Page 18 - the Alan Blakeman Catalogue

30. BRAMPTON SPIRIT FLASK. 11.8ins. Quite spectacular shiny red brown salt glaze large size lozenge shaped flask, cork closure collar lip, c.1850/ 60 period? Large front foliate sprigs with thistles to both sides of the shoulder, lower sprig encircles
the entire flask featuring smoker, huntsmen, horses, dogs etc. Extremely high quality
sprigs and body glaze- making this a significant and distinctive quality
Brampton made piece. Only example recorded, displayed in
the Bottle Museum from day one, much admired by
all. No damages. Exc/ A1. 10/10. NR. £800-
1,200+
A BARGAIN OFF LAURENCE C?
On this particular Saturday morning show day I just happened to walk past Laurences stall and he plopped this gorgeous bit of Brampton onto his table. I just happened to be there at the right time, asked how much (memory fails me sometimes, so long ago, but I think it was £150). A speedy deal was done, and I don’t think I even tried to bargain or knock him down a little. LC may remember the actual price better but in truth it was a real bargain and he often mutters about that one item I acquired.
It may well have been the first SummerNational but major UK dealer Laurence Cooper was but a spring chicken with an outside stall - yes, he who today purveys all but the very finest and rarest of collectables started out on a wobbly wooden tressle table on the grass.
As a show organiser all these decades later I never get round to trawling the stalls for bargains as all the lucky visitors do.
One thing for certain - it will sell in this sale for more than I paid for it those decades back. In truth it doesn’t mater though, I have had the pleasure of owning the item for so long. Admired it muchly - ready now to pass it on to its next custodian. I’ll raise a glass Saturday 11 September to Laurence for the joy it has given me - maybe even chink glasses with him if he is there on the day?