However, the crowd, which more than justified hopes raised on view days, were prepared to overlook this on most pieces including this Kingsware tobacco jar, right, shaped as a pipe. Dated c.1913, it was signed Noke, who rarely decorated Kingsware and this was enough to take it above estimate to a bid of £480.
Ceramics generally were the main interest of the Surrey sale, with 17 of a 21-lot entry of Welsh Gaudy pieces finding buyers. Best price here was the £800 which secured a jug and basin in the Welsh Basket of Flowers pattern.
Top price of the 600 or so lots offered on the day was the £1000 which secured a heavily carved Victorian oak library table.
Noke’s name ups tobacco price
THE only problem with a number of highly-collectable Doulton pieces put into the January 30 sale at Dorking held by Crow’s Auction Gallery (10% buyer’s premium) was restoration, and estimates reflected this.
