MARTIN BROTHERS ? GROTESQUE FISH JUG EWER HAND PAINTED

THIS IS A LARGE OVOID SALT GLAZED STONEWARE JUG.IT IS HAND PAINTED IN THE MANNER OF THE MARTIN BROTHERS.THE GROTESQUE FISH AND CRUSTACEANS ARE HIGHLY DETAILED AND WELL PAINTED.IT IS SIGNED TO THE BOTTOM WITH A MONOGRAM "CD".IT DATES TO THE ARTS AND CRAFTS ERA (1880-1910).THERE ARE NO OTHER MARKS OR BACKSTAMPS.IT IS 32cm (JUST OVER 12") IN HEIGHT.IT WEIGHS 1.72 KILOS.

IT HAS A HAIRLINE CRACK FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE JUG TO THE TOP RIM.THIS HARDLY DETRACTS FROM ITS BEAUTY AND DISPLAY VALUE.(see 2nd and 5th pics)

I AM AWAITING A RESPONSE FROM A MARTIN BROTHERS EXPERT, SO AS SOON AS I HEAR FROM HIM I WILL UPDATE THE LISTING WITH ANY RELEVANT INFORMATION.

THE START PRICE WILL BE A FAIR ESTIMATE OF ITS VALUE WITH NO MARTIN BROTHERS CONNECTION APART FROM ITS STYLE.IF IT WAS TO BE ATTRIBUTED  TO THEM, BY THE EXPERT,THE START PRICE WILL INCREASE DRAMATICALLY IF NO BIDS HAVE BEEN MADE.

UK DELIVERY WILL NOT BE EFFECTED BY STRIKES ON THIS ITEM AS I WILL SEND BY COURIER AT MY OWN EXPENSE IF NEEDED.INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE IS QUOTED TO AUSTRALIA,PLEASE EMAIL ME FOR A MORE ACCURATE PRICE FOR ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD.

I HAVE ADDED A PHOTO OF THE BOTTOM OF THE JUG AS I HAVE NOTICED A SMALL RIM CHIP.THIS CHIP IS ONLY ON THE BOTTOM AND DOES NOT EFFECT ITS VISUAL APPEARANCE.

This is the reply from Robert Prescott-Walker a very competent expert who has written and collaborated on many books on Arts and Crafts pottery.Any further information after the sale will be forwarded by me to the buyer. "Dear Brian.Very nice to get your email and images of the fish jug. Sorry for not replying sooner only I'm in Williamsburg, Virginia at a Ceramics conference.I have seen another such jug which came to my attention some three years ago. At least, I think it was another one and not the one you have. I will have to check my records when I get home. Therefore I will be in touch again next week sometime.Until then the story is that I'm not sure about the Dressler attribution but I have been trying to do some research on that score. More later.Best wishes.Robert"

This is the text from a subscription sight that I dont subscribe to from a Bonhams auction in 2003.There is no picture and no estimate or realised price without subscribing.It sounds very similar to this jug. Lot 43: Conrad Dressler, attributed, circa 1890 Auction House: Bonhams Auction Location: United Kingdom Auction Date: 2003 Description: with 'CD' monogram (damage) of ovoid shape with tall slender handle, painted with spiky-looking fish and other aquatic creatures, in muted colours on a shaded green ground. Dimensions: 32cm high, painted monogram 'CD'