Exceptionally Rare ‘Bianco Sopra Bianco’ Plate to Go Under The Gavel

Thanks to information kindly shared by the family, we were made aware of an incredibly rare example of English delftware that had been safely stored away – a stunning 'Bianco Sopra Bianco' plate, featuring a bold image of a man on horseback and inscribed "A. Bosavern, Looe 1763."

This remarkable 18th-century piece depicts Abraham Bosavern, a Customs Officer based in Polperro who patrolled the Cornish coast between Looe and Fowey. A rare survival of the decorative Bianco Sopra Bianco style, this plate is a true collector’s gem and a standout example of English tin-glazed earthenware.

One of only two known to exist, it's expected to fetch thousands when it goes under the hammer in our Specialist Sale on 2nd September.

You can read more about the upcoming Tony Martin Collection in our latest press coverage from Cornwall Live.