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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.

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.

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.

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 this gorgeous, Eventide squat vase by William Moorcroft, dating to 1928 or soon thereafter. Decorated with large and small trees in the wondrous evening red/amber colourway, it is a wonderful vase that displays extremely well due to the angles of the vase under cabinet lights! The Eventide pattern prominently features a landscape scene, typically showcasing a moody, twilight setting and is characterized by its depiction of trees and often includes a setting or rising sun, casting a warm, glowing effect over the scene. It is one of the most sought after rare designs.

For sale we have a gorgeous Doulton Lambeth miniature Hannah Barlow vase, dating to the turn of the century.

Decorated with five horses eating grass and nibbling tree leaves, this diminutive vase is a true delight. With a bronzed stoneware glaze on which Hannah has worked her sgraffito, it is a warm, charming little piece. It would not surprise if a hint of metallic oxides were used as there is a slight lustrousness to the glaze. Measuring 13cm, or just over 5 inches, there are not many Hannah Barlow pieces of this size around!

For sale is a delightful and very early Hannah Barlow Horses jug, dated 1874. Presented with two horses galloping to the front of the jug, wild grasses adorn the rear of the jug. Blue foliate designs dominate the neck up to the top rim and are typical of these early, simpler designs that are more understated than flamboyant. The handle is similarly decorated in repeated blue foliates from bottom to top.

In excellent condition, the piece is highly original, with only a small flake invisibly corrected to the rim. Everything else is correct and original as the day it left the factory. Stamped with the early oval Doulton Lambeth mark and dated 1874. Hannah Barlow’s initials are clear beneath as well as a production code.

This is a superb piece of Doulton Lambeth history which displays superbly and has a wonderful glaze to it. Should you be interested, you will not be disappointed adding it to your collection!

For sale is a very early Doulton Lambeth pitcher by Arthur Barlow with a unique story. This pitcher belonged to one of the players responsible for the very first inaugural FA Cup win in 1872. William Crake (aka William Parry), playing for Wanderers FC in 1872, claimed a 1-0 victory at Kennington Oval over a tough game with the Royal Engineers.

The pitcher itself is a highly desirable piece in the typical early style and colours of Doulton and Barlow. With the main body decorated with bold blue scrolling florals, there are miniature scrolling floral borders above and below. Further tactile anglular pattern borders sit below the lid, between the scroll work and to the base. The handle is decorated with a simple leaf venation pattern. The top is adorned with the original solid silver rim and lid. To top centre is the Crake family crest, and inside the lid is a lovely crisp inscription “To William Parry Crake from E.N.C. February 11th 1873.” with decorative embellishment.

This early piece is in very good condition. Professional stabilising of the handle is evident, and there are a few minor nibbles to the base commensurate with age. Otherwise, the lid is all original and there is no evidence of any other chips or cracks. The base is stamped with the early oval Doulton Lambeth mark and Arthur Barlow’s “ABB” signature is present and correct.

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.

For sale is a piece of Florian “Green and Gold” by William Moorcroft circa 1903-08. In double gourd shape, it is arguably one of the most desirable shapes to secure in your collection. At 27.5cm tall, it is a substantial piece. It counts three flower and tulip buds each to the top of the vase with the same again to the bottom gourd of the vase, so twelve buds in total. The gilt is in excellent condition so this piece really “pops” in a display cabinet.

The vase is being sold in excellent original condition with no damage or restoration. Beneath, the Florian Ware stamp and William’s flash signature in green is present and correct.

Offered for sale is a pair of wonderful lemonade beakers by renowned Doulton Lambeth artist George Tinworth. The beakers are decorated with his lovely swirling and beaded “Seaweed Scroll” design in the richest of green hues. Intermittent foliage in bold blue has been placed between, above or below the scroll work. The background is in an oatmeal colour repeatedly stamped with a small design to finish the aesthetic intensity of these art pottery pieces. Adorned to the top are excellent conditioned brass rims. In excellent original condition and fully signed, stamped and dated 1877.

For sale is this four lobed couldron vase. This vase is 10cm tall by 12.5cm wide! With a glittering lustre, this is a specia piece of Martin Brothers pottery.

For sale is this diminutive vase, likely to have been made by Edwin Martin, the youngest of the Martin Brothers. This vase is tiny  – 4cm tall by 3.75cm wide! In low light, one might mistake it as being black, but under light a strong blue shows through. With a delicate little top rim, and traditional rounded shape, it really is a vase in miniature!

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.

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.

William Moorcroft Pomegranate Vase (Circa mid-1920s)

Presenting a fine William Moorcroft vase in the highly sought-after Pomegranate pattern, dating to the mid-1920s. Measuring 13cm in height and 9.5cm in width, the vessel features a well-proportioned baluster form with a gently flared rim and a sweeping circular foot. The piece survives in excellent original condition, completely free from chips, cracks, or restoration.

The tube-lined decoration displays the iconic Pomegranate design, featuring a continuous frieze of both whole and open fruit revealing intricately detailed seeds. These are interspersed with lush clusters of rounded berries and trailing autumnal foliage. The vibrant ochre, russet, and deep crimson tones of the pomegranates contrast strikingly against the characteristic inky cobalt blue ground, which transitions subtly to a mottled greenish-ochre toward the upper rim. The high-gloss glaze remains rich and reflective, enhancing the depth of the metallic oxide colors.

The underside displays the impressed factory marks “MOORCROFT” and “MADE IN ENGLAND”, alongside William Moorcroft’s painted “WM” flash monogram in blue, confirming its authentic mid-1920s production period.

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 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.