Two phone lines were booked for Susan, a Royal Albert figure, which was estimated at £800-1200. The auctioneers took £1050 on a similar figure just before Christmas. The value has risen since and this example sold at £1500 to a collector in the room.
Other Royal Albert successes included good prices for seconds: Thomasina Tittlemouse and Old Mr Brown made £750 and Old Mr Prickle-pin and The Old Woman, took £600.
The auctioneers felt that the interest shown in the Royal Albert pieces has underlined their increasing popularity against those other anthropomorphic figures such as the traditional brown back stamped Beatrix Potter figures.
Moorcroft made a strong showing at this sale and, although there was nothing outstanding, all offered pieces sold.
A 61/2in (17cm) Pomegranate ovoid vase took £380 and a Wisteria patterned ovoid vase took £270. Amongst the Wade pieces the top seller was a prototype Faust Lang Panther on a Rock which brought £670.
Potteries Specialist Auctions, Cobridge
March 23
Buyer’s premium: 10 per cent
Royal Albert rules in the Potteries
Royal Doulton and Moorcroft collectors are always in abundance at these sales in the heart of the Potteries, and if their specialisms within their subjects sometimes make for hard going at the rostrum, the increasing demand for Royal Albert pieces was well catered for.
