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.

Rare Royal Doulton Under the Hammer

Rare Royal Doulton figures continue to hold a genuine allure for buyers, with a diverse range of collectible pieces that regularly achieve high prices at auction. Examples from the 1920s and 30s in particular attract significant interest; their quality, rarity and age being significant factors. There’s also the association with royal endorsement to be considered, …

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What’s My Mouseman Furniture Worth? Mid-Century Furniture at Auction

Robert “Mouseman” Thompson furniture is well-known for its traditional styling, excellent build quality and, of course, his ubiquitous carved mouse trademark. Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson’s trademark carved mouse. (Credit: easyliveauction.com) Rejecting modern techniques, Thompson championed traditional construction methods, favouring the adze as his tool of choice. Carrying these ideals forward, he built a business that continues …

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How to Spot Fake Moorcroft Pottery

Highly prized by collectors since the 1800’s and still exceptionally collectible today, Moorcroft pottery is a favourite among our buyers, and you’ll find items with varying degrees of rarity, age, pattern, shape and form featured in the vast majority of our auctions. With this popularity, however, means that unfortunately there’s also plenty of fake Moorcroft …

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How to Spot Fake Royal Worcester Pottery

Good quality porcelain is often copied, and unfortunately the beautiful work of Royal Worcester is no exception, with plenty of convincing fake pottery pieces on the market. Need help deciding whether you have a fake Royal Worcester piece on your hands? Read on for some handy tips and tricks for how to spot fake Royal …

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Why are Enamel Boxes so Popular?

Enamel boxes such as those made by Moorcroft Enamels, Halcyon Days and others are highly sought-after and collectible items, owed in no small part to the time and skill it takes to produce one. The Process Copper blanks, after pressing. (Credit: www.halcyondays.co.uk) To begin with, thin copper sheets are pressed into shape. They are then …

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Is Lorna Bailey Pottery Collectable?

In the realm of collectables, few things hold the allure and charm of pottery. Each piece tells a story, weaving together craftsmanship, history and artistic expression. Among the many pottery brands that have left their mark on British pottery enthusiasts, one name that stands out is Lorna Bailey. Lorna Bailey’s journey into creating pottery started …

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Antique Furniture: Refresh Your Home

It’s still early in the year, and spring is about to arrive, so why not give your antique furniture the refresh it needs with Potteries Auctions? This Edwardian glazed double fronted display cabinet sold for £420 in a recent Antique Furniture & Collectors sale Giving your interior a new lease of life can be a …

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9ct Gold Jewellery, British Pottery & More up for Auction in February 2024

This Lot of three Shelley Mode shape trios, together with an Eve shape trio, will be featured in our February Antique & Collectors auction. Lot 499A, estimate £100-£150 We have some fantastic items coming up in this month’s Antique & Collectors auction. Fancy treating yourself to a new watch? Feel like your home interior needs …

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Antique Furniture for Sale in January 2024

The New Year beckons, and with it comes an opportunity to spruce up your home with some quality furniture items. January 2024 at Potteries Auctions promises a wonderful collection of 19th Century, Victorian and Edwardian antique furniture for sale. Lot 479 in our January 12th Antique & Collectors auction is this lovely heavily carved glazed …

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De Lamerie Fine Bone China & Glassware

We sell De Lamerie China, Crystal and Silverware crafted in Stoke-on-Trent and loved by collectors worldwide. To be featured in our November Fine Art auction, Lot 1070 is a fine set of four Samarkand pattern dinner plates, with an estimate of £80-£160. De Lamerie Fine Bone China utilises designs and moulds by, or inspired by, …

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Rare Royal Doulton Figures for Sale

We are accustomed to seeing rare Royal Doulton figures in our sales, ranging from Jesters to Jockeys. Take a look at the valuable Doulton figures we have in our next sale. How Can You Spot a Rare Royal Doulton Figure? To start with, limited edition pieces, denoted by corresponding markings to the base, are likely …

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A Guide to Hammersley China Markings and Backstamps

Hammersley China is a name synonymous with timeless beauty and exquisite craftsmanship, and has enchanted collectors for generations. If you’ve come across a piece of Hammersley chinaware or are considering adding it to your collection, understanding how to identify Hammersley china markings and backstamps is essential. Located in The Potteries – just like we are! …

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Selling Royal Crown Derby at Auction: What’s it Worth?

Royal Crown Derby is one of the oldest remaining English ceramics manufacturers, based in Osmaston Road, Derby. The company is known for its high-quality bone china and has been producing tableware and ornamental ware since 1750. Through their ranges of products and patterns, the Royal Crown Derby name has become synonymous with quality and desirability. …

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Revisiting our July 2023 Fine Arts Sale

There was plenty of excitement for our July Fine Art auction, with some fantastic collections of rare ceramics and jewellery going under the hammer. From the Wade factory archives, the quirky and one-of-a-kind piece ‘Ivy’ was contested up to a hammer price of £4,200. Highlights from the July Sale Prominently featured was the second part …

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The Creative Minds Behind our Moorcroft Collections

Moorcroft pottery is a staple of our auctions, with rare, sought-after items sold each sale. Let’s look at the creatives behind these works. This wonderful Swallow Tail trial vase will be featured in our upcoming November Fine Art auction, with an estimate of £900-£1,800. William Moorcroft’s Vision William Moorcroft began his career in 1897, when …

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Fake or Genuine: Vintage Nautical Collectibles

Vintage and antique nautical items are highly collectible and include all sorts of brass instruments such as compasses, sextants and telescopes, along with bridge furnishings like ship’s wheels, bells, engine room telegraphs and external navigation lights. They’re all functional and decorative items that hark back to a bygone era of sailing history. Knowing the provenance …

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Auction Preview: 20th Century Pottery, Jewellery & Furniture

Sep 2023 This month we have over 2,000 lots for you to explore over 3 auctions of 20th Century Pottery, Collectables, Jewellery and Furniture. You can view the catalogues for auctions here. A quick reminder that we are offering a reduced buyer’s premium of 20% for all in-person bidders, so come on down to our …

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Pâte-sur-Pâte: From Paris to Stoke-on-Trent

Pâte-sur-pâte is a specialised decorative technique. Highly sought after, pâte-sur-pâte manufacturers in Stoke-on-Trent saw great success in the 19th and 20th centuries. History of the Technique The technique was developed in the mid-1850s by Parisian ceramics producer Sèvres in an attempt at recreating an earlier Chinese technique. It involves building up multiple layers of white …

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Stoke-on-Trent Potters Spotlight

Stoke-on-Trent has a rich history steeped in pottery and artistry. But it’s not just a historical tale; it’s a living, breathing canvas of talented local artists and potters who continue to shape the city’s vibrant arts scene. Join us as we take a closer look at Stoke-on-Trent’s local artists and potters, where tradition meets innovation …

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Rare Wileman & Shelley Intarsio for Sale in November 2023

We have an incredible collection of Wileman & Shelley Intarsio Ware coming up in our November Fine Art auction. This blog will explore the world of Intarsio products, which add significant value to any collection. If you’re considering selling your cherished Wileman & Shelley collection, you’re likely aware of the brand’s reputation for timeless pieces. …

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Clarice Cliff’s Rhodanthe: Rare Collection Up For Auction

Coming Nov ’23 We are thrilled to present an exceptional collection of Clarice Cliff’s Rhodanthe designs. This was acquired from a passionate collector who meticulously preserved these treasures. Our auction, scheduled for November, offers an opportunity for individuals to own a piece of design history from one of the most renowned ceramic artists of all …

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170 Lots of Unique Kevin Francis / Peggy Davis Collectables

Kevin Francis collectables are synonymous with unconventional handcrafted figurines that delight collectors everywhere. Since 1981, they have been wowing collectors with their daring and unconventional handcrafted figurines that defy the ordinary. With traditional production methods, their brazen designs stand out, attracting enthusiasts from all corners of the globe. Lot 401: Kevin Francis / Peggy Davies …

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How Well Do Optics Sell at Auction?

As decorative and functional pieces, all kinds of optical items can be of interest to collectors – but what kinds are sought-after, and how well do optics sell at auction? To start with, vintage binoculars can be a popular collector’s item – especially ones of high quality, including vintage military iterations. In addition to the …

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British Pottery, Furniture, Dinner & Teaware Cobridge Auction Preview

July 2023 Our second Cobridge sale of this month is just around the corner! We couldn’t be more excited to showcase a fantastic selection of Pottery, Furniture, Dinner & Teaware. There are a number of many unreserved items as well! Let’s dive right into the preview of our most anticipated items, and you can view …

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