A little earlier than catalogued, it was probably made during the Raised Anchor period c.1752.
A number of Chelsea teapots of the same 5in (12.5cm) octagonal form are known carrying a range of different enamelled decoration including kakiemon, puce en came and famille rose.
This example, in fine condition, has botanical decoration of scattered flowers and insects (in the manner of Meissen decorator Johann Gottfried Klingler) within brown-line rims. The hammer price bid by a London dealer was £14,000, well above the modest guide of £400-600 at the Donnington Priory auction.
Other Chelsea pieces included two Red Anchor items: a c.1760 leaf-shaped sauceboat and a c.1756 bird tureen and cover. The 7in (18cm) long sauceboat moulded in relief with leaves and flowers and painted with scattered flowers also had only minor chips. Estimated at £1000-2000, it was another trade buy at £3800.
The polychrome enamelled tureen modelled as a sitting partridge, had some minor chips and a ½in (1cm) firing fault and took a quadruple-estimate £4000 from a private buyer at the auction on March 30.
Just the 53 pieces
Swansea part tea service – £7200 at Dreweatts.
The small ceramics section also boasted a Swansea porcelain blue-ground and gilt part tea service.
Comprising 53 pieces moulded in relief with leaves and flowers, there were some condition problems – ‘reasonable overall but in no way A1 trade condition’ as the catalogue put it.
Bidders appear more than satisfied and against a £1500-£2500 estimate, it went to the trade at £7200.
