Boston tea party for Midland auctioneer

wd3262380 A rare teapot of political significance in the 18th century is expected to attract bids of around £2,000 with a Lichfield auctioneer.

The five-inch tall teapot, thought to have been made around 1765 by Josiah Wedgwood, was found in a home in Little Aston and is being sold by Charles Hanson on April 15.

It is marked “Success to Trade in America” and “No Stamp Act” – a political stance against tax imposed on the colonies by Britain because it was £800 million in debt following war in Europe.

The tax and its unpopularity set in motion protests which led to the American Revolution of 1776.

Mr Hanson, of Hansons’ Auctioneers, who also appears on the BBC’s Bargain Hunt programme, said the teapot’s owner was shocked when told its auction value at one of the monthly Saturday antique valuation days held by the firm.

““The teapot has great political significance in 1765 since the Stamp Act was the first example of the British Crown imposing a direct tax on its American colonists.

“The act required all legal documents and papers be printed on stamp paper, a special type of paper taxable by England.

“The teapot is likely to have been manufactured in Staffordshire. It is known Josiah Wedgwood was a supporter of Free Trade in America.”

Painted in a vibrant orange and with only a small chip to the spout Mr Hanson believes it will create worldwide interest at the auction and could make more than £2,000.

A 200-year-old violin, made in Dublin and found in Lichfield, is also expected to fetch at least £2,000 on April 23. It was crafted by John Delany of Britain Street in 1806.

Mr Hanson said: “It is in its original state of preservation. To consider it was made only a year after the Battle of Trafalgar is quite remarkable.

“The violin had been inherited by our client from a family relation who was a violinist. Sadly, we don’t know when or how she came to acquire it.”

Both auctions are being held at The Mackworth Hotel, Ashbourne Road, near Derby. Call Hansons on 01283 733988 for more information.

See Also: