1. Ray and Diane highly recommend all new collectors of Staffordshire pottery to view the item in person before making a commitment, especially on expensive items, if the item cannot be viewed always purchase from a specialist dealer who will give guarantees on date, authenticity and condition. If you purchase via the internet always ask for large clear photographs showing the glaze clearly, it may say good condition with no restorations but the quality of the body is of equal importance.

2. In our specialist subject we welcome collectors to contact us to help with the dispersal of their toby jug collections. Give us the chance at buying your whole toby collection (c1780-1840) or just a single good quality item as the other choices available may come at quiet an expense. Auction costs for vendors plus buyers premium + vat / insurance and photographic costs can reduce the value considerably of a life times collecting.

3. If you chose the auction route make sure its a reputable one, have a couple of valuations and if you are paying for insurance cover make sure it's enough.

Starting a collection

Buy a piece of pottery that you know is genuine, in the best condition for its rarity then live with it, handle it and read as much as possible on its manufacture, visit museums, speak to other collectors/specialist dealers...it all becomes easier with experience.

Buying from auction.

If you are an inexperienced buyer, cannot view a sale and have to rely on photographs with descriptions and condition, don't be surprised if it's not what you expected. Auction houses only offer their opinions and state through a disclaimer that it's up to the buyer to satisfy themselves as to condition and age. Far better to pay a commission/profit to a dealer to buy on your behalf who will also organize shipping arrangements.

4. Buying from Ray & Diane Ginns. All our sales items are well packed (box in box) but postage charges are extra. Information is provided on expected delivery date plus tracking numbers and carrier information. Once the payment has cleared British collectors can expect next day postal service, Europe, Australia and the USA will receive written advise Larger size photos can be provided for a better visual look at any item & if you have any questions about a pottery item for sale ....please ask. All stock information given will be backed from our years of experience and from the pottery at our disposal from other like minded collectors/friends whose passions have evolved through time and we still have access to their collections.

5. Payments can only be made by ....English Pounds Sterling cheques, USA dollars personal cheques taken from known clients only.

6. Books that will help with antique and genuine recognition of early pottery.

7. Check out our own web collectors series..................Ray and Diane Ginns.

All photos used in these articles are from archive sales, the photos have had no enhancement treatment used so the quality you see is the standard we purchase

8. Fakes? email a photo. Over the years there has been many factories reproducing early Staffordshire wares, lots of the old moulds still exist and there has been a mass of eastern copies that have arrived over the last twenty or so years. In toby models Continental jugs are often passed as British so if you suspect a model is not "right" send me a photo. There are both pearlware and enamel Squire tobies in circulation that are not from the early period ...... so take care.

Copyright © 2011 : All rights reserved Ray and Diane Ginns. www.rarepottery.com