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Robert Wallace Martin Early Gentlemens’ Cigar Lamp

For sale is this incredibly rare Robert Wallace Martin Gentlemen’s cigar lamp. I have only ever seen this example from the Martin Brothers, so I am confident these are rarer than hen’s teeth.

Presenting as a central oil burner with wick, it has been fitted with finely worked white metal (a silver plate metal) of excellent quality. No wear to the metal to the base layer is evident and it polishes beautifully. Any dullness is a light tarnish that removes easily. Three identical “wands” rest in the protruding wand sections, and each wand and wand seat has matching numbers 1-3 for the wands to know their position.

The way the lamp worked was each of three gentlemen took a wand, and using papers from their vespa cases, would wedge the paper into their wand and be able to light their cigars from the comfort of their leather chair, whilst the lamp remained in the centre of the table. Lighting the cigar from a “clean” paper prevented the cigar’s flavour from being contaminated by the oil flame from the lamp.

Decorated with blue floral designs with a subtle green and blue banding between, the stems rise with a lovely natural green glaze to the silver tops. Set on three bulbous feet, with three layers of small shapes banding each foot, this delightful piece is quintessential late 1870s to early 1880s Martin Brothers! Whilst approximately 14.5cm tall and 9cm across, it is very solid and weighs 710g!

Beneath  the cigar lamp is the signature of Robert Wallace Martin (R.W. Martin), the figure “8” and then “Southall”.

This piece is in wonderful orginal condition that is ready to brace any serious collectors collection. Even better if you and the friends enjoy an occasional cigar, as it is a novelty that can be safely and robustly used without fear of damage as it is so well made.

For sale is a wonderful, early Martin Brothers aquatic jug dated January 1884.

Aquatic Jug – Robert Wallace Martin

The Martin Brothers were renowned for their extraordinary skill in ceramics, known for their unique and imaginative designs. This jug, likely crafted by Robert Wallace Martin, embodies these characteristics. Robert, the eldest of the Martin brothers, was celebrated for his detailed and creative work. His pieces often drew inspiration from nature, as seen in the lifelike representations of marine life on this jug.

Condition and authenticity depiction of the skate, mackerel, and eels adds a dynamic and captivating element to the piece. These features are typical of Robert Wallace Martin’s work, known for infusing personality

In summary, this piece is beautiful, highly original  and its condition is immaculate, with no damage or restoration. The detailed skate, mackerel, and eels, set against a naturalistic background, showcase the remarkable skill and creativity of the Martin Brothers. Signed and dated January 1884, this jug is a valuable and collectible example of their early work, sure to be cherished by the discerning collector.

For sale is this superb Martin Brothers Aquatic Fish vase which is a striking example of their exceptional artistry. The vase features banding at both the top and bottom, framing the whimsical scene. The main part of the vase displays eight fish, each with a whimsical expression and in different poses. These fish are set against a blue and cream background, creating a captivating seawater effect. Interspersed among the fish are seaweed and shells, adding to the aquatic theme. This vase, likely made by Robert Wallace Martin, showcases the exceptional skill of the Martin Brothers beautifully.

Double Ribbed Martin Brothers Lustre vase – June 1907

For sale is this really interesting example of Edwin and Walter Martins’ organic pottery work. The vase is of subtle bulbous form, with a multitude of thin horizontal ribs and then large pronouced vertical ribs from the waist to the top rim. The Brothers have then applied a rich deep brown / dark grey / black colour with metallic oxide to give a wonderful lustre to the piece. In the photographs, observe the different angles where we try and illustrate the effect. This is a wonderful example of their work and is a most subtle, yet highly competent execution.

Condition and Provenance

The vase is in excellent original condition, with no chips, cracks, or repairs. A couple of specks on the main body of the vase are small imperfections during the manufacture of the vase. The signature beneath is 100% consistent with period pieces and is marked “6-1907, Martin Bros, London & Southall”, again entirely consistent and authentic. See the V&A Museum picture below of a virtually identical example from the same year by Edwin.

Rare George Tinworth for Doulton Lambeth – Stoneware Model of a Carpenter’s Bag (c. 1880s–1890s)

This finely modelled stoneware study of a carpenter’s bag is a superb example of the whimsical yet highly skilled designs created under the direction of George Tinworth for Doulton Lambeth in the late Victorian period. Measuring approximately 13.5cm in length and 8.5cm in height, the model is remarkable for both its craftsmanship and detail.

The body of the bag is finished in a warm creamy light brown glaze, while the edges, straps, and handles are picked out in a contrasting darker hue, emphasising the form and adding depth. One side of the bag is richly decorated with Victorian-era woodworking planes, while the opposite side, open and more restrained, reveals only a woodsaw within. On the integrated stoneware plinth, tools of the trade—a mallet to one side and a chisel or file to the other—are carefully arranged, grounding the piece in the world of the Victorian craftsman.

This model captures Tinworth’s hallmark ability to combine utility, charm, and social observation in a single work of art. Pieces such as this, with their humour and realism, were often intended as conversation pieces and today are regarded as rare and highly sought-after examples of Doulton Lambeth artistry.

The base carries the impressed Doulton Lambeth circular mark, together with the initials “EMW”—likely one of the assistants or moulders working under Tinworth’s direction—along with the registration stamp “Rd” and the series number 162583. The piece remains in excellent, unrestored condition, free from cracks or repairs.

