Where is the best place to sell Royal Doulton figures?

History of Royal Doulton

Pioneers in British pottery, Doulton was established in 1815 in London, before later moving to Stoke on Trent in 1882. Throughout the 19th century, production consisted mainly of stoneware pipes, decorative vases and architectural ceramics. The factory in Stoke received the Royal Warrant in 1901 from King Edward VII, leading to the official retitling of the company to ‘Royal Doulton.’ During the early 20th century production moved away from stoneware to high quality Bone China ceramics, and in 1913 the first Royal Doulton figurines were produced.

Royal Doulton figurines

Since 1913, there have been over 4000 figurines produced, drawing inspiration from a range of sources including; occupations, fashions, historical figures and national identities. The range of figures are vast and tend to represent the age of which they were made. Royal Doulton figures are still in production to this day. 

How to identify a genuine Royal Doulton figurine

Each Royal Doulton figurine has a ‘HN’ model number which can be used to identify the model and collection the figure is from. You can also use the back stamp or artist signature to identify and authenticate your Royal Doulton figurines.

How much is my Royal Doulton figurine worth?

Due to the notable history and legacy, some Royal Doulton figures have been known to fetch large amounts on the secondary market and many are considered key collectable items.  Generally speaking, older Royal Doulton figures from the early 20th century tend to generate greater values and are more desirable among collectors. Due to their age and limited numbers these figures are often sparse and unique nowadays. Many designs were withdrawn by the 1930s and the outbreak of the Second World War also halted production, making figures from this era often rare today.  Furthermore, some figures may have unusual colourways making them popular with enthusiasts. For example, ‘The Jester, HN55,’ model was only in production in its specific colourway from 1916-1938 and one sold for over £2000 in 2007.  With it becoming increasingly hard to find pristine examples of these rarer models, condition also plays a big contributing factor when determining the value of different Royal Doulton figures. A chip or scratch to paintwork can hugely decrease the value of the figures. You may also want to have a look out for any repairs or restorations as this can also negatively affect the resale value.  Some further examples of high achieving Royal Doulton figures include the ‘Mandarin figure, HN 318’ which sold for over £4000 in 2023, and ‘The Gleaner, HN1302,’ selling for £2500 in 2013.

Buy Royal Doulton figurines online

Not all Royal Doulton figures command prices in the thousands of pounds and many are quite affordable, with some selling for as little as £10 on the secondary market. The ‘Bunnykins’ series exemplifies the range of value Royal Doulton Figures can achieve well; with some rarer figures producing upwards of £2000 whilst other more common bunny figures are much lower. Take a look at our range of Royal Doulton figurines to buy online.

 

Best place to sell your Royal Doulton figurines

Once you have identified the model and age of your Royal Doulton figure, it is best to do some research by looking at sold listings to estimate how much it could be worth. Alternatively, you may wish to contact an antiques professional or auction house for a specialist valuation.  At PM Antiques & Collectables, we have a wealth of experience trading Royal Doulton figures. If you are looking to sell your figures get in touch today for a free appraisal. Unlike auction services, we provide no obligations, up front offers for your items, ensuring a fast, hassle-free sale.  Find out how much your Royal Doulton figurines are worth with our appraisal service.

Written by Krista Palmer-Preece of PM Antiques & Collectables