A Lowestoft blue and white mug with the inscription John Elden Carpenter at Calthorp c.1765 is the only recorded example which bears the name and occupation of the individual. Elden is buried in the churchyard at Calthorpe in north Norfolk, a few miles from the Keys saleroom.
Last sold in 2015, the estimate on March 27 (the first day of a three-day event) is £5000-7000.
Last on the market in October 1982 (when sold at Christie’s), a typical ‘trifles’ inkwell, decorated with cornflower sprigs and inscribed A Trifle from Lowestoft, c.1790, is estimated at £3000-4000.
A Worcester Scratch Cross period blue and white mug with an applied face to the lower handle terminal is a piece described by John Sandon in his Dictionary of Worcester Porcelain as “among the rarest of Worcester blue and white” – the damaged example in the Bernard Watney collection selling at £5000.
This example, also badly damaged, carries an accessible guide of £300-400.
As reported in January, the Norfolk auction house marked the end of its 65th year in business by gaining independence from Norwich-based property services group Arnolds Keys.
