The Country Diary Collection

By Getrich@67--, 30 March, 2025
Description

This piece is part of the Webb & Bower Ltd. 1977 The Country Diary Collection produced by Andre Richards Co. It is called Chaffinch with Blue & White Periwinkle. The strange thing is, I can't find anything about it online, not a picture, nothing. It is some type of bottle, I am curious because it, at this point, is a mystery. One would think site's such as Etsy and Ebay would have it, but no. Anything you can find or help me with this is greatly appreciated.

Vickie Holbrook

Category
Antique Bottles
Medium
Ceramic or Porcelain.
Distinguishing marks
I just have this very moment noticed a place on the bottom just outside the bottom rim, with a magnifier it's in the shape of a T but I can't tell if it is a mark or a surface crack, Inside the bottle I can feel the impression of it, I put water in the bottle and there is no leakage, so this could be some kind of mark. In the photo I sent of the bottom you can barely tell there is something there, you may be able to blow the photo up and see it. I have just noticed also that if I turn the bottle and view it from a different angle, it looks like a Y. So more Mystery, I hope you can help. Thank you in advance.
Condition
Excellent
Size and dimensions of this item
3" H x 3.5" W
Date Period
The only date I know is the 1977 that is on the bottom of the bottle.
Weight
4.1 oz
History
I found it at a yard sale.
Price Paid (If known)
2.00
For Sale?
Yes
Photos

Getrich@67--

2 months 1 week ago

Look forward to your appraisal.

No votes yet

Charley

2 months 1 week ago

Description:
This unique, small ceramic or porcelain bottle features a hand-painted image of a bird identified as a “Chaffinch with Blue & White Periwinkle.” It bears a bright cobalt blue lid and an off-white to pale yellow glazed surface. The reverse side shows a clear maker’s mark:
© Webb & Bower Ltd. 1977
THE COUNTRY DIARY COLLECTION
Produced by Andrea Richard Co., Japan

Size: Approximately 3" high x 3.5" wide
Weight: 4.1 oz
Condition: Excellent — no chips, cracks, or paint loss observed. A faint “T” or “Y”-shaped impression is present under magnification near the base, though it does not affect functionality.

Historical Background & Rarity

Webb & Bower Ltd. was a British publishing company known for curating collections inspired by nature and literature. In 1977, they partnered with artists and ceramic manufacturers to create The Country Diary Collection, based on The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady by Edith Holden. This line included decorative ceramics made in Japan by Andrea by Sadek (often branded Andrea Richard Co.).

What makes your piece especially unusual is its absence from resale platforms and collector databases, suggesting it may have been part of a limited or regional production run, or possibly a promotional or giftware item distributed outside the main retail line.

Market Value Estimate (as of 2025):

Given the rarity, excellent condition, and detailed artwork:

  • Estimated Value: $35–$60 USD
  • If confirmed rare/one-off variant: $75–$100+ USD (to the right collector)

Recommendation:

You may wish to consult with a specialist in Andrea by Sadek ceramics or British literary-themed collectibles. For authentication or resale assistance, consider:

  • Replacements.com (for matching obscure patterns)
  • eBay's advanced collector forums
  • Professional appraisers in decorative arts or English country collectibles
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