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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.

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

For sale is wonderful early piece of Doulton Lambeth Faience, dated 1875. Decorated by artist Mary Capes, it is what I consider a really bright and joyful piece to behond. Mary has been flamboyant, bringing pink/red hibiscus type florals and smaller yellow flowers into an intricate foliage. Interspersed, are angular, almost kaleidoscope shapes which add real interest to the aesthetic. Borders on the neck narrow, mid-body and foot use different blues to create a wonderful contrast and they keep the piece light and perfect to lift a room.

Standing 23cm tall, and 13cm wide, this is a perfect size for the collector, being flexible and presentable in or out of a lit cabinet.

Beneath are the early oval Doulton Lambeth stamps, 1875, and the painted on initials for Mary Capes. All presents correctly.

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.

What exactly is it?

For sale is this highly unusual and grotesque Martin Brothers reptile sitting on top of an upside down mushroom. Intricately constructed with a body hideous to behold, we have not seen another quite like this piece. The creature, with almost human like face, has a hand to its mouth like it is whistling, whilst its menacing double-taloned feet grip the underside of the mushroom. The body is contorted and detailed as if scaly, the texture brought out by blue against the otherwise pale cream colourway. The creature has a long tail, going down to the base of the mushroom stem and then curling around. The mushroom has long painted green strokes.

Which brother made it?

Likely to have been made by the brother most famed for grotesque, whimsical and macabre creations, Robert Wallace Martin.

C.H. Brannam Barum Sgraffito Bottle Vase (1890)

This striking bottle vase, measuring 15.5cm in height and 8.5cm in width, is a fine representative example of the distinctive sgraffito ware produced by C.H. Brannam at the end of the 19th century. Dated 1890, the vessel is defined by a classic globular body that sharply transitions into an elongated, slender neck, resting upon a short, neat foot rim.

The tactile surface showcases a highly disciplined use of the sgraffito technique, juxtaposing a rich, glossy forest green glaze against a pale, cream-colored stippled ground. The decoration is strictly structured: the shoulder features a bold, radiating striped motif that anchors the base of the neck. The primary body is divided into panels by sweeping, arched green borders that frame stylized, symmetrical botanical and palmette designs. The intricate stippling of the negative space provides substantial depth and texture, typical of Brannam’s best art wares.

The underside bears the clearly incised signature “CH Brannam Barum 1890”, firmly dating its production. The vase presents in excellent antique condition, retaining a vibrant and lustrous glaze. There is a minor 4mm nibble to the interior of the top rim, which is historically consistent with the fragile nature of the earthenware body and does not detract from the piece’s strong display presence.

Early Doulton Lambeth Stoneware Jug by Arthur Barlow, dated 1874, with Silver Mounts and Hinged Lid

This exceptional jug, produced in 1874, is a particularly fine example of Arthur Barlow’s mature decorative style. The elegant ovoid body rises to a tall, tapering neck and is fitted with an ornate silver-mounted hinged cover, its repoussé decoration complementing the flowing organic forms of the pottery beneath. The substantial swept handle provides a graceful counterbalance to the elongated neck while lending the piece a refined architectural silhouette.

Provenance & Condition

The underside retains its full complement of factory marks, including the impressed Doulton Lambeth oval stamp with the date 1874, Arthur Barlow’s impressed “ABB” artist’s initials, together with the relevant assistant decorators’ marks, firmly authenticating its early production and studio attribution.

The jug is presented in excellent overall condition, displaying no significant issues to the stoneware body or decoration. The silver-mounted hinged cover is secure, and it is noted that adhesive has been used at some point in the past to reinforce the fitting of the silver lid to the ceramic top rim. This is a minor historic restoration that does not detract from the piece’s outstanding decorative appearance or its importance as an early, fully documented work by one of Doulton Lambeth’s most celebrated artists.

For sale we this delightful and cute little CH Brannam “open salt” decorated with two surprisingly detailed fish dating to 1901. This is the work of Frank Thomas, one of the better known artists for the potter. The fish are surrounded by various colourful waterplants. It is a little gem of a piece.

Condition

Offered in excellent original condition with no chips, cracks or restoration.

Authenticity

For authenticity, beneath, we have the registration number of CH Brannam, “Rd 44561”, the signature CH Brannam Barum, the signature “FT” signifying the work of Frank Thomas and the date 1901.

For sale for the pair, are these beautifully executed Foliate vases, demonstrating the very best of Doulton Lambeth Arts & Crafts as the classical period moved towards Art Nouveau. By Emily E. Stormer, one of my favourite Lambeth artists, she has not held back in the execution of these vases.

Offered in excellent original condition, the vases are both clearly signed with Emily Stormer’s initials, the assistant marks and the round “cog” and “England”, dating these vases to the 1890s. Buy the pair as a real statement. You will not be disappointed.