Swansea creamware tea caddy – £9000 at Peter Francis.
An incised inscription to the body reads: We Makes Our Pots Of What We Potters Ave, No Parts Can With The Potters Harts Compare, When Swansea Pot Work When This You See Remember Me The Many Miles We Distance Be May 1777.
Only a few similar caddies are known.
Despite some chips, it eclipsed a modest estimate of £250-350 on November 26 to sell after a prolonged bidding battle in the saleroom for £9000.
Although this was of museum interest, it sold to a local dealer bidding on behalf of a private collector.
The buyer's premium was 20%.
