Author Topic: Large Tortoiseshell Vase - ID help welcome please (Read 1181 times)

RoynMargaret · « **on:** September 12, 2006, 11:06:55 PM »

This vase is approximately 12-in tall, appears to be blow moulded, polished rim. Carries original plastic label that says VA VERRÉ Souffle Bouch??

Any info on date, make, country of origin (appears France, but may be Canada?) would be welcome

http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-3296

http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-3295

Thank you

pamela · « **Reply #1 on:** September 13, 2006, 09:59:46 AM »

soufflé bouche is french for mouth blown

RoynMargaret · « **Reply #2 on:** September 13, 2006, 10:05:45 AM »

That's a good start, thanks Pamela. Could I therefore be wrong about blown into a mould? There is no pontil at the base of the vase.

RoynMargaret · « **Reply #3 on:** September 25, 2006, 11:40:43 PM »

Bump

I understand tortoiseshell glass is quite rare; which is, perhaps, why I have been able to find out so little about it.

If no maker or other ID, how about a stab at the potential value? - I am about to list it on the big auction house in the sky

Without attribution, and just on its dramatic decorative qualities I am aiming for about £50. