Noteworthy Lots

(Updated 24/01/20)

Items of particular interest which have changed hands in recent sales:

Queen Anne Cup & Saucer - Unknown Pattern No.

Another interesting lot from Maxwells Winter Fine Arts Auction (see below) is this stunning Queen Anne duo in black and gold. It was part of a larger tray of mixed items which sold for £250.00 plus commission and fees.

(22/01/20)

Walter Slater Lustreware - Vases and Ginger Jar

These three items separately went under the hammer at Maxwells Winter Fine Arts and Antiques Auction, Stockton on 22 January 2020. The lustre ginger jar with spiders webs and prunus blossom 23cm high but with a broken and glued lid realised £380.00 plus commission and fees.The lidded lustre vase 33 cm high decorated with carp against a shaded turquoise background and the open vase of tapering form 39cm high decorated with trailing flowers and leaves against a shaded turquoise blue background, each realised £480.00 plus commission and fees.

(22/01/20)

Antique Wileman 'Dolly Varden' Pink Plate c.1886 Rd.92158

This rare c.1886 pink Shelley and Wileman Bone China Dolly Varden plate has just sold on Ebay. Originally listed for a 'Buy it Now' price of £399.00 the seller accepted a lower offer (unknown). The description read " It has Rd number RD92158 to reverse. Measures approx. 22cm x 27cm. Good vintage condition, has wire still attached to hang it on the wall. No cracks or chips".

(10/01/20)

Wileman Invoice dated 1912

Described simply as a "Wileman & Co. original invoice Foley China Works Longton 1912" this item attracted the interest of six bidders when it appeared on Ebay. Listed with a starting price of just £1.99 this item looked set to sell for £25.00 but two late bids pushed the final sale price to £59.25. A nice item to start the New Year for someone's collection.

(01/01/20)


Wileman Faience Letter Rack - Golfing Theme

This item sold on Ebay 'Buy it Now' on Christmas Day. Described by the seller as a 'very,very rare letter rack with a stunning golfing pattern on the front, with crossed clubs on each back, a very rare item to exist. Has the Wileman Faience backstamp on the bottom. Antique excellent condition, no chips or micro crazing, has slight gilding rubbed. The rack is 17cms long and 14cms high'. This unusal item was snapped up by a keen buyer for £275.00.

(25/12/19)

Shelley Art Deco Hen Jelly Mould

Wileman Intarsio Cat attributed to Frederick Rhead

This rarely seen Intarsio cat came up for Sale in Gildings' Auction of 20th Century Decorative Art and Design, 2nd December 2019 at Market Harborough. The catalogue listing read -"A rare Foley 'Intarsio Ware' model of a Cat, attributed to Frederick Rhead for Wileman & Co. circa 1900, the seated feline with applied green glass eyes, the body painted with comical running mice against a vibrant green ground, 'The Foley' Intarsio backstamp, numbered '3522', 24.5cm. Condition report - " A chip to the cat's left ear tip, heavily discoloured with age. A very small chip to the baseline in the area of the cat's front paws. To the rear of the figure, along the base line, there is an area of suspected overpainting. The glass eyes may have been reglued. But no other restoration". A sale price of £1100.00 + fees was realised.

(02/12/19)

Intarsio Paul Kruger Character Teapot


Just sold on Ebay today, this character teapot representing Paul Kruger one of the dominant political and military figures in 19th-century South Africa, and President of the South African Republic (or Transvaal) from 1883 to 1900. Described as "In very good condition, 2 minor glaze flakes minor hairlines to lid as shown, a bit of internal crazing, but only commensurate with age". Four bidders were attracted to this piece which finally sold for £77.12.

(23/11/19)


Wileman Faience Vase 1894 - 1910

This previously unseen vase appeared in Quittenbaum Kunstauktionen GmbH's auction in Germany on 13 November. The auction catalogue described the piece as 'Wileman & Co., Foley Potteries, Longton, Staffordshire, Vase, 1894-1910, H. 13.7 cm. Faience, polychrome slip painting on yellow-brown. Marked: Manufactory mark THE FOLEY FAIENCE ENGLAND (black glaze stamp), 11014 (incised).' The auctioneers have witheld the final sale price but a source informs that there was only one bidder who secured the piece for 300.00 Euros (£256.40) plus buyers premium of 32%.

(13/11/19)

Shelley Pale Green Miniature Cup and Saucer


This lovely miniature cup and saucer has just sold on Ebay. Described as ' Vintage Shelley china pale green mini cup and saucer. Marked on both pieces (with mfrs mark). No damage, both in excellent condition. Saucer is 2.5 inches round and cup stands 1.25 inches high...'
Five bidders placed eight bids between them, the cup and saucer finally going to a private bidder for $455.00 (£352.58)

11/11/19


Shelley Green Lustre Eagle

This unusual green lustre Eagle was included in Potteries Auctions' 20th Century British Pottery and Asian Items sale at Silverdale Newcastle-under-Lyme on 9 November. Simply described as "Unusual Shelley green lustre eagle / falcon. 18.5cm", the piece was listed with an estimate of £20.00 - £40.00. Bidding was brisk and the final hammer price rose to £75.00 plus fees. Perhaps lower than we have seen for other Shelley birds.

(09/11/19)

Harry Rhead - 14" Charger - The Foley Faience England


This Ebay lot was spotted by one of our USA members. Listed as either by Frederick Hurten Rhead or Harry Rhead (subsequently believed to be the latter) this charger depicts rabbits near a carrot in the foreground, with a raised white heart and line decoration around the outer edge. Some loss to the raised heart decoration and some breaks in the white line decoration. As well there is some wear that creates a rough feeling round the edge of the charger. Three bidders were attracted to this piece which was finally secured by a winning bid of $790.00 (£630.00.

(13/10/19)


Shelley 'Old Sevres' Lidded Chocolate Pot with Side Handle

Here is an unusual beautiful small and slender chocolate pot 5" high x 3" wide. It is in surprisingly fine condition. This old pattern dates back to 1910-1925. According to the description on Ebay it came "...complete with underplate and both pieces are in excellent condition with no chips, no stains, and no dings. The gold trim looks bright and appears in very nice condition with little wear. The colours are stunning featuring exotic birds and floral design." Only two bidders vied for this unusual piece which was sold finally for $265.00 (£216.80).

