Despite their small size and often unsophisticated appearance, Lowestoft models of animals are highly collectable. This 2½in (6cm) high seated cat on a green wash base, offered at John Nicholson’s (24% buyer’s premium) in Fernhurst on February 22 dates from c.1780. Another example of this well-known model is pictured in Geoffrey Godden’s The Illustrated Guide to Lowestoft Porcelain while among those recently sold at auction is the example with more defined black stripes sold for £5200 at Tennants in March 2012. This Sussex example was not in the best condition – it has chips to the ears and part of the tail is missing – but it sold well enough at £3600 (estimate £2000-3000).