When Should I Hang Onto My Piece vs Selling at Auction?
In the fast-paced auction world, it’s easy to be swept up by the thrill of seeing items find new homes and bidders who appreciate their unique qualities. But when should you consider holding onto an item, rather than parting with it? Whether you’re a collector or someone who has inherited a family heirloom, certain pieces …
Isabella Pope Studio Pottery: Her Life’s Work
Isabella Pope: an English studio potter and teacher about whom little is known, but whose unusual and technically proficient Planet Pots have intrigued and enthralled buyers every time they have appeared at auction. This dazzling assortment of Isabella Pope’s Planet Pots, bowls, figures and more will be featured across our November 2024 and March 2025 …
Gold Coin Necklaces | Buy at Auction
A stunning pendant paired with a simple chain; our gold coin necklaces are perfect for various occasions. But why settle for a standard branded necklace when you could own a one-of-a-kind piece? Every second hand gold coin necklace that comes through our doors is truly unique. Half sovereign gold coin necklace c1892 in a 9ct …
Why Go to Auction for Your Christmas Gifts?
As the festive season soon approaches, many of us face the annual challenge of finding the perfect Christmas gifts for our loved ones. With the high street and online stores brimming with mass-produced items, it can be hard to come up with something truly unique and meaningful. So this year, why not step away from …
The Sellars’ Legacy at Auction: Stoke City Football Memorabilia
Everyone knows there’s a fortune to be made in football memorabilia, but the real treasure? The stories behind it all. Football memorabilia belonging to Stoke City Football Club player Harry Sellars, who played between 1923 and 1935, has been consigned to Potteries Auctions by his grandchildren, Victoria Cole-Porter and Mark Porter. They hope these cherished items …
Potteries Auctions Breaks House Record with £49,000 Gold Coin
Potteries Auctions have officially set two new auction house records, breaking the highest hammer total in a single day at £320,000, and the most expensive lot sold at £49,000. Valuer Roderick Gibson with the star of the show, the 2021 fine gold .999 1 kilo coin commemorating the late Queen’s 95th birthday Roderick Gibson who …
Why You Should Buy Mid-Century Furniture at Auction
Mid-century furniture is very on trend nowadays, with a resurgence in appreciation for retro aesthetics and interior design. And with everybody looking to hop on the mid-century furniture bandwagon, finding good pieces for an affordable price can be a challenge. This is where Potteries Auctions comes in! We regularly see many fabulous mid-century pieces pass …
Singapore to Crufts: The Estate of Ruth Evans and Her Life
At Potteries Auctions, we’re privileged to encounter unique and fascinating valuables from around the globe, especially during our house clearance endeavours. Over the years, we’ve uncovered a vast array of items in our house clearances, from Russian silver spoons and South African Krugerrands to a WWII German U-Boat clock and even Honduran cigars. However, our …
Rare Single-Owner Coin Collection Coming up at Auction: Why Old Doesn’t Always Mean More Valuable
At Potteries Auctions, we’re always on the lookout for large specialist single-owner collections that we can give the respect and attention they deserve with their own exclusive timed auction. This bespoke service enables us to showcase the collection to its fullest potential, with a targeted marketing approach that ensures reaches the right demographic and increases …
What’s My Wade Pottery Worth at Auction?
Wade Ceramics Ltd, a company whose roots can be traced back over 200 years, was the latest major name in the world of pottery to fall into administration. If you think your Wade pottery is worth nothing now though, you would be mistaken! The Wade factory premises at Festival Park, Etruria, in 2011. (Credit: thepotteries.org) …
Selling Clarice Cliff Pottery at Auction: What’s it Worth?
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 …
Selling Your Single-Owner Collection with an Exclusive Timed Auction
Selling a single-owner collection at auction offers many advantages for both the seller and for potential buyers. These benefits stem from the unique nature of single-owner collections, which often tell a story, reflect a particular taste or passion, and offer a level of rarity and history that can enhance the appeal of the items being …
The Benefits of a Full House Clearance Service for Auction After a Loved One’s Passing
Losing a loved one is a deeply emotional and challenging experience. Amidst the mourning and the myriad responsibilities that follow, dealing with the belongings left behind can be overwhelming. It’s a situation many people face: the need to clear a house of personal items, furniture and other possessions, and often under the weight of grief …
Healing Spaces: How House Clearances Can Aid in the Grieving Process
The loss of a loved one is an emotionally taxing experience that often leaves us grappling with a mix of sadness, nostalgia and the daunting task of managing their estate. Amidst the whirlwind of funeral arrangements and reliving memories, the process of clearing out a home on top of that can be incredibly overwhelming. That’s …
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, …
What to expect from selling at your first auction
The prospect of selling your possessions at auction for the first time can be a daunting one if you don’t know what to expect. Here at Potteries Auctions, we host regular auctions both in-person across our two saleroom sites as well as online, that allow you to access an incredible audience of eager bidders and …
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 …
Shining Success: What Our Bidders Bought This May
Our May 2024 Antique & Collectors auction saw a gleaming collection of 9ct and 18ct gold jewellery, pottery and collectibles going under the hammer. Here’s our top 10 picks: Knot Ring Not Ignored We’re always on the lookout for great pieces of gold jewellery like this. This wonderful 18ct gold knot ring snagged the attention …
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 …
Can I get down on one knee with a vintage ring from auction?
When it comes to deciding to pop the question, choosing the perfect engagement ring for your partner is just as – if not maybe even more – important as the proposal itself. Not only does your choice in ring embody your promise of forever, but it also shows that you really know your significant other …
What are the Most Valuable Tea Sets? And the Least Valuable?
As auctioneers, immersed in the world of tea sets, we’re eager to show you the valuable tea sets currently captivating the market, alongside those quietly awaiting their moment in the spotlight. For every teapot and cup, there lies a story, and within these tales, fortunes may await. Royal Crown Derby Imari pattern 6299 Miniature Tea …
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 …
Tick-Tock Triumphs… Our Bidders Top Picks
Our April 2024 Antique & Collectors auction was a resounding success, offering a stunning range of items. Including a stellar selection of timepieces, here’s our top-performing lots: A Pocketful of Time An exquisite and ornate piece with a gold dial, this 18ct gold 19th century pocket watch with key exhibited a captivating allure and wound …
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 …