General Information

Condition and Restoration

The condition of each piece of porcelain is stated.

All damage, however slight, is mentioned. Where there is restoration, this has been carried out by our restorer Clare using the most modern ceramic conservation techniques of thorough cleaning, consolidation and filling, with the minimum retouching possible. No overspray is used.

In the majority of cases this renders the previous damage virtually invisible. However, further detailed reports and images are available on request and we are always happy to discuss any object on the telephone. Please do not hesitate to ask.

Potential purchasers should satisfy themselves as to condition before making a decision.

Ordering and Payment

We have always been a very personally-orientated business, and prefer to get to know our customers and collectors rather than just making a sale!

Therefore it would be preferable to talk to any potential buyer on the telephone if possible, instead of just receiving an emailed order. We would like to make sure that the purchaser has all the information they require, and understands what the condition of the piece is. An invoice will be sent by email or by post, giving a full description of the item including the circa date and condition.

Payment may be by online banking from a sterling account, wire payment either in pounds sterling or US dollars, by bank draft in either of the same currencies, or through paypal, although charges might occur for the latter. Personal shoppers may also use a credit card, though we are currently not able to take 'customer not present' orders by card.

If we do not know the buyer, then we would ask that they wait while payment clears before the parcel is sent, which should only be a couple of days. All items remain our property until payment is received in full.

Packing and Shipping

We do all our own packing and shipping of porcelain, and of smaller antiques such as pictures and grants of arms. We ship all over the world and items are packed to a high professional standard using strong double-walled cartons, bubble wrap and polystyrene loose-fill.

There is no charge for the packing service or materials, but shipping is charged at cost. We normally use FedEx for the despatch of international packages, which usually means next day delivery, and the average cost of an insured air parcel would be in the region of £40-50.

Smaller items can also be sent overseas by an 'International Signed For' postal service which is a little cheaper (about £25) and generally very reliable, but insurance is not included and delivery time is longer.

Inland parcels are sent by Special Delivery (insured and guaranteed next day delivery) if under 2 kg, or by Parcelforce if larger. The cost ranges from approximately £10 to £25 depending on size.

In the exceptional case where an object is too large to pack ourselves, we would have it professionally packed by our local Mailbox franchise, but handle the documentation and shipping ourselves.