Wedgwood ceramics collected by a man who started work at the company’s Etruria factory straight from school, sold for £19,900 at an auction in Nantwich.
The collection was consigned for sale by Harry Sheldon, whose father Harry, started working as the odd job man at the Wedgwood factory.
And it proved a popular lot at the fine art and antiques auction staged by Peter Wilson, on Market Street, Nantwich.
Harry Snr collected throughout his working life, building a vast collection of Wedgwood which was stored in the attic of the family home in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
The Sheldon sale attracted bidders from both sides of the Atlantic, with bids from people in the saleroom, on the telephone and on the internet.
The most valuable piece was the massive 18th century Apotheosis of Homer vase which he had restored.
It sold for £1,000 – twice the presale estimate – to a private buyer who sat through the entire sale to secure it.
Paintings also sold well. Manchester artist William Turner’s oil on canvas “Late for Work!” went for £5,000, while a seascape showing dawn fishermen off the French coast at St Tropez by C.R. D’Oyly John sold for £2,500.
Paintings, jewellery, and watches were all sold during the event, as well as antique furniture and war medal collections.
An unusual entry was a painted gypsy showman’s caravan, or Vardo (pictured), with original fitted bed and cupboards,decorative carving, kettle box, removable steps and shafts. It sold for £5,400.
Peter Wilson’s next sale takes place on November 9-10. For details contact 01270 623878 or [email protected]
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