News

During Leighton Hall Auctions’ January Antiques sale on 17th January, a Royal Crown Derby White Star Line serving bowl with links to RMS Olympic and RMS Titanic, captured the imagination of collectors and enthusiasts alike, eventually selling for an incredible £13,000. What made the result even more remarkable was that the bowl had been discovered locally, as part of a wider collection belonging to a family of dedicated collectors.

The bowl was offered alongside a group of White Star Line–related ceramics of varying dates, including Stonier & Co spoon rest trays, later pin dishes, a John Maddock & Sons Stonier & Co White Star Line rest, and Royal Crown Derby “Titanic” pottery. While the group attracted interest in its own right, it quickly became clear that one piece stood out.

Toby Hall of Leighton Hall Auctions with the White Star Line Serving Bowl

A Star of the Viewing Day

In the days leading up to the sale, the Royal Crown Derby bowl began to generate a buzz. Visitors to the viewing day were drawn to it immediately, so much so that several asked to have their photograph taken alongside it. Enquiries started coming in by phone, and anticipation grew as word spread among collectors.

Even so, the final hammer price came as a genuine shock on the day.

“To see it sell for £13,000 was incredible,” said Toby Hall, Auctioneer and Managing Director at Leighton Hall Auctions. “It’s not every day you handle a piece like this, and it may well be one of the rarest items of pottery we will ever have the privilege to sell.”

You can watch a video of the bowl being sold at auction here.

A Direct Link to Titanic and Olympic

Following the sale, the auction house was fortunate to speak with James Deighton, a client of the auction and attendee of the viewing day, who shared his extensive knowledge of the bowl and its remarkable history.

On 31st January 1911, the White Star Line placed a special order with Royal Crown Derby for an exclusive pattern of fine china. This was not intended for general service, but specifically designed for the à la carte restaurants aboard the company’s newest and most luxurious superliners: Olympic and Titanic, then under construction by Harland & Wolff in Belfast.

As with all White Star Line service ware, the order was placed through their Liverpool-based agents, Stonier & Co, who stored and distributed the china as required. This explains why surviving examples, including the bowl sold at Leighton Hall Auctions, bear both the White Star Line and Stonier & Co marks beneath the Royal Crown Derby manufacturer’s stamp

.

With its rich gilding, elegant green swag decoration, and crisp white ground, the pattern was chosen to complement the opulence of the ships’ first-class à la carte restaurants, spaces where no expense was spared.

Luxury at Sea

The à la carte dining room aboard Olympic could seat up to 137 first-class passengers and offered lavish French haute cuisine at an additional cost. Passengers could even dine exclusively in the restaurant for the duration of the voyage and receive a £3–£5 rebate on their ticket, a considerable sum at the time.

The setting itself was extraordinary. Decorated in the Louis XVI style, the room featured exquisitely carved French walnut panelling with gilt-brass accents, fluted columns adorned with gilded ribbons, delicately moulded plaster ceilings, and mirrored panels designed to resemble windows. A peach-coloured marble-topped buffet ran along the forward wall, while a raised bandstand for the orchestra occupied the aft, flanked by silver service stations. Axminster carpets and rose-patterned upholstery completed the scene.

The Royal Crown Derby bowls were likely used as fruit bowls or table centrepieces and were never produced in large numbers, possibly as few as 50 per ship.

A Rare Survivor

Tragically, half of the original order was lost when Titanic sank in 1912. At least one bowl has since been recovered from the wreck and displayed in a travelling exhibition, though the harsh conditions on the Atlantic seabed mean that only faint traces of the pattern remain.

The example sold in Stone shows clear signs of service wear to its base, suggesting it was used extensively, almost certainly aboard Olympic. This wear, rather than detracting from its value, adds to its authenticity and story.

Given that the original order was never repeated and later replaced with a simpler design after the First World War, surviving examples are exceptionally rare, making this local discovery all the more extraordinary.

Hidden Treasures in Local Homes

Stories like this are what make the auction world so exciting. Extraordinary objects with international significance can still be found in ordinary homes, quietly waiting to be rediscovered.

“At Leighton Hall Auctions, we love uncovering unique items and helping them reach a wider audience who truly appreciate their importance and historical significance,” Toby said. “You really never know what might be hiding in an attic, cupboard, or sideboard.”

As this remarkable Royal Crown Derby bowl proves, sometimes a piece of global history is closer to home than anyone ever imagined. The discovery serves as a reminder to Staffordshire residents that what seems like an old family heirloom or a piece of everyday china could have a fascinating story – and value – waiting to be uncovered.

For anyone wondering what treasures might be hiding in their own homes, Leighton Hall Auctions offers valuations and expert advice. After all, as this Titanic-linked bowl proves, you never quite know what you might have until you ask.

Your Hidden Treasure Could Be Next

Whether it’s a piece of fine jewellery, decorative arts, or an unusual item like this White Star Line bowl, Leighton Hall Auctions in Staffordshire offers a personal yet professional approach to every consignment.

We’re based in Stone, Staffordshire, but our reach is global—and we welcome entries from across the country for our specialist sales.

Thinking of Selling?

If you have something you think might be rare, unusual, or simply beautiful, we’d love to hear from you. Our friendly team offers free, no-obligation valuations and can guide you through the auction process with transparency and care.

📞 Call us on 01785 561799
📧 Email info@leightonhallauctions.com
📍 Or pop in to see us at our saleroom in Stone.