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Preliminary identification

Liberty Blue 'Old North Church' Saucer, c.1975

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

This is a classic piece of English ironstone transferware featuring a deep cobalt blue 'Old North Church' scene. It was part of a highly successful commemorative series produced specifically to celebrate the United States Bicentennial.

Story

In the mid-1970s, a massive wave of 'Bicentennial fever' swept across the United States as the nation prepared for its 200th birthday. This specific pattern was commissioned by the Benjamin Franklin Federal Savings and Loan Association as a promotional…

Maker / Origin

While the backstamp indicates it was made in England, these were crafted by Enoch Wedgwood (Tunstall) Ltd. in the heart of the Staffordshire potteries.

Condition & Value

The photos show a crisp transfer and a clean, glossy glaze with no visible chips or heavy crazing. The backstamp is clear and well-centered. Excellent condition is standard for these pieces as many were kept for display rather than daily use.

Full Research

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
  • ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD