There was only one of the bird figures that are the holy grail for collectors in this field at the auction in New Bond Street on March 16.
This was a 11¾in (30cm) high version signed and dated 1889 that came with the bonus of a very attractive £6000-8000 estimate, which it duly doubled at £15,000.
But there were some good examples of other Martinware work.
These included a large 13¾in (35cm) high version of one of their fish vases, painted with characteristic piscine grotesques on a buff ground and signed and dated 1889, that realised £7000.
There was also a much less characteristic Martinware subject, a pair of 14½in (37cm) high, buff glazed figures of stoneware lions monogrammed WEM, signed and dated 1896-7.
These got away at the lower end of their £15,000-20,000 estimate, a reflection partly of their restored condition but also perhaps the fact that they are not typical Martinware creations.
The buyer's premium was 20/12%.