(03/10/19)

Shelley Mode Shaped Trio - Shades and Lines
Another Ebay sale this week - this Mode trio. The item description read "Shelley mode shaped trio decorated with the rare 'Shades and Lines' pattern no.11760.The cup measures 3" in height, the saucer is 5.5" in diameter and the plate is 5.5" square. All pieces are in very good condition with no chips, cracks, crazing or restoration. The colours are very bright and strong and all pieces ring when tapped." Ten bidders were attracted to this set placing thirteen bids the final price reaching £340.00 ($419.41)

(23/09/19)


Rare Shelley Queen Anne Style Cups And Saucers, Pattern 12121, Tulip Handles

Four gorgeous teacups with matching saucers have just sold on Ebay this week. Described as "Queen Anne style, one pink, one blue, one green, and one yellow. They have distinctive and delicate tulip flower handles on the cups. They are in beautiful condition with no chips cracks or repairs. ..... the only imperfections ... are the tiniest little black dot inside the pink cup, and a small spot under the yellow saucer which appears to be in the manufacture of the piece, not a chip or crack."Six bidders chased the final bid to $2883.99 (£2320.00) WOW!

(23/09/19)

Shelley China Dainty Shape "Stocks" Miniature Cup & Saucer



A recently completed sale on Ebay was for this miniature Dainty cup and saucer. Described as ".. a rare Shelley china dainty shape mini cup & saucer in the 'Stocks' pattern. The rare set is in excellent pristine condition. No chips, cracks, stains, flaws or repairs. Cup and saucer are both marked on bottom, with the Shelley England logo. The saucer measures 3" in diameter and the cup measures 1 1/2" high. Beautiful stocks floral decoration, matching on both cup & saucer. One of the most difficult mini sets to find".
Seven bidders placed nineteen bids between them with the final bid reaching $585.00 (£470)

(11/09/19)



Art Deco Shelley Queen Anne Woodland Bluebells - Part Tea Set

This seldom seen design - Pattern number 12202, was listed in Thomas Roddick Auctioneers, Dundee 'Antiques and Works of Art' auction on 14 September 2019. Described as '...comprising eleven tea cups and saucers, eight coffee cups, twelve saucers, twelve side plates, cream jug and teapot, each decorated with gilt trees, green and violet foxgloves'. Several items had hairline cracks. Bidding was swift quickly passing the estimate of £150-250 to reach a final hammer price of £500.00 (+ fees).

(14/09/19)

Shelley Dainty Blue Dessert Set

There are plenty of Dainty teasets around but this one just caught our eye when it was listed on Ebay. Was it the picture or the description - 'STUNNING FINE 28 PC SHELLEY DAINTY BLUE DESSERT SET .This set consists of teapot (10.5 x6.5 x 6"), coffee pot (7.5 x 7.25 x 4"), cream jug (3.5 x 2"), sugar bowl (4x 2.75"), 4pc luncheon plates(8.25"), 4 pc plates (7"), 4 cups (3.5") & 4 pc saucers (5.75"), cake dish (9.5 x 8.25"), 5 pc square dishes ( 1pc large: 5.75" and 4 pc small :4.8"), sandwich tray (14 x 5.25") and oval dish (9 x 5.25"). Condition : excellent good (no chips, cracks, crazing or repairs)'? Whatever, it also caught the attention of 13 bidders who raised the sale price to C$1426 (£881.18) plus postage C$226.37 (£139.88)!

(26/08/19)

Wileman Dolly Varden Blue Teapot #3750

This tea pot appeared on Ebay recently as part of a larger collection. The description read '..Wonderful Shelley Foley Wileman teapot in the Dolly Varden pattern #3750 - Blue. Blue and white. Geometric sections of small flowers, gold edges white handle circa 1872 - 1890. In good condition, no chips, but does have a faint hairline on base. Measures 6" tall". On listing, bidding started immediately at £30.00 rising quickly to £509.00 as the end of the auction approached. In all, thirteen bidders placed a total of 34 bids between them.

(11/08/19)

Shelley / Wileman Frederick Rhead Faience Double Gourd Vase



Yet again Ebay recently listed a a rarely seen piece - this Frederick Rhead vase. The description read '..this wonderful & rarest of Shelley Arts & Craft  china consisting of a stunning 14.8cm high vase  in remarkable condition with no chips , cracks  or restoration (as good as it gets) and  in the stunning & vibrant Brown Drip ware design. SUPER RARE ITEM'. Again only two bidders with a winning bid this time of £77.00. Another bargain for someone!

(08/08/19)


Shelley Art Nouveau Handpainted Roses Chamberstick

Another recent rarity on Ebay was this Art Nouveau chamberstick. Described as '..this wonderful & rarest of vintage super  shaped  china consisting of a stunning 5cm high x 18cm x 16.5cm chamber stick. In remarkable condition with no cracks or restoration just a couple small under rim slither chips to the sconce unnoticeable when displayed. And  in the stunning & vibrant Red Roses design'. Only two bidders competed for this piece with the winning bid reaching only £18.60 - very cheap considering the scarcity.

(05/08/19)

Art Deco Shelley Vogue Part Tea Set

This rare patterned lot appeared in Henry Adams Auctions, Chichester sale on 8 August. Described as 'an Art Deco Shelley porcelain part tea service marked Rd.756533, 11747, with triangular filled handles and geometric starburst decoration in green, blue and gilt on white ground comprising milk jug, sugar bowl, five teacups aand six saucers, five cake plates, and a small serving dish (some pieces a/f)' the auctioneers estimate of £150.00 - 200 was rapidly overtaken by bidding which reached a final hammer price of £1000.00 +24% commission + VAT - a substantial sum considering the number of pieces in less than pristine condition.

(08/08/19)

An Early 20C. Shelley Pottery Intarsio Baluster Shaped Vase

This lovely vase No. 3669 featured in Canterbury Auction Galleries sale on 7 August. Described as 'an early 20C. Shelley Pottery Intarsio baluster shaped vase 9" high. Printed factory mark and painted numbers to base', it was offered for sale with an estimate of £80.00 - 120.00. Bidding was brisk and the piece finally reached a hammer price of £220.00 + 24% commission well above expectations.


