Led by a 2in (5cm) long, c.1780 figure of a recumbent ram at an above-estimate £2100, all bar two of the 104 lots in the first tranche got away to a hammer total just shy of £40,000.
“Despite a general easing in the English porcelain market, the demand showed Lowestoft continues to enjoy a strong following locally and further afield,” said Keys’ specialist David Broome.
Although the ram figure is a known quantity – Zoë Sprake sold one at her Lowestoft Auctions sale in October 2015 and another took £2600 at Paul Beighton in November last year – the factory was better known for the household products it manufactured during its 43-year history.
Much of the material at Keys had some condition problems, said Broom, adding: “But a combination of rarity and realistic estimates ensured a very good result.”
Among the household pieces was a real rarity: a c.1770 painted spoon. Few Lowestoft spoons of any sort come on the market apart from occasional mustard, rice or caddy spoons and this 7½in (19cm) long example is hitherto unrecorded. Selling on the lower estimate, it appeared to be a good buy at £1500.
