The eccentric Martin brothers—Robert Wallace, Walter, Edwin and Charles—barely scraped a living producing their anthropomorphic stoneware creations in London in the late 19th century. Their tale is a tragic one: after their shop burned down, Charles died in an asylum in 1909, Walter died of a haemorrhage caused by knocking his elbow against the kiln in 1911 and Edwin of facial cancer in 1915. But today, their impish spoon warmers, jugs and jars attract a hard core of collectors. The Wally bird jars, such as this wily little thing made for tobacco, are prized by collectors and in 2014, Woolley & Wallis set the record for one at £75,000. This example is one of 50 pieces from the collection of Daryl Fromm, which will be offered with 200 wares from George Twyman. Robert Wallace Martin, stoneware bird jar and cover (around 1890). British Art Pottery, Woolley & Wallis, Salisbury, UK, 27 November. Estimate: £30,000-£50,000