A shopper was left delighted after reportedly stumbling across a set of antique Davenport plates at her local charity shop for just £4 – because they are both beautiful and valuable.
Charity Shop Surprise
When rummaging through a charity shop, you will typically find the usual suspects – towering stacks of jigsaws, glassware crammed into every available space, and the odd suitcase collecting dust. But occasionally, a genuine gem appears that stops you dead in your tracks.
That is precisely what happened to one shopper who discovered a collection of antique Davenport plates while browsing at her local charity shop. Thrilled with her find, she posted photographs on Reddit, where fellow thrift enthusiasts were swift to congratulate her on the stroke of luck.
She wrote: "The most amazing find today, I absolutely love these antique plates. £4 for 4. I understand they are original, period aesthetic movement. From Davenport 1880s - early 1890s. What do you think?"
The eye-catching white plates showcase an elaborate floral pattern encircling a bird at the centre and are adorned in the characteristic orange hue typically linked with Davenport pottery.
Online Reactions
While the shopper parted with just £4 for the collection, comparable Davenport plates have fetched hundreds of pounds online, prompting numerous social media users to envy her bargain.
One user said: "They are beautiful, I would have pounced on them if I had seen them." Another added: "Ah nice! I live less than 10 minutes away from Longport, Stoke-on-Trent! These are lovely!"
A third user commented: "These are such a great find! Enjoy using them."
History of Davenport Pottery
Davenport pottery boasts a rich and distinguished heritage stretching back over two centuries. According to The Potteries, this particular style of plate was produced between 1870 and 1886.
A statement reads: "John Davenport, born in 1765, is said to have begun potting in 1785, first as a workman, and later as a partner with Thomas Wolfe of Stoke. He acquired his own pottery at Longport for the manufacture of earthenware in 1794."
"In 1830 he retired, and his two sons Henry and William carried on the firm until 1835, when Henry died. The style of the firm then became William Davenport and Company."
"William died in 1869, and his two sons took over the direction of the business, which remained in the family until 1887."
The ceramics firm grew to become one of the most recognisable names in the Staffordshire pottery trade, turning out everything from everyday tableware to ornamental pieces now highly coveted by collectors.
A Remarkable Steal
While the true worth of the charity shop discovery would hinge on its condition and rarity, antique Davenport pieces continue to command considerable attention from buyers, making the shopper's £4 find appear to be an absolutely remarkable steal.
