Topic: Orrefors Initials - help needed to identify marks please.

[ckscot]

Hi,
I'm new to this excellent resource and wondered if anyone could help me identify the signature on this Orrefors piece.   I picked up 5 of these whisky tumblers, beautifully etched with mostly whisky related scenes.  The base of each says simply 'orrefors' and initials that might be JG or H.  There are no numbers or other clues. I have checked out Ebay and some books, as well as this site and I know from reading other posts that identification might not be so easy. Thanks, Iain


http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-6630
http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-6629

[Ivo]

My first guess is an independent engraver on Orrefors blanks; there are many independent engraving studios in and around the town of Orrefors. It does not look like a production piece - especially as a set. But never say never of course.

[a40ty]

I would be inclined to agree with you Ivo. In the village of Orrefors there is a particular company "Glassets hus i Orrefors" which buys Orrefors products and later engraves them.
here is the website www.kristallshopen.se
They do not pretend that the engraving is done at Orrefors glassworks but it does confuse identification ;o)

If there is help needed translating from Swediosh to English, I will do my best to help.

[ckscot]

Thanks Ivo and a40ty.  I hadn't realised that Orrefors allowed others to etch designs on their blanks.   It also helps me to know that I haven't missed anything obvious in my searching through Orrefors.  I'll  have a more serious look through the cristallshopen website to see what comes up.

[Frank]

Perhaps suggest to Glassets hus i Orrefors that they put a list of their engravers and signatures on the site.

[a40ty]

If you go into the bottom lefthand link on the website's homepage, the one called "konstglas galleriet", a list of 3 engravers comes up. None of their styles seem to match your glasses  . I'm afraid that was a shot in the dark.

[aa]

Is there any evidence to suggest that the engraving originated anywhere near Orrefors? Surely it could have been engraved anywhere in the world by an independent engraver?

[Bill Geary]

Hi:

There is a history of engravers starting their own businesses and buying blanks from Kosta and Orrefors.

Kjellander is a somewhat famous name of a family with the father originally working for Kosta but leaving at the turn of the 20th Century- I think 1904 to start his own engraving workshop.

The Orrefors Glass School and the Kosta Glass School have taught engraving and the professors who teach at the schools would probably do independent work on Orrefors or Kosta  crystal forms. Could come from one of these artisans.

One thing I go crazy about is people constantly calling this work etching. It is copper wheel engraving on crystal done by a true master/artist in this technique.

Bill Geary

[aa]

One thing I go crazy about is people constantly calling this work etching. It is copper wheel engraving on crystal done by a true master/artist in this technique.
Bill Geary

Agreed 200%

[ckscot]

Hi Bill,
Thanks for your info.  it's taken me a while to see it - my internet access has become sooo unreliable.  And engraved not etched...... ok that's good to know too.  I'll try not to contribute to driving you crazy in future.  iain