“We knew they were early and a rare pattern but it wasn’t until we saw the levels of interest that we discovered quite how special they were”, explained auctioneer Leighton Gillibrand, who upped the
estimate to £4000-6000 prior to sale.
Dating from c.1753-55, the gugglets were painted in underglaze blue in the rare ‘Lange Lijzen’ or Long Elizas pattern, copied by Worcester, amongst others, from 18th century Chinese export porcelain. One of the pair was in mint condition although the other did have several small chips to the rim.
The successful buyer, a specialist collector in the room, had to fight off
competition in the room and five phone lines before winning out at £24,000 (plus 15% buyer’s premium).
Pair of 1750s Worcester gugglets
With only seven others known to exist, this pair of 1750s Worcester gugglets was destined for success when offered on July 22 at Bristol Auction Rooms. Acquired fairly recently by a local private source, the 9in (24cm) high pair were originally estimated at just £400-600.
