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Martin Brothers Imp playing the Blocks – Robert Wallace Martin

For sale is this delightful and cheeky looking imp playing the blocks. It is in excellent condition, with a very minor old “touch in” to the tip of the block instrument. Otherwise it is in wonderful original condition. It hails from the prominent collection of Barry Stock, a well known collector based out of the UK.

The Martin Brothers Imps are a fascinating and highly collectible series of grotesque figures, each one depicting a whimsical imp engaged in playing various musical instruments. These figures, created by the renowned Martin Brothers, are celebrated for their unique blend of humor, artistry, and intricate craftsmanship. The Martin Brothers—Robert Wallace Martin, Edwin Martin, Walter Martin, and Charles Martin—were pioneers in the field of ceramic art during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They are best known for their imaginative and often eccentric creations, which have garnered a dedicated following among collectors and art enthusiasts.

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!

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.

Antique Doulton Lambeth Stoneware Jug with Victorian Silver Rim

Overview

This exceptional Doulton Lambeth stoneware jug, dated 1878, represents a stunning example of late 19th-century British art pottery. Hand-decorated by renowned artist Florence Barlow, this piece balances rich cobalt glazes with delicate, organic forms. A hallmarked Victorian silver rim crowns the vessel, adding a layer of functional luxury to a celebrated art pottery design.

Description

The jug features an ovoid body transitioning into a flared neck and an elegant strap handle. Striking vertical panels define the design, alternating between deep cobalt blue and soft cream glazes. Raised white beaded slipwork accents the central seams, introducing rhythmic texture to the smooth glaze. Near the foot and neck, stylized feather and leaf motifs flow naturally around the body, highlighting the movement inherent in Barlow’s work. A hallmarked Victorian sterling silver rim from Birmingham caps the top, providing a crisp contrast to the earthy stoneware.

About Florence Barlow & Her Style

Florence Elizabeth Barlow ranks among the most influential decorators of the Doulton Lambeth studio, where she worked from 1873 to 1909. Alongside her sister Hannah Barlow, Florence pioneered early studio ceramics for women during the Arts and Crafts movement.

While Hannah specialized in incised animal scenes, Florence gained acclaim for her delicate botanical treatments, bird studies, and structural foliate patterns. Her work relies on flowing forms, texture, and natural harmonies. This jug highlights her mastery of line, space, and applied slip decoration, showcasing her refined decorative balance.

Provenance & Marks

The underside bears clear, authentic factory marks confirming its origin:

• Manufacturer Mark: Impressed circular “Doulton Lambeth” mark with the production year 1878.

• Artist Monogram: Incised “FEB” monogram for Florence Elizabeth Barlow.

• Assistant Marks: Additional impressed assistant monograms, including “HW” (Henry Winstanley).

• Silver Rim: Fully hallmarked Victorian sterling silver from the Birmingham assay office.

Condition & Dimensions

• Condition: Excellent original condition. The piece shows no damage, cracks, chips, or restoration. The silver rim remains securely fitted with light, age-appropriate patina.

• Height: 22 cm

• Width: 13 cm (approximate)

Collector’s Summary

Early dated pieces by Florence Barlow remain highly prized by collectors of Victorian art pottery and Arts and Crafts design. The combination of Barlow’s distinct hand-carved detailing, rich glaze execution, and a hallmarked silver mount makes this piece a rare and valuable addition to any serious collection.

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.

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.

Rare Doulton Lambeth Agate Ware Jug with Sterling Silver Rim, Dated 1892
A highly unusual and artistically rich piece from Doulton’s experimental Agate Ware range

This exceptional Doulton Lambeth Agate Ware jug, standing 20cm tall, is a rare and beautiful example of one of the studio’s most elusive ceramic techniques. Dated 1892, it combines striking form, complex surface decoration, and a unique blend of materials that exemplify the innovation and craftsmanship of late 19th-century Doulton.

The jug is of tapered form, with a rich marbling of variegated brown clay tones characteristic of agate ware—a technique involving the mixing of coloured clays to produce flowing, stone-like patterns across the surface. These naturalistic swirls serve as a dynamic backdrop for a wealth of textural and decorative detail.

The surface features fine vertical linear striations, adding subtle texture, and is punctuated by zigzag miniature impressed motifs that create rhythmic surface interest. Two bold, raised wicker-effect bands—one encircling the base and another just below the collar—add further structure and visual weight to the form. A particularly striking feature is the flamboyant, flared handle, sculpturally sweeping from shoulder to rim with a confident, organic curve.

Crowning the jug is a solid sterling silver mount, hallmarked for London, 1892, and made by the respected silversmiths Cornelius Desormeaux Saunders & James Francis Hollings (Frank) Shepherd. The addition of silver not only elevates the piece but situates it firmly within the decorative luxury market of the time.

To the base are impressed marks including the Doulton Lambeth cogwheel stamp, “England”, the series number 7191, and the incised monogram of decorator Elizabeth Atkins, one of the documented artists of the period.

Agate Ware pieces from Doulton are exceedingly scarce, produced only in limited quantities and rarely seen on the open market today. Their technical difficulty and aesthetic complexity make them among the most desirable of all Lambeth studio wares.

A superb and tactile piece with exceptional presence—this jug would make a standout addition to any advanced collection of Victorian art pottery.

Dimensions: 20cm tall
Condition: Excellent with no restoration
Marks: Doulton Lambeth stamp, “England”, 7191, silver hallmarks (London, 1892), maker’s mark (CS over FS), Elizabeth Atkins monogram

For sale is an exceptionally high quality Doulton Lambeth bowl, dating 1875. Made by renowned early artist Arthur Barlow, he was the brother to similarly famous Hannah Barlow. The bowl is intricately decorated to the body in typical, rich 1870’s style, with strong influences from George Tinworth. This can be observed by the beaded scrollwork around the circumference, and the two cherub-like putti emerging from trumpeted flowers. The putti are highly likely the work of Tinworth or John Broad, known to add collaboration design to other artists’ pieces. The colours and rich glaze are glorious. The blues are vibrant, and the purple tones so, so alluring.