(07/08/19)

Shelley - 'Archway of Roses' 8781 Jupiter Shape Lamp Base c.1936

An extremely rare Shelley "Archway of Roses" 8781 Jupiter lamp base has just sold on Ebay - possibly the same one that sold in Potteries Auction on 13 July. The shape of this lamp base is the Jupiter shape which was introduced in 1936. This pattern is more commonly found on the Queen Anne tea sets against pattern No 11606. The backstamp is the 1925-1940 green cartouche mark . Dimensions:  base 88mm (3.5 inches) by 103mm (4 inches) / height 128mm (5 inches). Condition: In excellent clean condition with no chips, cracks, crazing or scratching. All paintwork is in very good order with no fading to the colours. The lamp base has a very good true sound to it when lightly tapped. Eighteen bids were received from five bidders the item being won by the opening bidder for £173.05. 

(26/07/19)

Collection of pottery jelly moulds

Potteries Auctions featured several lots of Shelley and Wileman in their July 2019 Rare 20th Century British Pottery and Antique Auction. This particlar lot was for a good collection of jelly moulds including the Swan, Armadillo, Rabbit and Chicken - two trays in all. The initial estimate of £50.00 - 100.00 was quickly passed and the final hammer price was £320.00 +24% commission and a further 5% internet fee.

(13/07/19)

Wileman Pink Cups, Saucers, Milk Jug and Sugar Bowl

This part teaset in striking pink, pattern no. 4043 on Daisy shape, certainly excited a lot of collectors when it went on Ebay recently. The item description read " Wonderful set of early Shelley Foley Wileman Cups, Saucers, Milk Jug & Sugar Bowl. Decorated in pink with gold gild trim and handles with white interior. In good condition, no chips cracks or restoration except for one cup which has a hairline which does not distract....". An amazing forty two bids were placed by nineteen collectors anxious to secure this set. The final winning bid was £304.00 .

(30/06/19)

Dainty Orange Teapot

This Ebay auction for a large Dainty teapot in the less frequently found orange colourway has just concluded. The simple description read "Rare Dainty Orange Shelley Teapot. Condition is Used. Shipped with USPS Priority Mail. Excellent condition with no chips cracks or repairs. 11” diameter. 6” tall." Bidding started within eight minutes of listing, by the bidder who ultimately secured the piece. Together with two other bidders just four bids were placed with the winning bid being US$905.00 (£712.85).

(25/06/19)

Blue Dragon Dressing Table Set

Brettells Auctioneers and Valuers, Newport sold this set in their 'General Sale' on 4 June. Described as "a dressing table set in the Blue Dragon design (patt no 8315), consisting of large tray, small tray, 2 candlesticks, tall & low covered boxes and a ring tray". It is unusual to see these sets sold complete without missing or damaged pieces. The hammer price achieved was £65.00, (£79.82 with commission). Something of a bargain!

(04/06/19)

Shelley Treecreeper Miniature Bird Figurine c.1915

Another rarely found porcelain miniature bird figurine appeared on Ebay. Described as "a treecreeper (specifically named 'Blue Creeper') being one of a series of twelve bird subjects originating from the year 1915. It stands just two and a half inches in height, the backstamp being that of a capital letter within shield 'Shelley' one with the title 'Blue Creeper' and with Registered Number 645778 (this number having been registered by the factory for this particular figure on 4th February 1915)." It is interesting that the winning bid for this smaller and less detailed piece, reached £192.77 (7 bidders) compared to the larger 'Jay' bird featured below, which achieved only £129.00.

(05/06/19)

Shelley Black Grecian Scroll Coffee Set - No .14294


This set in Avon shape with New Mocha cans, was one of the last designs produced by the Shelley factory circa.1965. It appeared in Richard Winterton's Auctions on 16 May and sold for mid estimate £35.00 + fees. This pattern had a small production run and consequently is not seen very often. The set was described as "Shelley Black Grecian Scroll Coffee Set No. 14294 consisting of coffee pot, cream jug, sugar bowl, six coffee cans and six saucers". Pattern number 14292 has the same shapes but is Gold Grecian Scroll instead of Black.

(16/5/19)

Vintage Art Deco Shelley Lustre Ceramic Jay Bird


This rare Shelley bird has just sold on Ebay. Simply described as "Rare vintage art deco lustre ceramic Jay bird. Stamped ' Shelley - Made in England - Jay. Dimensions (approx) - Height 21cm - Weight 218.7 grams. Vintage item. No chips or cracks."
This piece attracted the attention of four separate bidders who between them placed a total of seven bids. The winning bid securing the item reached £129.00.

(27/05/19)


Shelley 11627 Large Fruit Bowl Cobalt "Archway of Roses" c.1925-1940

This bowl was sold on Ebay recently. Described as " a Large Cobalt Fruit Bowl by Shelley. It features a rare and unusual footed bowl was made in England in the early to mid-1900s. The brilliant blue background is adorned with a gilded border with enameled red flowers and yellow diamond shapes along the upper edge of the bowl. The inside is decorated with the "Archway of Roses" enamel and gilt design. There is gold trim along the upper rim and around the footed base. Rarely is this design found on a cobalt background. The base of the bowl is marked under the glaze, "Shelley Made in England" and in gold the number "11627" . This Shelley porcelain bowl measures 10" wide and 4.75" tall and is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, or signs of repair. The inside of the bowl does have some surface scratching." Only one bidder entered the bidding process securing the bowl at its opening price of US$299.95 (£237.98)

(26/05/19)

Shelley 'Harmony Artware' Cup/SaucerBread Plate - 12084 Vogue

This unusual Harmony patterned Vogue trio was recently offered for sale on Ebay by US china specialists Replacements Ltd. The description read "This auction is for a SHELLEY TRIO in the HARMONY ARTWARE Pattern #12084. It features a cup and saucer in the Vogue shape with a bread and butter plate all decorated in a beautiful drip pattern in shades of mauve, violet, and mint green. The back stamp "Shelley England" only, dates these pieces circa 1930s. The base of the cup is marked with the registration number 756533 and in red the pattern number (see images). This cup measures 2.5" tall and 4" across the rim. The matching saucer is 5.5" wide and the square bread plate with scalloped corners measures 6 3/8" wide. This beautiful Shelley trio is in remarkable condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs and will be a treasured addition to any Shelley Art Deco collection". Fourteen bids were placed with the winning bid being US$336.00 (£255.07)

