Groups and figures were made in great variety and number at Derby, upon which no splendor or expense of gold and color was spared. These are found in nearly all the good collections of England and the Continent. At this time—the end of the last century—it was much the fashion for ladies to paint, for their own use and for gifts, single pieces, and indeed whole sets; and the white china of Derby was often sold for that purpose. These amateur productions occasionally find their way into the shops, and naturally perplex the collector.
Duesbury’s prices were not high. In an invoice extant we find:
| Pair of knotting figures, finely enameled and gilt | £2 | 2s. |
| Twenty-four dessert-plates, in medallions and grapes, each | 13s. | |
| Three large punch-bowls, painted, ye allusion of stag-hunting, hare-hunting, and fishing; each | 42s. |
Great care was taken that nothing but perfect work went from, the factory; this kept the character of the Derby works high. But it filled their shops with many “seconds.” When Mr. Bloor came into possession, of the factory, these seconds were sold by auction in various parts of England; and this greatly injured the name and fame of “Derby,” from which it did not recover.
The Bernal sale records of Chelsea-Derby and Derby:
| Five old Derby plates, with Cupids in pink and flower borders | £9 | ||
| Three of Derby-Chelsea, with bases and deep-blue borders | 2 | 12s. | 6d. |
| A two-handled cup, cover, and saucer, with landscapes and roses on a yellow ground | 17 | 6s. | 6d. |
None of these were the best work, and brought but corresponding prices.
Marks used on Derby porcelain:
