These early pieces have inspired the company’s latest models. They also inspired buyers from around Britain and further afield with the best money taken by this early 19th century French copper can, right, with a large integral rose. Estimated at £800-1200, the 15in (38cm) high can took £2400.
Other notable bids were £1200 on an 18th century Dutch brass can with embossed decoration including female heads to the top and a detachable rose and £1000 on a 16in (40cm) high, early 19th century French copper can with a detachable copper rose.
Roses blooming at Sussex
Included among the fountains, wellheads and lead figures at Sotheby’s Sussex on 20-21 May were 18 watering cans from the collection built up over 15 years by John Massey, a senior director of the famous Haws Watering Can Company for over 25 years.
