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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.

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.

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 we have a stunning, large Doulton Lambeth bowl by artist Elizabeth Fisher, dating to 1882. The colours and designs both inside and out on this bowl are of the first order, with geometric shapes integrated into softer rounded shapes. The collour way is exquisite – we have rich blues in the centre of the designs, followed by light blue, yellow and then purple and pink to create a most striking bowl. The edge is rimmed with solid silver, made in Birmingham and is original to manufacture.

The Bowl is free from any chips, cracks or restoration. The silver rim is original. Beneath we have Eliza Fisher’s signature, together with the marks of the assistant and thrower, a code “327” and the Doulton Lambeth cog stamp with the date 1882.

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.

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 we have an early beautiful Doulton Lambeth ewer by rare artist Emily J Edwards, dating to 1875. The design work shows early Tinworth influences, however Emily was a very talented artist and brings her own creativity to the piece. Holly leaves hanging from beaded banding, and then a mix of florals and angular motifs to make this an impressive piece. The dotted collars at the base of the neck show influences from Arthur Barlow too, Adorned with a pewter lid, this piece is as authentic and original as they come. A lovely piece for a rare artist who is much rarer to find than other artists due to her short tenure.

The jug is free from any chips, cracks or restoration. The pewter rim is original. Beneath we have Emily’s signature, together with the marks of the assistant and thrower and the Doulton Lambeth oval stamp with the date 1875.

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 we have a superb quality double-gourd Florian Daisy vase by William Moorcroft dating to around 1902. An early piece of Florian Ware in the daisy pattern, with its vibrant green and blue hues, is not just a decorative item but a testament to Moorcroft’s artistic vision and technical skill. This piece captures the essence of the Art Nouveau movement and the early 20th-century fascination with nature, making it a prized artifact from the golden age of British art pottery.

In excellent original condition with no chips, cracks or prior restoration. The piece is signed “W Moorcroft Des” in green ink entirely correct for the period.

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 is this exquisite, early Florian Ware vase by William Moorcroft, dating to around 1902. Decorated with what we believe to be forget-me-nots surrounded by whisps of foliage, it is a little firecracker at only 7cm tall! With warm blues and greens, under light in our cabinets it really does look magnificent. The whole vase from top to toe is brimming with decoration which also makes it so appealing.

William Moorcroft at the time of making this piece was working for James MacIntyre & Co, where he became very successful with Florian Ware and after they closed his department, he continued in his own name to go onto become one of the most successful art potters of his time.

Offered for sale in excellent original condition, this vase has had no damage or restoration. It has the “William Moorcroft Des” signature in green, present and correct for the period. “Des” indicated he was the designer working for MacIntyre and is most often seen following his name on these early pieces.

For sale is what can only be described as an “uber-rare” Doulton Lambeth bowl by renowned artist Florence Barlow. It dates to 1877 – a lovely early piece. With birds in relief scrolling down to form feet, this is the only piece of its kind I have seen by Florence Barlow, or even remotely similar! Florence focussed on birds – yes – but she painted remarkably realistic birds in the pate-sur-pate technique onto the facia of her pieces. On this earlier piece, Florence has executed beautiful and bold aesthetic design to the main body, of which I have seen examples before. She has then opted to add three birds gracing the sides and footing of the bowl, which take its quality to the next level.

The bowl stands 13.5cm high but significantly wider at 23cm. It therefore has a lovely presence and its moderate size would suit a collectors cabinet or be a centre piece on a hall table, sideboard or mantle.

Presented in outstanding original condition, there are no chips, cracks or restoration. The bowl beneath shows the round Doulton Lambeth stamp and date 1877. It further shows the signature of Florence Barlow “FEB” together with assistant marks and code numbers.

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.

Antique Doulton Lambeth Jug by Florence Barlow, Dated 1874
An exceptional early work by a pioneering female artist of the Victorian ceramic movement

This distinguished Doulton Lambeth stoneware jug, dated 1874, is a rare and early example of the artistry of Florence Barlow, one of the most important female designers of the Doulton studio and sister to the renowned Hannah Barlow.

The jug features a finely detailed upper register adorned with seven sensitively modelled horse heads, each emerging from the clay in low relief and encircled above and below by delicate beaded borders. The rendering of the horses—marked by expressive line and form—is particularly notable, as Florence would soon transition to specializing exclusively in birds, leaving animal subjects like these to her sister, Hannah. This piece therefore captures a brief and significant phase in her artistic development.

The slender neck and lower body are decorated with stylized blue foliate sheaf motifs, set within zigzag and florette borders, creating an elegant interplay of texture and design across the jug’s surface. The decorative vocabulary is restrained yet dynamic, reflecting the sophisticated aesthetic typical of early Doulton Lambeth wares.

To the base, the jug bears the oval Doulton Lambeth impressed mark with the date 1874 to centre, alongside an early version of Florence Barlow’s personal monogram, confirming its authenticity and origin.

This piece stands as a rare and important example of early Doulton art pottery and of Florence Barlow’s formative work. It would make a significant addition to any collection of 19th-century British ceramics or women’s art pottery.

Dimensions: Height: 23cm ;  Width: 14cm
Condition: The jug has had an older restoration around the rim, where the blue rim border has been repainted. This has been done to a fair standard but due to the age of the repair, there is some age crackling to the restoration. Three florettes have nibbles or chips. Other than this, the vase is untouched.

For sale is a really well executed early Doulton Lambeth Ewer by renowned artist George Tinworth. A classical period shape emboldened by a vibrant blue and then adorned with Tinworth’s “Seaweed Scroll” design, framed to the top and bottom with a contrasting ribbed borders. The slender curved handle carries further scrollwork to its outer surface to bring further aesthetic to this wonderful piece of history.

To the main body, we have bold “GT” initials for George Tinworth. Beneath, we have the Doulton Lambeth stamp dating the ewer to 1879 with two other potter and assistant signatures. The Ewer is in outstanding original condition and will delight any serious early Doulton or Arts & Crafts collectors!