Selected items from a private collection of a titled family

The sale starts with selected items from a private collection of a titled family (Lots 1-89). Amongst furniture, works of art and ceramics, a highlight is Lot 43, a 20th century rocking horse. Always popular in a children’s nursery or playroom these stand the test of time. Modelled as a ‘dappled grey’ on a rocker base, it comes with tack and saddle.

British and European Ceramics

The auction offers a beautiful selection of British and European ceramics. A highlight is Lot 188, a Berlin (K.P.M.) part dessert service, dating from circa 1910. Each plate is designed with a pierced and parcel gilt border and is centrally painted with a floral spray, including representations of clematis, dog-rose, and anemone.⁠ ⁠

Königliche Porzellan Manufaktur (also known as KPM) is the Royal Porcelain Factory in Berlin. It was founded by King Frederick II of Prussia in 1763. From his purchase it became a model of how to run a business. The workforce included no child labour, there were regular working hours, above-average incomes, secure pensions, a healthcare fund, as well as assistance for widows and orphans.⁠

Continuing in this category we also have a charming group of 19th century British pearlware cow creamers (Lots 120-123), typically modelled as cows. Cow creamers first became fashionable in the 18th century in both Dutch and British circles, with tea and coffee becoming increasingly popular, and the need to create items for the preparation and serving of these hot beverages.

First thought of by potters and silversmiths, these novelty cow creamers have remained popular even up to the present day. Pottery examples were likely more affordable than their silver counterparts, making them more available to the wider population and relatively more collectible to the rural middle classes. A well known collection is the Keiller Collection, the largest collection in a public museum, consisting of 667 cow creamers which can be viewed at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent.

18th century glassware

The popularity for collecting of 18th century English drinking glasses remains strong in today's market. We are pleased to be offering a wonderful range of antique wine glasses, dating from the 18th century in different styles and decorations. These come to auction from a private Gloucestershire collection and previously with the likes of Jeanette Hayhurst and Tony Werneke.

Included in the sale are examples of air-twist, facetted stemmed, and plain stemmed glasses as well as a rare colour-twist wine glass (Lot 228).  This was previously with Jeanette Hayhurst and features a bell shaped bowl with a solid lower section and is supported on a triple-knopped stem with red, blue, green and opaque-white tapes about a central gauze cable.  It stands 17cm high on its conical foot.

A George II wing armchair

The auction also features a range of antique and modern furniture. A great piece is Lot 118, a George II walnut and upholstered wing armchair. The frame dates from 1740, however the chair has recently been reupholstered in a striking grey chevron fabric, giving it a modern refresh either to sit within a traditional country house interior or in a more contemporary interior.

A domestic post box

Finally, a rather fun object is Lot 267, an early 20th century painted wood and brass mounted domestic post box. It is designed in the form of a Georgian townhouse.

Domestic post boxes like this were probably designed to sit by the front door of a country house to collect the house’s collective mail before being collected by the bellman or taken to the nearest post box. Post collection and delivery in the late Victorian period was a frequent affair with up to twelve deliveries a day in larger cities like London, meaning a letter could be written, sent, read, and replied to in a single day – that is quicker than some of my texts!

Auction Details

Wednesday 7 June | 10.30am BST
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

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VIEWING:

Viewing in Newbury:

• Sunday 4 June: 10am-3pm
• Monday 5 June: 10am-4pm
• Tuesday 6 June: 10am-4pm
• Day of sale: from 8.30am