My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.

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Merry Christmas to all who celebrate!

Phillips New York held their Wondrous Beasts, Feathered Fantasies: R.W. Martin & Brothers sale on December 15, 2015, with total sales of $1,592,250 for the very small 23-lot auction. The sale was 100% sold, with a very strong average of $69,228 per lot.

Martin Brothers stoneware has been strong now for years and this auction was affirmation of the trend. Top lot of the sale was #7, a large bird (14¼”), signed and dated 1889, fashioned after the 19th Century English politician, Benjamin Disraeli. Estimated to sell for $100,000 – $150,000, it sold for $233,000, including buyer’s premium — to my knowledge, the world record for any Martin Brothers object at auction.

Second best result was lot #13, a grotesque, smiling armadillo, 11¼” long, signed and dated 1894. It sold for approximately double its high estimate of $70,000, realizing $143,000, including buyer’s premium.

In my opinion, lot #23, a rare triple bird, signed and dated 1908, sold for under the money. Although it sold near its high estimate of $70,000, realizing $75,000, including buyer’s premium, I thought it should have sold for at least $100,000.

For the complete results of the sale, click here.

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I’ve been quite busy buying and selling recently, partly because I’ve listed many new items on my website. I really need to buy more, so if you have something great, please offer it to me for sale. I am paying the highest prices of any dealer. My decisions are quick and my payments just as quick. Just snap a photo and email me a jpeg.

I will continue to list more as often as possible. Please click here to take a look.

We’re still very much in business between shows, especially since there are fewer shows nowadays. Please don’t hesitate to email or call. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.