New Dealer- Tobacciana Collectibles

This April we welcome a new dealer to the Alfies team; John Halsall of Tobacciana Collectibles, our latest dealer to join the ground floor.

Stand G085/86 has undergone a Spring transformation, filled with a colourful collection of decorative and promotional ashtrays and jugs. Many made by iconic potters such as Moorcroft, Royal Doulton, Limoges, Sundry and other pub and bar related items.

A 1953 Queen Elizabeth Coronation ashtray

We asked John a few questions...

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your business?
I have been collecting ashtrays for many years and started to trade in the year 2000. I sell collectable vintage ashtrays and jugs, many of which are rare French blue ashtrays, German, Spanish and British.

What first interested you in collecting?
I was always on the look out on my travels and the French blue ashtrays always caught my eye, from there my collection grew and expanded to trays and jugs from all around Europe.

How did you first start dealing in collectibles?
Having gained a large collection I decided that when I reached my 70th birthday it was time to turn my hobby into a business.

Do you have a personal favourite in your collection?
Yes, the French blue ashtrays. I like the bright colour. Some are like pieces of art work with hand painted designs, many made by well established potters like Moorcroft and Royal Doulton.

Two classic French vintage ashtrays

What are the most collectable ashtrays?
The Royal editions are always popular, and so are the Heineken branded ones. There is a fan base around the world for Heineken and many collectors are always looking out for vintage collectables.

Here are just a selection of ashtrays available from Tobacciana Collectibles:

A rare Moorcroft pottery ashtray made for promoting Marston's beer, 1 of 800.

A Cruise and Atlantic liner QE2's own brand of malt whisky flask.

A Royal Doulton porcelain bar water jug, matching ashtray also available.

A Wade porcelain ashtray promoting Warwick's 'Milkmaid' stout.

A Monagesque porcelain (similar to Limoges) souvenir ashtray commemorating the
 marriage of Prince Rainer to Hollywood actress Grace Kelly in 1956.

John Halsall- Tobacciana Collectibles 

Stand: G085/86 at Alfies Antique Market

Email: jmhalsall@hotmail.co.uk

Royal Doulton, A Fine Figure

At Alfies we have a beautiful collection of Royal Doulton figures offered by our dealer Chris of Janes Antiques. 

Royal Doulton started in 1815 producing tableware and collectables. Operating originally in London, its reputation grew in the pottery industry, where it was a latecomer compared to Royal Crown Derby, Minton and Wedgwood. There are some little known facts about The Royal Doulton Company, below are some of our favourites.

During the 1840s the company saw considerable success and was said to have made a small fortune by manufacturing and supplying products that are vastly different to those which they're known for today: sewage pipes!

The 'HN' on the serial number represents the initials of one of the figurines' painters, Harry Nixon, which started to be used as part of the labeling system way back in 1913.

Although Royal Doulton figurines look rather fragile they are actually quite strong as they are made from cornish stone, china clay and calcined bone ash.

Here is just a small selection of what there is on offer from Janes Antiques:

'Autumn Breeze' HN 194.

'The Laird' 1970, with 'Hunting Dog With Pheasant', HN 1029

'Rowena' 1950, HN 2077

'The Parsons Daughter' HN 564

'Fleur' 1967 HN 2368

'Thank You' 1982, HN 2732

'Good King Wenceslas' 1952, HN 2118

'The Wardrobe Mistress' 1953, HN 2145

Dark Times for Waterford Wedgwood

Waterford Wedgwood has been forced to call in the administrators after 250 years in business. This international symbol of quality British craftsmanship and design will be sorely missed by the collectors of Wedgwood and also by the many hundreds of workers and families whose skills, passed down through generations are forced to shut up shop. There is still some hope for this renouned business as buyers may step in to purchase parts of the company and keep production going, but like the rest of the economy at the moment nothing is certain.

Wedgewood was started by Josiah Wedgwood in England in 1759. Waterford was started in Ireland in 1783. The two merged in 1986 bringing together two of the most recognised brands in fine crystal and china. Their famous brands include Waterford Crystal, Wedgewood and Royal Doulton fine bone china and Rosenthal porcelain.

Image source: The Guardian.
To view more photos of Waterford Wedgwood click here for The Guardian online.

When Josiah Wedgwood started as an apprentice in his brothers workshop he must have had little idea how successful his future business was to become. Now remembered as the 'Father of the English Potters' Wedgwood earnt this title through his innovative approach to ceramics and the advancement he brought to his company.

In 1762 Wedgwood created a cream-coloured tea and coffee set for Queen Charlotte, wife of George III. She was so pleased with the set she allowed him to use the name 'Potter to Her Majesty' and use the name Queens Ware. This was the start of Wedgwood's illustrious career. His three most famous contributions to the ceramics industry include Queens Ware, Black Basalt a fine black porcelain, and a new type of stoneware Jasper. Later in his career Wedgwood also invented the pyrometer. This instrument allowed for higher kiln temperatures to be measured and is considered by some the most important development in ceramic history since the Chinese invented procelain over 1000 years before.

I've been having a look around Alfies searching for some Waterford Wedgwood pieces to remind myself of the range of items the company produced. Wesley Payne showed me a couple of items he has at the moment including this beautiful Royal Doulton floral tea set from 1933:

He also has a much older piece from 1880 reminding me just how long Wedgwood has been going:

Just across the corridor Janes Antiques were also hiding a few Wedgwood treasures such as this large soup terrine:

The figurines below are Royal Doulton and are called the Four Seasons as each figurine represents a season of the year:

I am guessing now that the company has called in administrators, Waterford Wedgwood crystal and fine china will, if it is at all possible, become even more collectable. Something that will mean the Waterford Wedgwood name will continue to live and be remembered on for many more years to come.