Antiques & Potteries Specialisms

Antiques & Potteries Specialisms

Antiques and potteries are our specialist subject matter at auction and we always know which items will fetch a good price at auction.  You can also find out more on our specialist potteries page for examples of interesting lots sold at auction.

Get in touch if you have similar or unusual items that need a valuation.

A Beautiful Private Collection of Ruskin Ceramics

Every collection tells a story, but some arrive with a history that feels almost cinematic. We are proud to present a private Ruskin Collection, recently consigned to our upcoming Fine Art Auction, which a fascinating collection connected to the artist William Howson Taylor, accompanied by personal letters and ephemera that offer a rare glimpse into …

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Which Shelley Teaware Patterns are Popular at Auction?

Shelley tea ware comes in a whole host of different sizes, shapes and patterns. Read on to find out what Shelley teaware patterns are valuable and highly sought-after at auction. If you have ever wondered, is this tea set worth anything?, then you are not alone. Tea sets make a frequent appearance in our auction room, …

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Hammersley China Marks & Value Guide (Backstamps, Patterns & Identification)

Hammersley China is a name synonymous with timeless beauty and exquisite craftsmanship, and has enchanted collectors for generations. Hammersley bone china is one of the most elegant and collectible British ceramics brands. Known for its delicate floral designs and fine craftsmanship, collectors frequently are keen on collecting Hammersley bone china. So, if you are wondering …

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Compton & Woodhouse Collectables: Are They Valuable? Figurines, Prices & Selling Guide (2026)

Compton & Woodhouse was a UK-based retailer specialising in exclusive, limited-edition collectables, particularly fine porcelain figurines. Founded over 25 years before its closure, the company built a strong reputation for: Rather than manufacturing items themselves, Compton & Woodhouse partnered with prestigious brands—most notably Coalport and Royal Worcester—to produce collectible ranges aimed at enthusiasts and gift …

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A Guide to Royal Albert China Markings

Royal Albert bone china is one of the most recognisable and collected British ceramics brands. From delicate floral tea sets to highly sought-after patterns like Old Country Roses, collectors often ask: how do I identify Royal Albert china? Or even is Royal Albert china worth anything? This expert guide explains how to identify Royal Albert …

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Rare Beswick Horses: The Most Sought-After Models & Colourways Explained

Rare Beswick horses are among the most desirable collectables in the ceramics market, attracting strong demand from both long-standing collectors and new buyers entering the auction world. While many Beswick horse figurines were produced in relatively large numbers, certain limited colourways, early production runs, and experimental finishes have become highly sought after due to their …

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Top 10 Most Valuable Beswick Horses Ever Sold

Beswick horses remain among the most desirable ceramic collectables in the UK and international auction market. While many standard models achieve modest prices, rare colourways, limited editions, and exceptional condition pieces can command significant premiums. The most valuable Beswick horse ever recorded at auction is a Shire Horse (Model 818) in Painted White Gloss, which …

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Beswick Pottery & Figurines Value Guide (Horses, Animals & Prices)

If you have Beswick pottery, horses, figurines or animal models and are wondering what they may be worth, this guide will help you understand the key factors that influence value. From classic Beswick horses and shire horse models to birds, dogs and Beatrix Potter figurines, many pieces remain highly collectable and can achieve strong prices …

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Top 25 Highest Selling Lots

Our first Antique, Rare Pottery & Fine Art Sale of 2017 took place on Saturday 11th February and was extremely well attended despite a flutter of early morning snowflakes. The sale comprised of over 1100 lots of exceptional variety with the star lots of the day consisting of a number of pieces of Oriental Qing …

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March 11th 2017 Auction of 20th Century Pottery & Ceramics

Our March 11th Sale had a fabulous selection of items which was made up of over 1200 lots.  There was more than 300 unreserved tray lots and a large collection of Royal Doulton figurines which drew many interested bidders.   The saleroom was filled with a selection of good quality antique and reproduction furniture which …

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Top 25 Highest Selling Lots

Happy New Year to all our customers. Our first sale of 2017 was well supported despite the misty, cool weather.   Our best seller at this sale was Lot 251, a large collection of Anysley Orchard Gold items, which sold for £500.00. A collection of unmarked heavily glazed unframed tiles credited to Poole Pottery realised …

