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.

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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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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Are Tea Sets Worth Anything? Value Guide + Most Valuable Brands (2026)

Tea sets are more than just functional items—they are pieces of history, artistry, and culture. From classic Royal Albert patterns to rare Shelley chintz designs, every tea set has a story, and some of these stories are worth a small fortune. This guide helps you understand which tea sets are most valuable, which ones are …

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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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Antique & Collectable Maps Valuations & Auctions

Antique maps offer a fascinating glimpse into history, geography, and the art of cartography. From 16th-century hand-drawn charts to 19th-century printed maps, these items are highly prized by collectors, historians, and interior enthusiasts alike. At Potteries Auctions, we have extensive experience handling antique and collectable maps at auction. Our specialists regularly assess maps of all …

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Antique Barometer: The Complete Collector’s Guide to Auction

Barometers have been both functional instruments and decorative objects for centuries, valued for their precision, craftsmanship, and timeless appeal. From antique mercury wheel barometers to aneroid and stick barometers, these pieces remain highly collectable among enthusiasts and interior collectors alike. At Potteries Auctions, we have extensive experience handling barometers at auction, regularly valuing and selling …

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The Ultimate Guide to Swarovski Resale Value: What Sells, What Doesn’t, and How to Get the Best Price

Swarovski crystals are renowned for their dazzling sparkle, durability, and affordability compared to real diamonds. But do these beautiful crystals hold any real value in the resale market? Whether you’re a collector, reseller, or just curious about your old pieces, understanding what drives Swarovski resale value can help you make smarter decisions. In this guide, …

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Royal Doulton Markings Guide: Identify & Value Your Pottery

At Potteries Auctions, we have over 25 years of experience valuing and selling Royal Doulton pottery. This expert Royal Doulton markings guide will help you identify backstamps, understand pattern codes, and determine the age and value of your pieces. Whether you’re a collector, inheritor, or looking to sell Royal Doulton figurines or tableware, understanding markings …

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Why Collecting Swarovski Crystals is a Timeless Hobby

The excitement is building! Our Swarovski Crystal Auction on 9th April 2026 is set to feature some of the most exquisite pieces ever designed. Collectors and enthusiasts will not want to miss these iconic crystal figures. For over a century, Swarovski crystals have captivated collectors, designers, and enthusiasts worldwide. From sparkling figurines to elegant jewellery, …

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Top 5 Retired Swarovski Pieces to Watch in Our April Auction

The countdown is on! Our Swarovski Crystal Auction on 9th April 2026 is set to feature some of the most exquisite retired pieces ever designed. Collectors and enthusiasts alike will not want to miss these iconic crystal figures. Today, we highlight 5 standout lots that are expected to turn heads and possibly set new bidding …

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Are Swarovski Crystals Worth Anything? Value & Selling Guide

Swarovski crystal figurines, jewellery, and collectables remain hugely popular — but many owners ask the same question: are Swarovski crystals actually worth anything? The answer is yes — but value varies significantly depending on rarity, condition, and collector demand. Some pieces sell for modest amounts, while rare or boxed collections can achieve hundreds of pounds …

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Buy Rare Royal Doulton Bunnykins Figurines

Royal Doulton Bunnykins figurines have become some of the most collectible and valuable pieces of British ceramics, with demand continuing to grow among collectors in the UK and worldwide. Originally introduced as nursery tableware in 1934, Bunnykins expanded into figurines in 1939, with just six early designs produced before the outbreak of WWII halted production. …

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Wedgwood Jasperware Valuation: See Rare Pieces Sell for Thousands at Auction

This pair of modern Wedgwood Jasperware incense burners on Dolphin shaped tripods sold for £650 last year. Wedgwood Pottery has remained collectable since its founding in 1759. Potteries Auctions have been selling Wedgwood Jasperware, tableware, and collectable ceramics for over 25 years, so you can count on our vast knowledge in this incredibly diverse field. …

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Are Moorcroft Vases Valuable? Prices, Rare Designs & Auction Results

Moorcroft vases can range from £100 decorative pieces to rare examples worth £10,000–£17,000 at auction. Early William Moorcroft designs, flambe glazes and rare shapes are particularly sought after by collectors. At Potteries Auctions, we have been selling Moorcroft pottery for over 25 years and regularly achieve strong prices for rare and early pieces. In this …

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Is Clarice Cliff Pottery Valuable? Auction Prices & Selling Guide

Clarice Cliff was a pioneer in the world of early 20th-century ceramics, blending bold colours, innovative shapes and Art Deco designs to create pieces that remain both popular and influential today. Her pottery not only reflects the artistic trends of the time, but also showcases her unique vision and creativity. Whether you’re an avid Clarice …

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Which Beswick Horses Sell Well? Rare Models & Auction Prices Guide (2026)

Certain Beswick horse figures consistently achieve strong prices at auction — particularly rare colourways, early model numbers and limited or prototype examples. At Potteries Auctions, we have been selling Beswick horses for over 25 years and have handled some of the highest-value examples to come to market. In this guide, we explore what makes a …

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Beswick Pottery Marks & Backstamps Guide – How to Identify & Date Your Piece (2026)

If you’re trying to identify a Beswick pottery figure, the backstamp on the base can help determine its age, authenticity and potential value. At Potteries Auctions, we have been selling Beswick figures and ceramics for over 25 years. From single animal models to extensive private collections, our specialists regularly handle rare and early examples, giving …

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Coalport China Marks & Backstamps Guide – How to Identify & Date Your Piece

If you’re trying to identify a piece of Coalport porcelain, the backstamp or printed mark on the base can help determine its age, authenticity and potential value. Coalport china marks evolved over more than two centuries, making accurate identification essential for collectors and sellers alike. At Potteries Auctions, we have handled and sold Coalport porcelain …

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Minton Pottery Marks & Backstamps Guide — How to Identify & Value Your Piece (2026)

Established in 1793, Minton Pottery is one of Britain’s most celebrated ceramics manufacturers, producing fine bone china, porcelain, encaustic tiles, and decorative wares for over two centuries. Today, antique Minton pieces — particularly early examples and rare designer collaborations — are highly sought after by collectors. At Potteries Auctions, we have over 25 years’ experience …

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How Much Is Royal Albert Old Country Roses Worth? Selling Guide & Auction Prices (2026)

Royal Albert’s Old Country Roses has been one of the world’s most recognisable fine china patterns since its introduction in 1962. At Potteries Auctions, we have been valuing and selling Royal Albert china for over 25 years, regularly handling Old Country Roses collections ranging from modest part sets to large multi-hundred-piece services. If you would …

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