Previously Sold Items

Extremely Rare William Moorcroft Flambé Bowl – Spanish Pattern (c. 1910–1916)

This exceptionally rare flambé bowl is a remarkable example of William Moorcroft’s artistry and experimental mastery during the early Burslem period. Measuring 23cm in diameter and 7cm in height, the bowl is decorated in the highly desirable Spanish pattern, one of Moorcroft’s most striking floral designs, introduced around 1910 and produced only for a short period.

The interior reveals the hallmark tubelined decoration, with three large Spanish flowers at the centre and four medium blooms gracefully arranged around the upper edges. The exterior continues this flowing design, displaying three further large flowers evenly distributed around the circumference. The entire piece glows with a rich, iridescent pinkish-red flambé glaze, a finish Moorcroft frequently undertook personally in his kiln experiments. On this example, subtle overfiring to one side provides both visual depth and a tangible reminder of its experimental origins.

The underside is especially striking, showing intense iridescence with oily rainbow hues, reminiscent of a delicate film of light across a surface—an effect unique to flambé glazes of this period. Beneath, the bowl bears no painted signature, though its authenticity is undisputed, confirmed by its important provenance as part of the Moorcroft Museum Collection, where it was catalogued and retains its original label: “Moorcroft Museum, 00461.”

The Spanish pattern itself is historically significant, reflecting William Moorcroft’s early exploration of bold, stylised floral motifs, influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement and Art Nouveau aesthetics. Produced only in the early 1910s and in relatively small numbers, Spanish pattern pieces are today exceptionally rare, with flambé-fired examples being among the most coveted of all early Moorcroft works.

This superb and rare bowl, with its museum provenance, flambé glaze, and iconic Spanish design, represents a true collector’s piece—an opportunity to acquire an object of both aesthetic beauty and considerable historical importance within the oeuvre of William Moorcroft.

Martin Brothers Early Stamped Small Jug

For sale is this truly delightful early Martin Brothers jug, dated 23-06-1880. Rare to find, this jug is stamped with the early “R.W. Martin Southall” stamp which dates it authentically to 1880.

To the top half, the jug has been coloured with a mix of rich brown and light metallic oxides to give the brown an additional sheen to it. Beneath, bandings of small circles and lines separate the brown top section from the framing of the zig-zag simple foliate and flower desgned motifs. A subtle olive-green presents in the centre bandng and onto the jug handle for further contrast to this wonderful early piece.

Beneath, the R.W. Martin Southall” stamp is clear as well as the hand-inscribed date of 23-06-1880.

This piece is in wonderful orginal condition and is free from any chips, cracks or repairs. It measures 14cm tall by approximately 10.5cm wide including the handle.

This is Martin Brothers in its simple authenticity, in wonderful condition. Adding it to your collection will not disappoint and it is a lovely size for a cabinet.

Martin Brothers Gnarly Olive Jug

Presenting an exceptional, historic gnarly-designed Martin Brothers art pottery jug, measuring approx. 22.5cm in height and 12.5cm in diameter. This piece from a highly sought-after potter features a robust baluster form jug, resting securely on a flared circular foot. Its gnarly silhouette is defined by a bulbous lower body that tapers into a cylindrical neck, culminating in a sweeping pouring lip and an applied, sturdy strap handle.

The jug is characterized by its tactile, heavily ribbed texture, a testament to its hand-thrown origins by eccentric brothers. A rich, dark olive-brown salt glaze dominates the meticulously textured body and handle. This deep, lustrous finish contrasts strikingly against the lighter, biscuit-toned clay left exposed at the rim, the interior, a thin defining band at the shoulder, and the foot. This earthy, two-tone palette masterfully accentuates the horizontal throwing lines that encircle the entire vessel.

Beneath the foot, the unglazed natural clay base proudly bears the authentic, hand-incised cursive signature reading “Martin” and “London”, securing its prestigious provenance. Preserved impeccably, this remarkable piece presents in excellent, original, and entirely undamaged condition, making it a museum-quality acquisition for discerning collectors of late 19th and early 20th-century British studio pottery.

Early R.W. Martin Salt-Glazed Mustard Pot (April 1874)

This historically significant salt-glazed mustard pot, measuring 9cm in height and width, represents a rare early work by Robert Wallace Martin. Dated to April 1874, the piece features a squat, bulbous body transitioning to a structured neck and a domed lid with a sculpted finial. It retains its original pewter metal hinge mount, complete with a traditional spoon aperture.

The vessel is heavily decorated, utilizing a deep cobalt blue glaze that contrasts sharply with the textured buff stoneware ground. The exterior displays a vigorous, deeply incised pattern of stylized foliate and fern-like motifs around the lower body. This is complemented by a continuous band of repeating wavy arches at the neck and radiating petal designs upon the lid.

The underside bears the clear, incised signature “R W Martin”, alongside the pattern code “A36” and the date “4-74”, firmly placing its production in the pivotal early months of Wallace’s independent career.

Condition & Restoration Opportunity: While the main body, metal mount, and lid present strongly, the angular handle has sustained four breaks and currently exhibits old, crude adhesive repairs. This presents an excellent, straightforward project for a professional ceramic restorer or a dedicated collector. Once sympathetically restored, this piece will stand as a highly displayable and historically important 1870s artifact.