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.
An incredible Martin Brothers stoneware Starman
Very few people are neutral about Martin Brothers stoneware — they either love it or hate it. Those who love it put their money where their mouths are. More than a few people have put together multi-million dollar collections.
Wonderful Martin Brothers spoon warmer
One of the greatest collections ever assembled was by the California team of Harriman and Judd. They amassed some of the finest and rarest of all Martinware items, including a really great pair of birds depicting the 19th Century English politicians Disraeli and Gladstone. After Judd’s passing in 1999, the collection was sold at Sotheby’s New York over the course of a couple of years, as the collection was too vast to sell in one sale. Prices were strong at the sales until the October, 2001 sale, shortly after the 9/11 attacks.
A Martin Brothers two-faced jug
Since then, the market has done very well, with prices doubling, tripling and quadrupling for the best items. As expected, items in perfect condition bring a premium over those with restoration. However, restored items can still be valuable, depending on the item and the amount of restoration.
A very rare Martin Brothers double bird
Tobacco jars in the forms of birds, with removable heads, are the most collectible, but spoon warmers, vases and many other items are also highly desirable. The more “grotesque” the item, the better.
I’ve got several collectors who are looking to add to their collections, so I’m buying. Do you have anything for sale? Please send a photo to philchasen@gmail.com. I’ll get back to you promptly and let you know if I’m interested.
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Rare Le Verre Francais Lézards vase, 11½ inches tall
Look around my website. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. I regularly add Tiffany vases, lamps and desk accessories, as well as French cameo glass by Galle and Daum Nancy and Louis Icart etchings. Here’s the link. chasenantiques.com
Dear Phil, I haven’t talked to you in a long time, hope you are well. do you know of any double martin birds for sale in the U.S.
Likewise, Marilyn. I hope you are well. I wish I knew where to find a Martin double bird, but I don’t. I’ve got clients looking for quality Martinware.
Love the Martin Bros. “Starman” above. Can you provide any details? Do you have other pictures? Thanks very much.
The Martin Bros. Starman is illustrated in some of the books on Martinware. You can try to find a copy on Amazon or eBay.