A wonderful and rare George Tinworth study, this model exemplifies the creativity and craftsmanship of the Doulton Lambeth workshops at their height and represents a fine acquisition for the discerning collector of Victorian stoneware and Tinworth’s celebrated oeuvre.

Early Martin Brothers Salt-Glazed Open Salt Dish (Circa 1880s)

This distinctive open salt dish, crafted by Robert Wallace Martin of the renowned Martin Brothers pottery, dates to the 1880s and represents a superb example of early British art pottery. The piece features a robust, architectural form with a squared, lobed profile resting on four domed feet.

The exterior is defined by tactile detailing, utilizing a raised, beaded border that frames the upper and lower registers. The flat sides showcase a recessed, vertically fluted arcade motif, which contrasts sharply with the smooth, sweeping curves of the prominent corners. A rich, earthy palette characterizes the dish: the interior basin and upper sections are bathed in a mottled ochre and mustard-yellow glaze, while the lower corner sections exhibit a deep, resonant cobalt blue.

The underside bears the clearly incised signature “Martin Bros, London & Southall,” authenticating its early origins. Notably, the base retains a label from the esteemed Whitley Collection, providing highly desirable provenance for the discerning collector.

The dish presents in exceptional, unrestored original condition, free from subsequent damage or repairs. It exhibits small authentic, in-manufacture firing cracks—visible within the interior basin and underside—which are inherent to the early Martin Brothers firing process and do not detract from its structural integrity or historic appeal.

For sale we have this utterly georgous and unusual Doulton Lambeth vase by George Tinworth. It is an early piece made during his most inspired period, dating to 1877.

Unlike his most common “signature Seaweed Scroll” design, George has opted to do something different here. He has used the same base design as the seaweed, but made upright frond spears. This is unusual and a far rarer vase for it. Large frilled fronds rise from the base, whilst large straight-edged fronds drop from the neck. Each set of fronds is dissected by a white diamond pattern border, which very unusually have their own foliate edging. The colourway really makes this vase stunning. The spears are in Doulton’s gorgeous green, whilst the background is a terrific bold blue. The high shine glaze of the piece sets the colours off as you expect in a high quality piece like this. To finish things off, George has very boldly placed his “GT” monogram at the lower end of the vase between the frond spears.

Presented in superb original condition, the vase is stamped correctly beneath with the Doulton Lambeth stamp and dated 1877. It further has the marks of the assistant “E.L.H”, all typical of George’s work in this period. We cannot iterate enough what a gem this vase is and it will absolutely thrill its new owner!

For sale is this stunning, early Spanish pattern trumpet vase by William Moorcroft. Decorated with an abundance of flowers and foliage using reds, oranges and greens to fantastic effect, this small vase is truly something to behold. The decoration begins from the vases hip, with flowers arranged around the vase. The inside of the top rim is similarly decorated with flower buds to really make the vase pop with colour and elegance.

The vase presents superbly throughout. To note is an area of invisible restoration beneath the hip and also a very fine small hairline to the top rim. Close examination reveals the hairline occurred whilst the vase was new and before age crazing occurred. This is not visible on display and has to be carefully looked for. The

In 1873, Arthur Barlow crafted a remarkable Doulton Lambeth ewer, a testament to his exceptional skill and artistic vision. This ewer, notable for its generous proportions, is adorned with intricate scrolling beadwork, florette roundels, and elegant foliate designs. Characteristic of Barlow’s style, it features his distinctive banding in the background, adding depth and texture to the piece. The top of the ewer is crowned with a solid sterling silver lid, which is original and was crafted in London in 1873 by the esteemed silversmiths Richards & Brown.

The condition of this ewer is impeccable; it remains in its original state with no chips, cracks, or restoration, preserving its historical and aesthetic value. Beneath the foot of the ewer, one can find Arthur Barlow’s signature alongside the Doulton Lambeth oval stamp, authenticating its origin and craftsmanship.

C.H. Brannam Barum Sgraffito Fish Jug by Thomas Liverton (1908)

This substantial CH Brannam art pottery jug, dated 1908, is a highly representative example of the Devon-based pottery’s Edwardian output. Measuring 17.5cm in height and 25cm across its widest point (including the handle), the vessel features a strong, squat bulbous body, a broad neck, and a sturdy applied handle.

Design and Decoration The jug is finished in a rich, deep green ground and ornamented using the sgraffito technique that became a hallmark of Brannam’s art wares. The primary decoration features a dynamic aquatic motif with two distinct fish: a beautifully detailed carp and a highly unusual, rare depiction of a sturgeon. These central figures are surrounded by stylized aquatic elements, including incised lily pads, undulating pond weed, and swirling water patterns. These accents are picked out in contrasting colored slips of deep blue, pale green, and earthy brown, showcasing a clear Art Nouveau influence.

Condition The item presents in very good, original condition considering Brannam’s fragile clay. There is a distinct, triangular loss of glaze located near the head of the carp. Additionally, the rim features a glazed-over imperfection; this is a pre-firing manufacturing anomaly rather than subsequent damage, offering a glimpse into the artisanal firing process. The remainder of the vessel displays age-related wear while retaining a highly vibrant and glossy glaze. No restoration is observed throughout.

Authenticity and Marks The base of the jug is fully marked and authenticated. It is clearly incised with the signature C.H. Brannam Barum, the date 1908, and the design registration number Rd 44561. Crucially for collectors, it bears the distinct TL monogram, identifying the decorator as Thomas Arthur Liverton, one of the pottery’s premier artists during this era.