Topic: Massive old celery/vase — an engraver's / cutter's blank, perhaps???

[Bernard C]

This huge old celery or vase measures 14¾" / 37.5cm, rim d. 6½" / 16.5cm, foot d. 6¼" / 15.5cm, and weighs 7lb 7oz / 3.375kg.   No pontil mark — the flat base is actually very slightly concave, and there is considerable wear around the edge.

The amazing quadruple knopped stem sets off the plain vase above perfectly, but I did wonder whether it was a cutter's or engraver's blank that had escaped.   In particular, the ripple effect towards the base of the vase would have suited one of Walsh's Mr Douglas waterlily and iris engravings perfectly.   The surface of the vase available for further work measures approximately 170 sq in / 1100 sq cm.

All views on attribution, date, function, &c. most welcome.

Bernard C. 

[josordoni]

Tell you what, that is some MOTHER of a vase....

As I said to Bernard at Cambridge, I can't imagine celery being long enough to still stick out of the top of the vase. I know old fashioned celery had longer tops than the supermarket stuff we can buy, but didn't even Victorians trim their celery tops?  I thought so, but now I am wondering?

[lesley7]

Hi Bernard, thanks for bringing this "mother" of a glass to show me at Cambridge....(he had to sit down to hold it on his lap , it is so big  ), would love to engrave it, but as we saw it definately lacked the brightness of crystal when put next to Tudor crystal, although on its own it looks fabulous. I wonder what it was made for? I like the still life with the apple 

[josordoni]

Hi Bernard, thanks for bringing this "mother" of a glass to show me at Cambridge....(he had to sit down to hold it on his lap , it is so big  ), would love to engrave it, but as we saw it definately lacked the brightness of crystal when put next to Tudor crystal, although on its own it looks fabulous. I wonder what it was made for? I like the still life with the apple 

I wonder who actually did make it?  Although not as white as modern lead crystal, it was still wonderful quality.  I think the colour of the glass probably indicates its age, although I am no expert. It didn't FEEL modern to me if you know what I mean?