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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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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