Martin Brothers birds sell well at Heritage Auctions’ 20th Century Design sale, November 18, 2016

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.


Merry Christmas to those who celebrate and Happy Chanukah to those who celebrate.

Heritage Auctions held their 20th Century Design sale on November 18, 2016, with total sales of $1,368,204. Included in the sale were eight lots of Martinware, including several bird tobacco jars, which continued to sell well.

Martin Brothers bird, Heritage lot #79001

Top lot of this group was #79001, a grotesque bird with long beak. Collectors prize those birds with the most “expression” and this one fit the bill (pun intended). Its height of 14″ was also a big plus. It soared to $81,250, including buyer’s premium, against a pre-sale estimate of $25,000 – $35,000.

Martin Brothers bird, Heritage lot #79004

I particularly liked lot #79004, another Martin bird with a great expression and a hat, 11¾” tall. It sold within its pre-sale estimate of $20,000 – $30,000, realizing $30,000, including buyer’s premium. I would have loved to have bought this bird, but the price was a bit too strong for a dealer.

Martin Brothers triple bird, Heritage lot #79005

Lot #79005 was a rare Martin triple bird, 7¾” tall. It sold above its high estimate of $30,000, realizing $40,000, including buyer’s premium.

For the complete results of the sale, which included Tiffany, Handel, Gallé, Lalique, etc., click here. You will have to sign in (free) to obtain prices.


I recently bought this killer Martin Brother 11½-inch bird.

I recently bought this killer Martin Brother 11½-inch bird.

I’ve been listing on my website many of the new items I’ve recently purchased and I’ll be listing more in the near future, including a couple of fabulous Martin Brothers birds and a great face jug. Please check my site as often as you can.

No more shows in 2016. Our next show will be the NYC Big Flea, the weekend of January 21, at the Lexington Avenue Armory. After that we’ll be in Miami for the Miami Antiques + Art + Design Show, February 3 – 5, 2017. This is the airport show, which will be new and improved, with many additional exhibitors. The changes are happening because the Original Miami Beach Antiques Show will no longer be in Miami Beach, instead changing its name to The Original Miami Antique Show and moving to a new location in southwest Miami. It will all make for an interesting winter season.

Click here to check my website for the latest items and to look around. I will update it as often as time permits. We’re still very much in business between shows, so 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.

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