(05/05/19)

Shelley 'Walter Slater' Rare Butterfly Design Tall Handled Vase

Sold by on Ebay this week for Cancer Research UK,was this wonderful Walter Slater dual handled vase. The description read "Shelley 'Walter Slater' tall decorative vase. This colourful display piece features an attractive butterfly design with a pearlised metallic finish and gold detailing. Signed 'Walter Slater' to the base. The vase has large open handles to each side and is approximately 10.9" tall. The vase has some light signs of wear, mainly with a few minor blemishes to the glaze coating, but is otherwise in good used condition." This item was hotly contested by eleven bidders who placed twenty eight bids between them. The lucky bidder who crept in just eight seconds before the end of the auction, secured the vase for £148.00.

(22/04/19)


Shelley Crested China Jester - Monifieth

It's not often that crested ware features in Noteworthy Lots but this piece on Ebay caught our eye and several bidders also. Simply described as a "Shelley crested china jester for Monifieth, and backstamped "Late Foley, Shelley, England" measuring 3.5 inches (9cm) in height, 2.5 inches (6cm) in length and 2 inches (5cm) in width. In very good condition". Six bidders competed for this piece placing eight bids between them with the winning bid finally reaching £310.52.

(16/04/19)

Shelley 'Maytime' 8787 Art Deco Table Lamp


This table lamp again in the Maytime pattern has just sold on Ebay. Described as "A superb Shelley 'Art Deco' table lamp in the sought after 'Maytime' pattern, the lamp base has the green SHELLEY ENGLAND backstamp (1912 - 1925) inside, with 8787 9 hand painted in red. The base is approx 145mm high, with a major diameter of 134mm and base rim diameter of 118mm. The item is in excellent condition and free from chips, cracks, crazing, staining and restoration". There was only one bidder who secured the piece for its opening bid of £135.

(03/03/19)



A Pair of Shelley 'Pomegranate' Pattern Vases c.1928

This pair of vases appeared in Catherine Southons Auction, Selsdon, Surrey on 27 February 2019. The catalogue description read "A pair of Shelley Pomegranate pattern vases, c.1928 each of balluster form, painted with a band of fruit to the shoulders against a mottled blue ground, each with incised 'Shelley' mark to the underside (2), height 23.5cm.The pair sold below estimate (£400-600) at £300 + fees.

(27/02/19)

Shelley Maytime Tea for One



Just sold on Ebay this week was this tea for one set. Simply described as "A tea for one set in the Maytime pattern by Shelley, all pieces in very good condition." It caught the eye of many collectors with thirty three watching the item and nine placing a total of eighteen bids between them. The highest bid which secured the set was £258.99.

(01/03/19)


Shelley Dainty Black Cup and Saucer

Almost impossible to find these days this duo belonged to an avid collector. The description read "Both pieces 'ring true'. I cannot find any flaws, chips, cracks, repairs, etc. to either piece". With a starting price of US$600.00 on Ebay, only two serious contenders entered the bidding competition placing five bids in total between them. The initial bidder set the bar at US$725.00 which, unsurpassed, became the winning bid.

(05/02/19)

Foley Intarsio Jardiniere Stand



This rare jardiniere stand (minus its jardiniere) came up for sale in Stride & Sons' auction of antiques in Chichester on 1 February this year. Described simply as " A rare Foley Intarsio jardiniere stand painted with cranes, 73.5 cm high", no details are available regarding its condition. The bidding opened at £180.00 and the final hammer price reached £460.00 plus fees of 21.6% - a very modest price for such a rare item. Did the buyer have the matching jardiniere - if not a long search awaits!

(01/02/19)


J. F. Wileman Creamer and Sugar - 'Flower Sprays' Hand coloured Transferware c.1879

Early Wileman pieces by nature are scarce. These pieces in the pattern 'Flower Sprays' carry the J F Wileman 'diamond' registration mark. The pattern has been seen before on water sets, jugs, bowls and large meat plates, but rarely on teaware. It is not surprising therefore that when listed on Ebay last week with a 'Buy it now' option, they were quickly snapped up for just under £50.00. Condition described as "having crazing typical of earthenware, overall staining of the type that may soak out, and the sugar has a large chip to the edge of the lid and a small chip to the edge of the lid. No additional chips or cracks". The creamer measures approximately 4 3/4 inches wide from spout to handle x 4 3/4 inches tall. The sugar measures approximately 6 1/2 inches wide from handle to handle x 6 3/8 inches tall. Four cups and saucers and a bowl were also offered as additionsl lots - as yet unsold.

(01/02/19)

Shelley / Wileman Daisy Blue and Gilt Coffee Pot


This stunning 16cm high coffee pot attracted much interest when it appeared on Ebay this week. Described as "simply stunning .....wonderful and rarest of vintage Daisy shaped china .... in remarkable condition with no chips cracks or restoration ... vibrant in it's gold and blue design.." Given that description, nine bidders placed a total of twenty nine bids between them, with a final bid of £325.00 securing the item.

(22/01/19)


Wileman Intarsio Oriental Teapot by Frederick Rhead

Another rare Intarsio piece has come up for auction. This Wileman Oriental teapot by Frederick Rhead attracted some specialist collectors to the lot which sold last night on Ebay. The description read "...rarest of vintage Fredick Rhead shaped china consisting of a stunning 17.8 cm high super shaped teapot. In remarkable condition with no cracks, chips, just a small very expert restoration to the tip of the spout .....stunning and vibrant in its hand painted Oriental Roses design dating from 1900". Six bidders fought for this piece placing fourteen bids between them, the final bid reaching £273.90.

(10/01/19)

A pair of Shelley lustre cylindrical vases signed Walter Slater


Tennants Auctioneers, Leyburn have just sold this pair of Shelley lustre cylindrical vases today in their 'Antiques and Interiors' sale. 38cm high and signed by Walter Slater, one vase decorated with Chinese dragon has large chip to rim the other vase has gilding on rim rubbed. Both vases have slight crazing to interior. The auctioneers estimate of £300-400 for the pair was quickly surpassed, the pair opening at £800.00 on commission bids and finally reaching a hammer price of £950.00 + VAT and fees.