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Royal Doulton Designer & Modeller: Charles J Noke

Charles J Noke Charles John Noke was born in 1858 in Worcester a short distance from the Royal Worcester works. Charles was the son of a well-respected antique dealer, who had one of the largest collections of old china in the country.  Charles Noke was fascinated with porcelain figurines and he spent time at the Royal Worcester factory watching …

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Top 25 Highest Selling Lots

Our July 30th sale went really well, with a good turnout on a typical warm summers’ day.  A barbeque, kept everyone satisfied and well fed, with a choice of tasty burgers and sausage and bacon baps. Out of 740 lots, the Beswick and Moorcroft items were among our top sellers in this sale, with the …

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Antique, Rare Pottery & Fine Art Auction News

The two day Antique & Fine Art Sale took place on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th September 2016 and was well attended on both days. The auctioneer started the sale on Saturday morning at 10am with a collection of Royal Doulton Bunnykins.  There were many buyers interested in the Royal Doulton rare Bunnykins figure, Mary, …

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Moorcroft Pottery Guide: Identify, Collect & Value Your Pieces

Moorcroft pottery brings wonderfully bright colours and intricate designs to any home or collector’s display. At Potteries Auctions, we have been selling Moorcroft pottery, from rare vases to stunning lamps, for over 25 years. Moorcroft is highly prized by collectors, and its value has steadily increased over the years. If you are looking to expand …

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What Are My Rare Books Worth? First Editions, Signed Copies & Auction Prices

Antique leather-bound books and first editions have long been treasured by collectors, libraries, and enthusiasts for their craftsmanship, historical significance, and rarity. From 18th-century bindings to early 20th-century first editions, these works often carry both literary and investment value. At Potteries Auctions, we have been valuing and selling rare books, manuscripts, and collectable printed works …

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A Complete Guide to Spode Pottery, China & Marks

Discover the history, identification, and value of Spode pottery and china, including tips on backstamps, markings, and collectible pieces like Christmas dishes. Spode is one of the most iconic names in English ceramics. From classic tableware to collectible pieces, understanding Spode marks, backstamps, and patterns is essential for collectors and anyone looking to buy or …

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Is Royal Worcester Valuable? Prices, Figurines & China Guide (2026)

A Royal Worcester hand-painted fruit still life potpourri vase and cover by H. Ayrton

Royal Worcester is a porcelain brand based in Worcester, England. Established in 1751, they are believed to be one of the oldest remaining English porcelain brand still in existence today. Royal Worcester porcelain can range from decorative pieces worth under £100 to highly sought-after, artist-signed wares achieving thousands at auction. If you would like to …

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What Is My Royal Albert China Worth? Tea Sets & Patterns Buyers Want (2026 Guide)

Royal Albert china has remained one of Britain’s most recognisable and widely collected tableware brands for over a century. At Potteries Auctions, we have been valuing and selling Royal Albert tea sets, dinnerware, and fine bone china for more than 25 years, giving our specialists extensive knowledge of collector demand and current auction values. If …

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Railwayana Valuations & Auctions

Railwayana — the collectable artefacts and memorabilia associated with railways — offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of transportation, engineering, and industrial design. From early railway signs and tickets to model trains, lamps, and signage, these items are highly sought after by collectors, historians, and enthusiasts. At Potteries Auctions, we specialise in high-quality Railwayana …

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Arms, Armour & Militaria Valuations & Auctions

Arms, armour, and militaria have long fascinated collectors, historians, and enthusiasts, representing not only historical significance but also exceptional craftsmanship. From medieval swords and battlefield relics to 20th-century medals, uniforms, and firearms, these items are highly sought after by collectors worldwide. At Potteries Auctions, we specialise in the valuation and sale of high-quality and historically …

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Antique & Collectable Writing Instruments Valuations & Auctions

Writing instruments have been treasured for centuries not just as functional tools, but as symbols of craftsmanship, innovation, and personal style. From early dip pens and fountain pens to luxury ballpoints and rare inkwells, these items are highly collectable among enthusiasts, professionals, and heritage collectors. At Potteries Auctions, we have extensive experience handling antique and …

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