A very rare and exciting piece of Royal Doulton in colbalt blue with a sensational mechanised Sterling silver top made by the renowned Silversmiths Grey & Co. A silversmiths well known for supplying the elite brands of the day such as Asprey & co, P. Orr & sons and of course in this instance Royal Doulton who was in the top three of English potters at the time. The silver is fully hallmarked for 1918 with a date letter from Chester. Interestingly the Chester shield is not present. The marks on the hinges are very crisp, the one on the outer rim has polished down a little but still very readable.

This was originally designed to be an ashtray but I have seen other examples used as sugar bowls. The mechanism still works, however can sometimes not catch both cogs unless the wheel is pushed forward, for over 100 years old this is to be expected it isn’t working like new and is exceptional it still works at all. The silver has got dings and knocks from movement and from use but considering how much this was probably used and it’s age its exceptional its still so vibrant and not completely battered and broken. The signs of use in my opinion only adds to its charm though. The base pottery has no chips or cracks only thing I would say is a snag is the glaze has a scratch or two but very hard to see unless look right up close.

Measurements are 3 “ tall 4” top diameter 2"3/4 base diameter. it’s a real piece of history. I can only find one other example of this and it’s over £350. Asking just £140 for this really fantastic item.