(05/01/19)

Wileman Intarsio 'Time O'Day Timepiece

Vintage Art Deco Foley/Wileman Bouquet Ribbons & Bows Tea Set

This Art Deco stunning rare Wileman Bouquet Pink Roses, Ribbons And Bows twenty one piece tea set, has just sold on Ebay. Comprising six cups, saucers and plates, plus sugar basin, bowl and cream/milk jug, all with garlands of pink roses with swags of blue ribbons tied in bows, gold handles, borders and trims, with Wileman factory marks, this set attracted huge interest. Nineteen bidders placed a total of one hundred and seven bids to reach a final sale price of £2260.00 - Wow!

(28/10/18)


Shelley Queen Anne Twelve Person Tea Set

Another lot in the recent Bamford's Design auction was this twelve person Queen Anne tea set in Blue Iris pattern No.11561 designed by Eric Slater. Comprising cake plate,milk jug, sugar basin, twelve cups saucers and side plates - thirty nine pieces in total, the set exceeded the estimate of £150-250 to reach a final hammer price of £320.00 (+25% buyers premium)

(17/10/18)

Shelley Mabel Lucie Attwell Figure Group 'Our Pets'

Sold at Bamford's Design auction on 17 October was this large china figure group by Mabel Lucie Attwell. The piece entitled 'Our Pets' showed two young children, one holding a doll, watching two rabbits, was 21cm high and carried the usual factory backstamp and facsimle signature. The final hammer price was £500.00 (+25% buyers premium) which was at the lower end of the estimated sale price range.

(17/10/18)

Wileman Faience Grotesque Pottery 'Dog of Foo'

Another rarity which excited three bidders on Ebay this week - a Faience Groteque 'Dog of Foo' designed by Frederick Rhead. Measuring 15 x 8 cm. it did have some damage being chipped to the tail with some surface wear and a glaze chip to the ball but this did not deter the bidders who competed with each other to raise the final bid to £1020.05

(17/10/18)

Shelley Art Deco "Lucy Dawson Dog Studies" Lamp Base c.1936


This rare Shelley Art Deco lamp base in the Mercury shape has just sold on Ebay. Lucy Dawson was a 20C dog illustrator whose illustrations completely focus on the dog with an absence of background. Rarely do her pieces come up for auction. This piece was described as being in very good and clean condition with no chips cracks or crazing, the paintwork all in good order with no fading to the pattern. Five bidders placed a total of nineteen bids - the winner securing with a final bid of £255.00

(06/10/18)

Wileman Intarsio Miniature Longcase Clock

Halls Fine Art Auctioneers - Shrewsbury featured this clock in their sale on 26 September 2018. Described in the catalogue as' ..circa 1900 Art Nouveau style designed by Frederick Rhead, decorated with a woman blowing dandelions, the script reads "Prithy, What's O'Clock", printed factory marks in black and the numbers '3116' alongside Registration Number, 33.5cm high.' The the piece sold at mid-estimate for £420.00 + commission.

(26/09/18)


Wileman Faience 'Old Chelsea' Lidded Vase

This pretty Wileman two handled vase is decorated in the 'Old Chelsea' design. It attracted three bidders (including one who alone placed twelve of the fourteen bids to secure this piece) when it appeared on Ebay last week. The vase measured 5.5" high x 7" wide and stated to be in generally good condition with gilding and colours very bright and strong. It was noted however, there was a chip to the underside of the lid and a crack across the top of one of the handles. The winning bid - £66.00

(15/09/18) .


James F Wileman C1885 Aesthetic Oversize 1 Pint+ Cup & Saucer

This rare huge oversize 1.25 pint cup and saucer measuring 5" diameter cup x 4" tall, saucer 8.5" diameter has just sold on Ebay. Known as the 'Mammouth' it is fully marked with the JFW "SEASONS" backstamp (pre Shelley 1869-92) and is in a delightful Aesthetic movement pattern dating it to C1885. Beautiful rare item but also noteworthy for the price it realised - just £1.99! (plus postage £6.75)

(13/9/18)

Foley Wileman Jardiniere


Another Ebay auction this week involved this rare jardiniere decorated with the Moonlight pattern in shades of orange and brown. Measuring 3.5" in height and 5" square it was stated to be in 'good condition with no chips, cracks, or restoration - just a little wear to the inside paint and a small scratch to one side. Colours are strong and clear'. There were only two bidders for this piece with the winning bid being £30.99. A small sun for such a lovely item.

(05/09/18)


Floral Chintz Black/Gold Shelley Ripon Cup and Saucer

This splendid duo came up for sale on Ebay this week. Ripon is one of Shelley's most popular blanks and this set is in a much desired beautiful black background chintz pattern number14196. Twelve bidders placed a total of thirty one bids between them with the winning bidder securing the duo with a final bid of $482.88 (£372.69).

(5/09/18)

Foley Hand Painted Plates by F Micklewright

These hand painted plates by F Micklewright were listed in a sale by David Duggleby Auctioneers, Scarborough earlier this year. The set consisted of 3 plates depicting a fish, a woodcock and a quail. The fish plate was un-marked but not thought to be a Wileman piece due to the thickness of the china however the other two plates were Wileman backstamped. The set realised a sum of £120 + fees - £149.52 in total - a very reasonable price for Micklewright pieces.
(29/08/18)

Wileman / Foley Royal Trio

This trio has just sold on Ebay. Described as "a superb tea trio consisting of plate, saucer and cup in the Wileman Foley (early Shelley) Ribbons & Bows pattern, Royal Shape. The decoration shows a hand painted floral garland with raised, almost enamelled, turquoise ribbons and bows. The tea plate is 17.75cms across, the saucer 9.75cms and the cup is 5.5cms high, with a diameter of 9.75 cms.The trio is in perfect condition with no wear to the decoration, whilst the gilding to the edges is almost pristine. The plate and saucer shows the green mark showing " THE FOLEY CHINA" over a crown above the "C W" initials over "ENGLAND", plus the design no. "9656". The tea cup shows the design no. "9656" only. The trio attracted 12 bidders placing 20 bids between them, the winning bid reaching £223.00.
(20/08/18)

Collection of Shelley Chintz

A collection of Shelley Chintz cups and saucers in various designs including Marguerite, Countryside, Rock Garden, Melody etc came up for sale in the Potteries Auction on 14/7. Items included three Ripon cups and saucers, three Oleander cups and saucers and an Oleader cup mis-matched with a Ripon saucer. The auctioneers estimate was £60 - £120 but active bidding pushed the final hammer price to £800.00 +fees.

