The example offered by Kinghams (23% buyer’s premium) in Moreton-in-Marsh on October 6 was by TJ & J Mayer, a commercial rival to F&R Pratt of Fenton, the leading manufacturer of pot lids and a huge range of related wares.
It was part of a collection of pot lids and associated wares that (although the estimates did not suggest it) included a number of rarities.
While not obvious from the image of three Victorian ladies enjoying the theatre, this 9 x 6in (22 x 16cm) plaque promotes the merits of Rowland’s Odonto, a tooth-whitening product.
A similar piece was sold by Berkshire specialist Historical & Collectable in June 2001 for £3000 so this Gloucestershire example – part of a collection of pot lids and advertising wares – attracted a huge number of admirers at its £60-100 estimate. It took £3400.
Oil extra
As serendipity had it, another Meyer plaque made for Rowland’s appeared for sale at Historical & Collectable (20% buyer’s premium) on October 18 guided at £300-600. It depicts a maid combing the hair of a lady and is titled Rowland’s Macassar Oil.
Proving that the price at Kinghams was no fluke, it took £1500, despite a hair crack to the corner.
