Another of Hansons’ monthly ceramic sales has passed, bringing with it some pleasantly surprising results. Despite ongoing skepticism about the ceramics market, the prices achieved at our March Derbyshire Four-Day Antiques and Collectors Auction surpassed expectations once again.
Ceramics specialist Rob Churchill previously highlighted Royal Crown Derby as one of their regular top sellers, and this trend continued in the latest sale, with strong prices achieved for items featuring the Imari 1128 pattern. Whether decorative or functional pieces, complete sets, part sets, or even damaged sets, this pattern remains a guaranteed success every time it is offered at auction.
In addition to the Imari 1128 pattern, Royal Crown Derby paperweights once again performed well. These items have consistently proven to be reliable sellers with solid prices in previous sales, but this time, a remarkable collection of paperweights from the same vendor exceeded all expectations. The first 64 lots of the sale were paperweights, sold in groups, and every group sold strongly. Not a single paperweight from the collection went unsold. Indeed, this pattern could be said to apply to every piece of Royal Crown Derby in the sale, regardless of type.
One particularly pleasant surprise came from Lot 1066—a pair of Derby Peacocks. Normally overshadowed by the paperweights, these two delicate, ornately decorated peacocks outperformed expectations. Initially estimated at £50 to £80 based on previous sales, these quality items fetched a hammer price of £290, showcasing the strength of the Royal Crown Derby market.
Another notable highlight was Lot 1079, featuring a Royal Worcester rope-edged plate decorated with fruits and signed by the artist T. Lockyer. Produced in the early 20th century, the plate was given a pre-sale estimate of £80 to £120, but it soared to a hammer price of £420, further proving that the market for such pieces continues to grow.
A particularly strong section of the sale was the group of 20 lots featuring coffee cans with silver can holders. All 20 lots sold, and each raised unexpectedly strong prices. Brands such as Aynsley, Coalport, Shelley, Limoges, and once again, Royal Crown Derby, were among the groups that exceeded their estimates, underscoring the value of these items. This collection, like many others, was consigned by a single vendor.
Meissen, a name often associated with the pinnacle of ceramic artistry, continued its dominance in the market. Five lots of Meissen were featured in the sale, with each shallow bowl or dish decorated with similar leaf and floral designs, but each piece differing slightly in decoration. Each lot was estimated at £100 to £150, and all sold for prices above the estimate: £180, £230, £240, £200, and £210.
The sale also featured a selection of dinner and tea ware sets, which are typically an exciting part of these auctions. Among them was a set of Spode ‘Fleur de Lys Gold’ dinner and tea ware. Of exceptional quality, this set, estimated at £100 to £150, surpassed expectations, fetching a hammer price of £850.
Another highlight came in the form of a box containing a part tea service of hand-painted Vienna Porcelain (Lot 1306). The lot, given a pre-sale estimate of £100 to £200, easily surpassed its estimate, selling for £620.
A final noteworthy lot was Lot 1291, a small collection of Royal Crown Derby 1128 pattern items. Featuring a mix of first and second-quality cups and saucers, tea plates, a coffee pot, sugar bowl, and cream jug, this lot was estimated at £150 to £200, despite damage to the coffee pot. Nonetheless, the lot fetched an impressive hammer price of £460, a testament to the enduring appeal of the Derby 1128 pattern.
Looking ahead, Rob is confident that future sales will continue to feature compelling ceramics. Several items, including more Royal Crown Derby 1128 pattern pieces, are already consigned for next month’s auction taking place across three days from the 17th to the 23rd April.
Hansons Auctioneers welcomes anyone interested in ceramics to visit their saleroom in Etwall for free valuations. Whether consigning items for auction or seeking expert advice, the team is happy to assist.
For those looking to sell ceramics, there are several ways to get in touch: by emailing [email protected] for reception enquiries, or directly contacting Rob Churchill at [email protected], or Gill Finney at [email protected]. Alternatively, they can be reached by calling the reception on 01283 733988.
For those wishing to buy ceramics, Hansons holds monthly auctions, as well as fine art and iconic design sales, many of which feature ceramics by various manufacturers. Full details can be found on the company’s website, www.hansonsauctioneers.co.uk.
Upcoming Auction Information
Auction: Derby April Three-Day Antiques & Collectors
Auction date: 17th – 23rd April 2025 | 9:30am
Location: Hansons Derbyshire Saleroom
Auction contact: [email protected]
Catalogue/bidding: www.hansonslive.co.uk | www.the-saleroom.com