(14/07/18)

Wileman 3 Sided Clock - Carpe Diem

Shelley Maytime Part Tea Service - Circa 1930's - 40's.

This Shelley Maytime chintz pattern part service came up for sale in the Potteries Auction on 14 July. Comprising tea pot & lid with stand, water jug & lid, milk jug, small sauce boat (small chip to rim) & saucer, small oval platter 25cm, large circular platter 35.5cm. with some pieces bearing original black labels. The original estimate of £70-140 was well exceeded on the day with a final hammer price of £280.00 + fees.

(14/07/18)

Wileman Pastello Vase

This Wileman vase meassuring 5.5" in height has just sold on Ebay this week. In the Pastello pattern and marked 472 and 3548 on the base this piece was not without damage - a hairline crack to the body and a small chip on the base. Despite this the item interested four bidders who placed a toal of six bids between them. The winning bid was £421.00.

(23/06/18)

Shelley Dainty Roses Tea for Two Set

This pretty Tea for Two set attracted a lot of interest when it was listed on Ebay recently. In Rose pattern the set comprised teapot, milk jug, underplate, two cups and saucers. The set captiured the attention of 55 people who watched the progress of the auction placing 37 bids between them. The set was finally secured by a winning bid of US$932.00 (£691.86) - a remarkable sum!


(07/06/18)

Shelley Floral Handled Dainty Cup and Saucer X 2

Once again these floral handled variants of Dainty have hit the sweet spot with collectors. In two separate auctions on Ebay these two duos in rare and unusual colourways have pushed the prices ceiling higher for such pieces. The pink variant received 27 bids from 15 bidders the winning bid achieving a sale price of US$ 685.00 (£505.68). The blue piece was similarly contested receiving 25 bids from 14 bidders and a slightly lower sale price of US$668.99 (£493.13).

(12/05/2018)

Shelley Dainty White Chocolate Pot

Just sold on Ebay this rare Dainty White Chocolate Pot attracted 5 bidders anxious to acquire this piece. No detailed description given but photos show some crazing around the inner flange on top of the pot and some staining/hairline? around the base on the inside. Generally in very good condition. 2 late bids just before the end of the auction forced the winning bid up to £206.97

(20/04/18)

Foley Wileman Imari Teaset (A/F)

This stunning Wileman Imari tea set comprising teapot, milk jug, sugar bowl and 4 cups and saucers sold on Ebay recently. Generally in excellent condition with only minor wear to the pattern ond gilding on the milk jug but sadly the teapot suffered from a crack on top with a small slither missing and also a base crack with slight ingress to the side. Despite this 9 bidders placed 20 bids between them and the set was secured by a winning bid of £237.00

(19/04/18)


Shelley Girl Advertising Figure

Lyon and Turnbull (Edinburgh) featured this Shelley girl advertising figure in their 'Decorative Arts: Design since 1860' auction on 11 April 2018. Described as a 'Shelley Girl Advertising Figure, Circa 1925, modelled as an elegant figure in a blue dress, green Shelley backstamp to underside, 31cm high'. After a promising initial surge, bidding slowed and the item struggled to reach it's final bid of £850.00 + fees.

(11/04/18)


Shelley Vogue trio in Chevrons Design


Sold this week on Ebay this stunning Vogue shaped Shelley trio decorated in the Chevrons design.

35 People watched this item with 9 of them placing a total of 22 bids. The trio was secured by a final bid of £641.00

(03/04/18)


Shelley Art Deco Flower Handle Teacup and Saucer

This vibrant coloured Queen Anne cup and saucer was recently listed on Ebay. Simply described as 'in excellent condition, no chips crazing or cracks, nice ping'. Backstamped F 2194, Shelley England, Rd. 723404.
61 people were watching the progress of this auction which received a total of 22 bids from 16 different bidders. The winning bid secured this beautiful duo for $566.00 (£403.82)

(30/03/18)

King George IV Shelley Musical Whisky Jug




On sale from Australia on Ebay was this musical whisky jug. The seller described it as "a rare Shelley Musical Whisky Jug advertising King George IV whisky. The jug stands 18cm tall and is in stunning working condition".
The winning bidder secured this item for AU$ 360 (£276.14) against competition form 10 other bidders who between them placed 22 bids.


(29/03/18)


Shelley Miniature Cup and Saucer

This miniature cup & saucer by Shelley in the Dainty Green pattern with green trim sold recently. In very good condition. No chips, cracks, crazing. Some light scratches to backside of saucer. Saucer measures 3" in diameter. Cup 1 3/8" high, 1 3/4" diameter at top opening.
14 bidders placed a total of 18 bids between them with the final winning bid reaching a grand figure of $775.43 (£552.77)

(08/03/18)

Shelley Dainty Floral Handled Cup and Saucer

These floral handled Dainty pieces continue to attract high prices - for the right colourway. This pink duo sold on Ebay for the princely sum of £425.37 probably the highest figure seen in recent times. Described as "Super looking Shelley Art Deco era tea cup and saucer decorated in the pink star pattern with classic Dainty form and signed on the back SHELLEY England Rd.272101... 11993...Ryrie-Birks Ltd Toronto. The cup measures 2.75" tall x 4.5" rim to handle while saucer is 5.75" wide. Set is in excellent clean sound original condition with absolutely no chips, damage loss or repairs. Pings with resonance.....Guaranteed old and authentic." What more could you want?

(01/03/18)

Shelley Mode 'Butterfly' Tea Service

Thomas Watson Auctioneers - Darlington, featured this lot in their Fine Art auction on 27 Febrary. Described as 'a rare Shelley Mode tea service in the Butterfly Wing pattern No. 11758 comprising six cups and saucers,, six tea plates, cream jug, sugar bowl and sandwich plate. A sale price of £1300.00 (+ 24% buyers premium) was realised - short of the pre-sale estimate of £1500 - £2500.

(27/02/18)


Wileman Foley Basket of Flowers Daisy Shaped Trio


Just sold on Ebay this colourful Daisy shape trio was watched by almost 70 potential bidders. Carrying registration marks 115510 and 160786 the gilding was said to be in very good condition, minor crazing to the side plate, but although no visible trace of hairline to the cup, it lacked the customary ping. 16 bidders placed 20 bids between them, the final bid of £77.00 securing the item.

(25/02/18)


Wileman Pastello Miniature Jug - Frederick Rhead #3548

This wonderful early and rare Shelley Foley Wileman Pastello miniature Jug model # 3548 and designed by Frederick Rhead came up for sale on Ebay this week. Decorated with a house with smoking chimney set in gardens. In good condition, no chips but beak of spout has been reglued but still displays well. Measures 4.25" tall. 11 Bidders were attracted to this item which finally achieved a sale price of £199.00

(18/02/18)

Shelley Mabel Lucie Attwell Figure 'The Curate'


This MLA figure was offered for sale in Tennants Auction in Leyburn on 26 January. Described as "A Shelley Mabel Lucie Attwell The Curate Figure, printed factory marks and THE CURATE L.A.4 Copyright 17cm. Paint nick on shoe. Firing blemishes in the black painted areas. Air bubbles. 151117." This cute figure sold for £70.00 plus commission - a very low price.

(26/01/18)


5 Items of Wileman Intarsio

These 5 items of Wileman Intarsio nos. 3543, 3336, 3028, 3020, &3023 were sold as a single lot at Chiswick Auctions on 23 January. A total sale price of £900.00 + 25% commission was achieved.

(23/01/18)


3 Items of Early Faience


No description available. These 3 early Faience items went under the hammer at Chiswick Auctions on 23 January as a single lot realising a sale price of £480.00 + 25% commission.


(23/01/18)

Shelley Dainty Floral Handled part Coffee Set

This 1930's yellow Dainty porcelain part coffee service, pattern 11993, comprising coffee pot, cream jug, sugar bowl, six cups and saucers was sold for £1100.00 by Golding Young and Meyer in their January Antiques, Fine Art, Silver and Jewellery Auction this month. With an initial estimate of £200 - 300 this item quickly surpassed expectations.

(23/01/18)

Frederick Rhead Faience Wall Plaque

This Foley Faience wall plate by Frederick Rhead featured in Roseberys auction this week. The description read "Frederick Rhead, a Foley Faience glazed ceramic wall plate. Printed factory marks, incised 11066A Incised with a cockerel in a ladscape grazing. 30.5cm diameter. Some chips to the glaze on the edges. Some light crazing to the glaze. Some scratches and wear to the reverse." The successful bidder secured this lot for £220.00 + fees.


(23/01/18)

Foley Faience Desk Thermometer

This item, although rare, has been found previously as a desk clock. Golding Young and Mawer described it as "A Foley Faience desk thermometer, the case modelled in the form of a sunflower, printed mark in brown to underside, 16cm high." It achieved a sale price of £260.00 in their Lincoln Collective Sale in January.


(17/01/18)

Rare Antique Foley Wileman & Co Grotesque Jug


Sold on Ebay this week is this unusual green 'Grotesque' jug. Simply described by the seller as "A rare antique Foley Wileman & Co Grotesque jug circa 1900 standing approx 15cm high. It is in good condition with no chips cracks or restoration."
Eight bidders placed a total of seventeen bids with the item finally being secured for the sum of £878.05 .

(14/01/18)


Shelley Dainty Black cup and saucer.

Continuing the 'black' theme, this cup and saucer has just sold on Ebay for $745.00 (£550.57). The seller described the duo as "a rare Shelley china dainty black cup & saucer in excellent condition. No chips or cracks. The cup measures 2 1/2" tall and the saucer measures 5 1/4" in diameter. Both the cup and saucer have the Shelley logo mark on the base. Black is a very scarce color in the dainty line." 10 bidders were attracted to this item.

(12/01/18)

Shelley footed Oleander black "Summer Glory Chintz" trio #13418/S72


This item recently sold on Ebay was hotly contested. Described as "in excellent condition. No chips, cracks or hairlines. All 3 pieces ring. The cup and saucer are standard size. The luncheon plate is 8" in diameter." 14 bidders fought for this delightful trio placing a total of 30 bids between them. The final winning bid placed in the last minutes of the auction was $227.50 (£170.25)

(18/12/17)



Shelley 13350 HD Black set for six

Another interesting Ebay lot described as a " 1939 Shelley luncheon set for six people - luncheon plate, side plate, cup and saucer, teapot, sugar, creamer and cake plate..28 pieces in all. Pattern No.13550 Black with green and blue painted birds on the pieces except the saucers and the side plates...bird flowers gold gree and blue hand painting. Pre owned but a cabinet piece - in very good condition/ no chips or cracks". Just 3 bidders for this wonderful set but achieved a sale price of £734.50.

24/11/17

Jack Heron Collection



A number of items belonging to the late Jack Heron, former decorating manager at Shelley, went under the hammer at Hawleys Auctioneers, Beverley on 19 November 2017. There are too many items to list on this page but click on this link for a selection of the more interesting lots.


(22/11/17)

Foley Intarsio Character Toby Jug

A lovely old  "The Foley"  Intarsio character Toby Jug modelled as a man playing the bagpipes has just sold on Ebay.  Hand painted in shades of green, brown, cream, blue, yellow and with dark pink for his cheeks and for the decoration on his hat. Marked to base "THE FOLEY INTARSIO ENGLAND" approximately 7 inches high.Excellent condition with just light age related crazing. No chips, cracks or restoration. Sixteen bids were placed by six bidders with the final bid being £255.00

(12/11/17)

Another item which secured an unusually high price on Ebay. This Coffee pot, described as 'a beautiful Shelley "Dainty Pink" fine bone china coffee pot & lid. Made in England. No chips or cracks. Measures 8"H and 8" across from spout to handle' sold for an impressive $810.99 (£614.15). Fourteen separate bidders were attracted to this piece

(29/10/17)

Wileman 'Faience' Grotesque Animal

Grotesque items such as this rarely appear on Ebay. Described as an animal figure measuring five and three quarters of an inch in height, six and a half inches in length, three inches wide, in good condition with two chips to the front legs, a very small chip to the rear leg and a tiny chip underneath the base to one leg, minor age related wear. Eight bidders contested this great item placing a total of fourteen bids between them. The final winning bid came in at £830.50, just eight seconds before the end of the auction.

(28/10/17)

Another rare item - an Intarsio cat has appeared on Ebay recently. This cat has a blue body decorated with yellow fleur-de-lys, and green glass eyes. It is almost 10" in height. It is said to have no chips cracks or hairlines. With a starting bid of $2250 (£1703.38) three bidders placed four bids in total with the winning bidder securing the item for $4300.05 (£3274.36)

(08/10/17)

Wileman Intarsio Eygptian Man 3076

This very unusual piece of Intarsio has just sold on Ebay.  It has an ivory face of an Egyptian man with the body of a duck with three legs. Said to be in great condition with no damage it is 5 1/2" in height and 6" across. With a starting price of $950.00 (£719.21) the item attracted just one bidder who paid the starting price. A great item for someone's collection.

(02/10/17)

Shelley chintz pattern miniature Westminster shape cup & saucer C.1940+

Another Ebay auction for a miniature cup and saucer described as - "very rare with stylised flowers and foliage intermingled with trellis on an all over print. Pale green cup interior. Yellow hand painted trim and cup handle. Very unusual pattern. Diameter of cup base 16mm (0.7 inches) / diameter across top 38mm (1.5 inches) / height of cup 29mm (1.1 inches) / diameter of saucer 61mm (2.4 inches). Condition stated as excellent and clean with no chips, cracks, crazing, scratching or rubbing. There is no fading to the pattern and both pieces have an excellent true sound to them when lightly tapped". Nine bidders placed a total of 21 bids with the winning bid being £238.00


(20/09/17)

Shelley Oleander Teacup and Saucer

This single Oleander cup and saucer in pink Maytime Chintz pattern No 13416 / 59 has just been sold on Ebay for $405.00 (£306.86) plus postage £52.75 (£39.97). The item was stated as "in excellent condition, no chips, cracks or other damage". In all 39 bids were placed from 12 separate bidders

(10/09/17)


Shelley Mabel Lucie Attwell "The Bridegroom" LA6  figurine. C.1937. 

On Ebay this week - an original rare hand painted Shelley Mabel Lucie Attwell "The Bridegroom" LA6  figurine. C.1937. Designed by the famous children's illustrator Mabel Lucie Attwell and signed on the base of the figure. This version of the bridegroom is the more desirable earlier pre-war version. This one is a "1st" quality unlike some of the 2nds which sometimes appear. Dimensions: Height  158mm (6.25 inches).  Excellent and clean with no chips, cracks, crazing, scratches or restoration. 6 bidders placed a total of 16 bids - the winning bid securing the item for £384.00

(26/08/17)

Antique Wileman - Shelley Tea For Two, Alexandra Shape. C.1886

(19/08/17)

This fine caricature teapot has just sold on Ebay. Described as 'a lovely Wileman Foley Intarsio novelty teapot depicting the great welsh politician & prime minister Lloyd George. Rd No 363131 & Pattern no 3592 to lid, no backstamp on base. Approx 4 3/4 " high.Very good condition - Overall fine crazing, no chips, cracks or restoration'. Only one bidder who secured this item in the closing minutes of the auction, for the opening figure of £295.00

09/08/17

Shelley Princess Shape Tea Set - Poppy Pattern

A Princess shaped tea-set with teapot, pattern number 12226 came up for auction at Boldon Auctions, Tyne & Wear today. It had an estimate of £200 - £400, and sold for the remarkable sum of £3,500. Whilst the Princess shape is unusual, a bid of this magnitude is usually anticipated for example with a similar Vogue set.

(26/07/17)

Shelley Floral Handled Dainty Trio c1932

An unusual pattern 11995 in the floral handled Dainty series this blue and pink floral handled trio with pale blue and graduated wash attracted 13 bids from 5 separate bidders on Ebay with a final bid of £321.11 securing the purchase. The Pattern Books show this pattern recorded as introduced in 1932 and consistent with this the trio has the 'Shelley England' backstamp. The item was said to be in "excellent condition, each piece ringing clearly and thus confirming the presence of no hidden hairlines; certainly no chips or cracks nor any scratching, fading, rubbing, crazing, discolouration, etc., and no restoration."

(19/06/2017)

Shelley Vogue Coffee Pot - Yellow Chevron Pattern No.11776/31

This Shelley Vogue coffee pot sold on the second time around on Ebay. Originally (inadvertantly) described as " A stunning Shelley Vogue small jug from coffee set. In excellent condition with no damage or restoration" it was offered for sale with a 'Buy it Now' price of £795.00 although a lower unknown price appears to have been accepted. A great purchase for someone.

(15/06/2017)


Wileman Intarsio Shakespeare Twin Handled Vase



Described as "...this wonderful & rarest of Vintage Arts & Crafts china consisting of a 22.5cm high footed twin handled vase.And  in remarkable condition with no  cracks , chips  or restoration .And  in the stunning & vibrant Shakespeare Much A Do About Nothing Federick Rhead design dating from 1903", this vase sold on Ebay for £167.00 plus postage. 4 bidders hotly contested for the piece placing 13 bids between them.

(08/06/2017)

Wileman Foley Faience Wall Plaques 1894-1910 (F.A. Rhead)

Wileman "Urbato " earthenware shaving mug/ toothbrush holder

This rare Wileman & Co."Urbato " earthenware shaving mug/ toothbrush holder from between 1894 - 1910 has just sold on Ebay. Described as "This attractive English pottery stands approximately 6" high and has a wonderful arts and craft sqeeze bag design. The bottom is numbered " A 7059". There is minor crazing along with small bits of finish loss and a chip at the base which is all forgivable considering the rarity of the pattern". Despite its rarity it only attracted one bidder and was secured for a price of C$99.00 (approx £56.00) + postage.

(06/05/2017)