Located in the heart of Derbyshire, Hansons Derbyshire Saleroom in Etwall is not only the headquarters of our operations but also the vibrant auction house for a wide range of specialist auctions. This is where we host an exciting array of sales, from collectibles and antiques to Toys, Militaria, Coins, and much much more.
Situated within beautiful landscaped gardens in Staffordshire, Bishton Hall, a grade II listed Georgian mansion, creates the period setting to assess and showcase antiques.
Hansons Richmond builds on the success of monthly London Fine Art & Antiques sales led by a dedicated team since 2018. Situated in a highly regarded area of the capital, it offers a complete range of auction services.
Welcome to Hanson's Newark, where we honour the timeless tradition of the classic auction experience. Formerly known as Northgate Auction Rooms, we continue to uphold the old-school values of live, in-person bidding, bringing the excitement and authenticity of traditional auctions to the heart of Newark.
Nestled in West Cornwall, Hansons Auctioneers in Penzance offers a warm and welcoming environment for buyers, sellers, and collectors alike. As part of the renowned Hansons Auctioneers network, our Penzance saleroom provides a unique and personalised auction experience.
Hansons’ Kent is located close to the market town of Tonbridge in the picturesque village of Penshurst on the Kent/Sussex border. Situated in the beautiful grounds of the Penshurst Estate, we are ideally located to welcome you for valuations and sale days.
Hanson Holloway’s operates from the longest-established saleroom in the historic market town of Banbury. As well as Oxfordshire, it serves the neighbouring counties of Buckinghamshire, Warwickshire and Northamptonshire.
Hanson's Hertfordshire is based in Royston and operates jewellery, fine art & collectables auctions and valuations throughout Hertfordshire and surrounding areas, including Cambridgeshire, Essex, Suffolk and North London.
Based in Woburn and Aspley Guise we hold jewellery, silver, fine collectable auctions from the Woburn Hotel. Valuations throughout Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire.
Hansons Norfolk is based in Roughton, North Norfolk. Just 5 miles from the seaside town of Cromer, Hansons Norfolk holds jewellery, silver, fine art and collectables auctions and valuation days as well as free home visits for larger collections.
Hansons Auctioneers is pleased to work with Rare Book Auctions in Lichfield, managed by Jim Spencer. Rare Book Auctions hold dedicated monthly sales of antiquarian books, modern firsts, manuscripts, autograph letters, photographs, ephemera, prints & caricatures, and maps & globes.
Derby, a city renowned for its rich history, has long been the home of a diverse array of iconic achievements. From its railway legacy to the world-famous Rolls Royce, Derby claims its rightful place as the “World’s Ale Capital.” Of course, fans of Derby County are proud of the club’s storied past. However, one of Derby’s hidden gems often goes unrecognised: its role as the birthplace of England’s oldest porcelain manufacturer.
Founded around 1750 as ‘Derby Porcelain,’ the company became known as ‘Crown Derby’ in 1773. In 1890, the addition of ‘Royal’ by George III in recognition of the company’s excellence, alongside the Royal Crown backstamp, cemented the brand’s place in history.
Over the years, many pieces have stood out to collectors, but none have taken the spotlight quite like the Imari pattern. Though Imari was originally a port town in Japan’s Kyushu Island, its connection to Derby dates back to the late 19th century. While Imari itself hails from Arita, a nearby town in Japan known for its porcelain, it was the Osmaston Road factory in Derby where this design truly came to life.
A Royal Crown Derby 1128 Imari pattern comport
Karl Martin, Senior Valuer and Georgian Specialist at Hanson’s Auctioneers, has a deep understanding and appreciation for the Imari pattern’s significance to Derby’s porcelain legacy. “Originally called the Dewsbury pattern of 1775,” Karl explains, “the Imari style became synonymous with Royal Crown Derby in 1882. It quickly became the preferred design for tea and dinner services, symbolising the highest quality porcelain made in Derby.”
This signature pattern, featuring intricate designs in blue and red with gold embellishments, captured the attention of the wealthy elite of late Georgian and Victorian England. In fact, owning a collection of Imari china was a common way for families to display their status and wealth.
Karl emphasises that keen collectors should look for signs of quality, including specific colour variations and markings. A scratch through the backstamp was often used to denote lower-quality pieces, creating a distinction between first and second-quality items. Additionally, subtle shifts in colour over time—such as the paler blue paint used in the early 20th century—can help identify a piece’s age.
Hansons Auctioneers’ Ceramics Specialist, Robert Churchill, comments that Royal Crown Derby’s Imari pieces continue to attract strong demand at auction. The recent February Antiques and Collectors auction proved that these items retain their value. Lot 1108, featuring a Royal Crown Derby Imari 1128 collection—including a ewer, lidded twin-handled dish, trinket box, pin dish, and a small comport—sold for £580, far exceeding its £200-£300 estimate. Lot 1121, a fluted footed comport, achieved a price of £540, and Lot 1125, which included a footed comport, trinket box, and two coffee cans, fetched £280.
Royal Crown Derby paperweights also continue to be highly sought after, with 16 lots from the February sale bringing in a total of £1,640. From penguins to kangaroos, and exotic creatures from around the globe, these charming pieces always attract avid collectors.
Hansons’ Ceramics Specialist, Robert Churchill
Robert remarks, ‘As a native of Stoke-on-Trent, I take great pride in my connection to the ceramic industry, which has fostered my deep appreciation for the exceptional quality of Royal Crown Derby pieces that arrive in our saleroom. The Imari pattern from Royal Crown Derby is a lasting tribute to the craftsmanship and dedication that has long been at the heart of Derby’s heritage.’
If you’re interested in joining the ranks of collectors, Royal Crown Derby items are being accepted for Hansons’ March Antiques and Collectors Auction, running from the 13th to the 18th March. To arrange a free valuation, contact the team at [email protected] or call 01283 733988.
