Split across 20 lots in Penkridge, Staffordshire, more than 60 pieces consigned by a local vendor encouraged bidders to register from Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Austria, with particular interest from collectors in the US.
A number of rarities were offered carrying the early black stamp – dating them to the first period of factory production in Co Fermanagh (1863-91).
Belleek tobacco jar modelled as a brewer – £950 at Cuttlestones.
These included a curious 8in (20cm) tobacco jar modelled as a jovial brewer who stands, hands on hips, on a rockwork base before two barrels surmounted by frothing mugs of ale.
This is one of a handful of similar figures produced in small numbers in the late 19th century that appears in the factory records as Tobacco Brewer. Only a handful have appeared for sale in the past 20 years; this one bringing £950.
Eagerly contested
A part lily of the valley pattern teaset from a Belleek group lot – £2300 at Cuttlestones.
The most eagerly contested lot was a mixed group of pieces from varying eras including a First Period part tea set (tray, teapot and cream jug) decorated with sprays of lily of the valley.
Although a popular and recurring Belleek motif, this particular pattern is seemingly not one of the many recorded by Marion Langham in the factory history Belleek Irish Porcelain An Illustrated Guide to over 2000 pieces (1993). This was the attraction of a lot sold for £2300.
Photographic plaque in an ebonised frame – £400 at Cuttlestones.
A pair of 10in (25cm) twin-handled vases with hand-painted rose blooms, very similar to a pair pictured in that same book, sold for £950, while a curious photographic portrait of a Victorian lady printed to a Belleek plaque in an ebonised frame brought £400.
