Robert Wallace Martin Very Early Mustard Pot
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 Florian Forget-me-not Vase
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.
Doulton Lambeth Eliza Simmance Vase
£225.00
A rare 1887 Doulton Lambeth stoneware vase designed by celebrated artist Eliza Simmance. Featuring rich cobalt blue glazes and hand-detailed floral work, this 18 cm piece is in flawless original condition. Complete with impressed factory and artist marks on the base.
Martin Brothers Early Open Salt
£395.00
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.
Doulton Lambeth Emily J Edwards Ewer
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.
Doulton Lambeth Hannah Barlow Horses Jug
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!
Doulton Lambeth George Tinworth Carpenters Bag
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.
CH Brannam Sturgeon & Carp Jug 1908
£295.00
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.
CH Brannam Green Fish Open Salt
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.
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