Topic: Murano Lighter - any ideas who made it?

[ardy]

Hi all - I bought this a few months ago and was wondering who made it. Was there a limited number of furnaces that made lighters or was this a very common item?

Had a good look around the web but nothing much came up.

It is about 5" tall and weighs about 400g.

[TxSilver]

Lighters were made by many Murano companies. Maybe all of them. The metal inserts were often made in places like Japan, then put in the lighters. I am not sure that yours in Murano, though. The ridged arcs remind me of the vases made by a Czech company. Maybe someone else will know for sure whether yours is Murano or Czech. I'll try to check down the Czech vases. (I can't remember the Czech vases having bubbles, so I am really unsure.)

[ardy]

Thanks Anita - the lighter part is Japanese and seems to fit very well.

I was hoping that a limited number of manufacturers made them but that is not the case from your mail. Czech is fine with me although I prefer Murano, I have a couple of pieces of Czech glass and think it is well made.

regards

Ardy

[TxSilver]

I found a Seguso VA vase on page 68 of Pina's Italian Glass Century 20 that has glass arcs similar to your lighter. The vase is green bullicante. The similarity of the arcs make me suspect that your lighter is Seguso. They did a lot of lighters.

One question -- is there any amber or yellow in the glass, or is it just the color of the metal part showing through in the second picture?

[ardy]

Hi Anita - it is all the one light red colour. The yellow in the second photo is the metal base of the lighter.

This is very encouraging and although I am not a smoker I do like this but not so keen on ash trays (work that one out?). I may get the lighter working and see how it goes.

Are these very collectable?

regards

Ardy

[TxSilver]

They are very collectible, Ardy. They were often sold as part of a set. The set had an ashtray and perhaps a cigarette holder (vase). Maybe you'll find another piece or two of the set if they are still out there. The lighter will be more collectible if you know it is Seguso. It is kind of sad in a way that so much weight is put on the name, instead of on the beauty of the glass. But I guess it will always be that way.

[ardy]

I know what you mean Anita ie TXSilver the queen of the Murano Glass Society. :hiclp: