AUCTION BACKS THE RIGHT HORSE
Rare Beswick model sells for £11.3k
A RARE Beswick model of a Shire horse has been sold for a world record price by a Stoke-on-trent auctioneer. Buyers from across the UK and overseas were involved in bids for the sought after porcelain figure which eventually sold for £11,300 to a collector in this country.
A version of the model number 818 Shire horse, the piece was in demand at the Potteries Auctions sales for the rarity of its colour as not many are understood to have been made in painted white gloss.
These versions were expensive to produce because they took a long time to paint and that made them expensive with few coming up for sale.
It’s the second consecutive time that a Potteries Auctions Fine Art sale has realised a world record price for a porcelain figure.
Their previous Fine Art sale in July saw a rare prototype Royal Doulton Bunnykins tableau figure sell for £35,500.
Bill Buckley, company owner and expert valuer, said: “It’s a fantastic result for the company and great news for the local area.
“Rarer examples of Beswick horses always perform well in our auctions, and we knew this piece had great potential, as we knew of several serious collectors who wanted this particular model.
“It’s great to see a new world record price for a locally-made item – especially so soon after the last Fine Art sale.”
Held earlier this month at their Silverdale premises, the auction was the third of three special Fine Art sales held at Potteries Auctions every year.
The previous record for a Beswick piece is believed to be Kruger the pit pony, which fetched £11,352 at auction – but this is including the buyer’s premium. This new record sale, inclusive of buyer’s premium, totals £14,000.
Saleroom Manager Dan Egan said. “What a truly wonderful result. An item made on the doorstep in Stoke-on-trent – and sold in Newcastle.
“We thank the vendor for trusting us with their precious item. And also pay a deep debt of gratitude to our staff for their knowledge and hard work, which has consistently translated into achieving the best possible prices for vendors.”
Established in 1894, the Beswick company is a household name for ceramics. Their collectible and soughtafter pieces were originally produced in Longton, and include a wide variety of horses, farm animals, domestic animals and wildlife, as well as Beatrix Potter and Disney figures. Pieces bearing the Beswick name continue to be produced to this day.