09/03/2025 Latest News
An important documentary Lowestoft coffee pot dating from 1776 goes under the hammer in Keys Fine Art Auctioneers’ two day Fine Sale (Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th March), with a pre-sale estimate of £5,000-£7,000.
The pot, with its cover, is of baluster form with a typical scroll handle, and is inscribed in sepia within a feathery cartouche with an 18th century riddle:
‘I came in with Adam, and outliv’d his Fall,
And hope to abide the desolation of all.
I was brought very low, at the time of the flood
Yet daily increase by good Noah’s brood.
From which time, I have increased to such a degree
That the scripture itself, take notice of me.
I am often at Court though not at command,
Yet the King highly honour, and give me his hand.
I once was a traitor though abating that time
I never was charged with any great crime
But hold say no more, give over when well,
Remember I am strictly charged not to tell
Samuel Cubitt Blofield 1776’
The jug is from the collection of the late Henry Casely and was sold at Sotheby’s in October 1979.
Keys ceramics expert David Broom said, “This is an important piece which, although it has signs of damage and repair, is still likely to be of considerable interest to serious Lowestoft porcelain collectors.”
The jug is set to be auctioned on the first day of the two day sale. More details at www.keysauctions.co.uk.