Topic: Lilac Architectural Brick - Czech?

[David E]

Following is a large lilac architectural brick featuring a large 'wave' texture across the two faces - not easy to show this in the photograph.

It measures 24 x 11.5 x 8 cm and also has an aperture (moulded when made, not cut) in one end. Would make a fab vase, but the aperture might be for a specific purpose?

 :shock: click to zoom :shock:

[Leni]

but the aperture might be for a specific purpose?

Insulation?  :?   A sort of 'cavity wall'?  

I'd love a wall of those!   :shock:  

[Sklounion]

Hi David,
This could well be from Duchov, and certainly the colour is consistent.
These sintered glass bricks for the construction industry, have turned up in various guises over the years, vases such as yours, ashtrays, (one half of the block before joining) and assorted trivet-type uses.
regards,
Marcus

[Frank]

Another.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7415012277

It is possible that it was unsealed to allow the insertion of lighting.

[David E]

Leni: yeah, a multi-coloured wall built from these could look very cool

Marcus: thanks for the information. Do we have any info on other makers of these bricks? I once sold about a hundred clear square ones that I think were UK made.

I've just found some markings on the 'end': one half of the moulding has '0 . ¬ 16' and the other has '0 . ¬ 11' The funny symbol needs turning through 180 and adding an extra upright - a bit like a pipe. Not sure whetehr that's relevant.

Frank: thanks for that link - does look like an identical size! Using it upturned for a light is an excellent idea Hey, a German eBayer giving measurements in Imperial! :shock:

[Frank]

For in-wall illumination.

[David E]

For in-wall illumination.

Fair comment – an even better use IMHO: now that would look cool, Leni!  

[Anne]

No photo available of one but apparently Pilkington made in the 1960's what is described as

"Purple brick made from glass. The brick is square in shape with rounded edges. The brick is thought to have been made by Pilkington plc, but there is no visible trace of a makers mark."

See World of Glass Online Museum

David's is oblong but it's worth flagging up in case there's a connection somewhere.

[Sklounion]

Lighting use is a fairly unsatisfactory use....How do you change a bulb when a) it blows, b) when the brick is mortared in to a wall
regards,
Marcus

[Max]

Firstly, apologies if I'm muddying the water here. :oops:

The glass brick looked curiously new to me - although Marcus says the colour is consistant with Duchov.  Last time I was in B&Q they were selling pastel coloured glass bricks - I suppose they would have been sealed though...  :?: