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18th century wine bottle with Wedgwood link worth thousands

08 August 2023 By Sarah Neish

A wine bottle made in 1776, bearing an inscription to pottery pioneer Thomas Wedgwood, could be worth up to £8,000 when auctioned in October.

The star of the show at a Hansons auction due to take place this autumn is a wine bottle with a personal inscription dedicated to Thomas Wedgwood.

A message on the bottle’s collar reads: “‘Thomas Wedgwood of the Big House, Burslem, Staffordshire. Born 1703. Died 1776.”

Charles Hanson, founder of Hansons Auctioneers, based in Derbyshire, says that the bottle, which was made in 1776, could fetch £6,000 to £8,000 at auction – and he hopes it will “find its way into a museum”, such is the piece’s historical significance.”

An entrepreneurial spirit ran in the Wedgwood family’s veins, particularly Thomas’s. He was a giant in terms of his impact in the early days of Staffordshire Potteries,” Hanson said.

Wedgwood pottery, founded in 1759, is renowned worldwide for its fine English pottery.

“Every new Wedgwood invention – green glaze, creamware, black basalt, and jasperware – was quickly copied,” said Hanson.

“Having enhanced production, Wedgwood sought efficiencies in sales and distribution. Showrooms in London showcased tableware, always in tune with current fashions.”

In 1995 Wedgwood was granted a Royal Warrant by Queen Elizabeth II.

Various Wedgwood pieces have been offered at auction, realising prices ranging from $US40 to US$53,732. The record price achieved for a Wedgwood piece so far at auction is US$53,732 for a Sydney Cove Medallion, sold at Lyon & Turnbull Edinburgh in 2022.

The Hansons’ sale featuring the glass bottle is scheduled for 5-6 October in Derbyshire.

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