors emerge and prices change, we continually update our guides to reflect current demand and the latest market trends.
Our goal is simple:
To create the UK’s most trusted free resource for anyone looking to identify, understand, value or sell antiques and collectables.
Whether you’re researching a single family heirloom or managing an extensive collection, we hope these guides help you make informed decisions with confidence.