Topic: Could anyone help ID this fish? ID Castle MFG, Venetian

[Catisfaction]

Hi all, hope you're all well. It's been a while since I've been able to visit over here!

I was wondering if anyone could help me identify this fish. I am assuming it is a Murano piece but I would prefer to know for sure.

It measures 6 1/2" both long and tall. Rich, deep, honey amber with controlled bubbles and aventurine.

[TxSilver]

I would say a pretty definite yes to Murano. The big lip style without front fins was used by Fratelli Toso, but I do not recognize this specific fish. The lips are larger than I am used to seeing for FToso. You may have some luck googling Fratelli Toso fish. If you can't find the specific design, I believe you would be safe calling it Murano.

[TxSilver]

I checked on several Fratelli Toso fish of this form, but could not find any with the same eyes or mouth. The FToso fish had smaller, thicker lips and murrines or clear beads for eyes. Without finding the design, it is probably just safest to say Murano for the fish. It is easy to see that it is a good fish.

[Catisfaction]

Thankyou Anita, I did some searching last night too after I saw your first message and have reached the same conclusion. Can't find enough evidence to support it being Fratelli Toso for sure.

[TxSilver]

I found a fish of this design on eBay. It has different decoration (green and copper), but it is the same fish otherwise. The fish I found had a Castle export label, so I think we can say your fish is probably Fratelli Toso. FT is the only Murano company I've seen that has the Castle label.

[Max]

Well spotted Anita.     Any chance of a link to that auction?  Just wondering if we can ask the seller for permission to use their photo here?  :hiclp:

[TxSilver]

It is eBay no. 230345078384. I didn't include the link because it will disappear in a couple of weeks. I like the decoration of Catisfaction's fish a lot more.

[Max]

The seller kindly gave permission to use her photographs here:

This fish is 8" x 5" and the label reads 'Venetian Glass - Castle MFG'.

[TxSilver]

Hi, Max. Thanks for posting the picture. The Castle label normally says "Venetian Glass, Castle Murano." Castle is a U.S. import company that handled Fratelli Toso glass, so Castle labels on Murano glass are generally taken to mean Fratelli Toso. The import labels can be confusing.

I noticed that the tails of the fish are different. It is easy to see when they are on the same page. I think it is just a difference in finishing touches, but thought I would point it out. I think the identification is correct.