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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Extremely Rare William Moorcroft Flambé Bowl – Spanish Pattern (c. 1910–1916)

This exceptionally rare flambé bowl is a remarkable example of William Moorcroft’s artistry and experimental mastery during the early Burslem period. Measuring 23cm in diameter and 7cm in height, the bowl is decorated in the highly desirable Spanish pattern, one of Moorcroft’s most striking floral designs, introduced around 1910 and produced only for a short period.

The interior reveals the hallmark tubelined decoration, with three large Spanish flowers at the centre and four medium blooms gracefully arranged around the upper edges. The exterior continues this flowing design, displaying three further large flowers evenly distributed around the circumference. The entire piece glows with a rich, iridescent pinkish-red flambé glaze, a finish Moorcroft frequently undertook personally in his kiln experiments. On this example, subtle overfiring to one side provides both visual depth and a tangible reminder of its experimental origins.

The underside is especially striking, showing intense iridescence with oily rainbow hues, reminiscent of a delicate film of light across a surface—an effect unique to flambé glazes of this period. Beneath, the bowl bears no painted signature, though its authenticity is undisputed, confirmed by its important provenance as part of the Moorcroft Museum Collection, where it was catalogued and retains its original label: “Moorcroft Museum, 00461.”

The Spanish pattern itself is historically significant, reflecting William Moorcroft’s early exploration of bold, stylised floral motifs, influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement and Art Nouveau aesthetics. Produced only in the early 1910s and in relatively small numbers, Spanish pattern pieces are today exceptionally rare, with flambé-fired examples being among the most coveted of all early Moorcroft works.

This superb and rare bowl, with its museum provenance, flambé glaze, and iconic Spanish design, represents a true collector’s piece—an opportunity to acquire an object of both aesthetic beauty and considerable historical importance within the oeuvre of William Moorcroft.

William Moorcroft Pomegranate Vase – M55 Shape (c. 1910s–1920s)

A beautiful example of early William Moorcroft craftsmanship, this small Pomegranate design vase embodies the timeless charm of Moorcroft’s celebrated Burslem period. Measuring approximately 6.5cm in height and 8cm in width, the vase is modelled in the distinctive M55 shape, perfectly proportioned for display.

The decoration features four richly painted pomegranates, evenly spaced around the rounded body, each enhanced with deep green foliage and clusters of blue-purple berries that provide a striking contrast. The design is crowned with a warm ochre glaze running up to and including the rim—an unmistakable hallmark of Moorcroft’s early Burslem output.

To the base, the vase bears a full William Moorcroft signature in green, together with impressed marks reading Moorcroft, Burslem, M55. The piece remains in excellent, unrestored condition, showing only the fine glaze crazing typical of early Moorcroft pottery, with no damage or repairs.

A lovely, well-balanced example of William Moorcroft’s iconic Pomegranate design, this vase would make a fine addition to any Moorcroft collection or serve as a statement piece in its own right.

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

William Moorcroft “Claremont” Vase – Shape M55, c.1925
A vibrant and highly desirable example of one of Moorcroft’s most celebrated patterns

This exquisite M55-shaped William Moorcroft vase, dating to the mid-1920s, showcases the iconic Claremont pattern—one of the most sought-after designs in the Moorcroft repertoire.

Encircling the body are ten finely tubelined toadstools, rendered in vivid and varied tones: four rich reds, four warm yellows, and two deep, velvety blues. Each cap is detailed with Claremont’s hallmark speckled surface and beautifully defined gill undersides—an artistic hallmark that makes this pattern so visually captivating. The base colour merges lush green and inky blue glazes, creating a moody, woodland atmosphere that complements the naturalistic subject matter.

To the underside, the vase bears the impressed marks “Moorcroft” and “Made in England”, along with the model number “M55”, confirming its authenticity and period origin.

A small, invisible professional restoration has been carried out to the top rim, precisely between a large yellow and large red toadstool. The restoration is of a high standard, with only a subtle uniformity of colour betraying the repaired area under close inspection. Importantly, the most visually dominant red toadstool sits on the opposite, untouched side, making this piece an outstanding display example.

Compact in scale but striking in design, this Claremont vase is a true collector’s gem—a perfect representation of Moorcroft’s artistry during the golden period of British Art Pottery.

Dimensions: Height: 7cm; Width 8cm
Condition: Professionally restored rim; still displays beautifully

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 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.