A rare chamber pot with commercial appeal

This unmarked mid-19th century chamber pot was one of the choice lots in the mixed-vendor section of Dreweatt Neate’s recent sale.

As well as the 400-odd pieces from the David Drakard collection at the auction in Donnington Priory on October 15, there was also an appealing selection of separately consigned blue and white printed ceramics on offer as well.

The chamber pot was printed with a floral ground and large reserves inscribed General Steam Navigation Company, 1824 surrounding the globe.

The General Steam Navigation Co. was one of the first commercial steamship lines (founded in 1824 and incorporated in 1831) and this rare momento with some obvious cross-over interest sold to a dealer at £550 (estimate £200-300).

Further Highlights

There was also a considerable £300 paid for a c.1820-30 ovoid form pepper pot with a pedestal foot and a cylindrical pierced top, decorated with a rural scene featuring a rider crossing a bridge.

Better value at £220 was a butter tub and cover with lion's head handles and a print of a young girl and her dog c.1815, while sold well below hopes at £650 was a c.1815- 28 Henshall & Co. Temple of Friendship pattern meat dish from the Fruit and Flower Border series, 20.5in (52cm).

Even in a sale such as this there were bargains.

The buyer's premium was 15%.