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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. -
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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. -
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.
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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. -
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. -
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. -
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For sale is an extremely early Doulton Lambeth art pottery small jug. Made in the late 1860s. These pieces are few and far between and even rarer to find in perfect condition. Adorned with many repeated geometric shapes, with primarily pyramid shapes to the body before a rounded collar to the neck. Vertical interspersed lines then delicately decorate the neck. The handle is smooth, simply with an upturned end to the base. The simplicity, yet the brilliance of all the different sized pyramids create such an interesting effect. A couple of these early pieces are illustrated in "The Doulton Lambeth Wares" book by Desmond Eyles and Louise Irvine. They came just before the very first George Tinworth pieces so are a prize for the collector who would like to include the earliest work in their collection. Stamped beneath with the rare Doulton Lambeth box lettered stamp, this is the stamp that preceded the early oval stamp. It is not signed by an artist. A wonderful piece of history!
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