1776 Wedgwood Wine Bottle to Highlight Hansons Auction: A Testament to Pottery Heritage

A wine bottle from the year 1776, engraved with a tribute to the ceramic pioneer Thomas Wedgwood, may command a price of up to £8,000 at an upcoming auction in October.

The highlight of the Hansons auction scheduled for this fall is a wine bottle bearing a personal dedication to Thomas Wedgwood.

The collar of the bottle carries the inscription: “Thomas Wedgwood of the Big House, Burslem, Staffordshire. Born 1703. Died 1776.”

Charles Hanson, the founder of Hansons Auctioneers in Derbyshire, estimates the bottle, crafted in 1776, might sell for £6,000 to £8,000. He expresses his hope that it will end up in a museum, reflecting its historical importance.

The Wedgwood family was known for their business acumen, especially Thomas, who played a significant role in the early development of Staffordshire Potteries, according to Hanson.

Founded in 1759, Wedgwood pottery is globally acclaimed for its quality English ceramics.

Hanson remarked, “Each new innovation from Wedgwood—such as green glaze, creamware, black basalt, and jasperware—was swiftly emulated.”

“Upon enhancing production, Wedgwood pursued effective sales and distribution strategies. Their London showrooms displayed tableware, always aligned with the prevailing trends.”

In 1995, Wedgwood received a Royal Warrant from Queen Elizabeth II.

A wide array of Wedgwood pieces has been sold at auction, with prices ranging from $US40 to US$53,732. The record for a Wedgwood item at auction is US$53,732 for a Sydney Cove Medallion, sold in 2022 at Lyon & Turnbull Edinburgh.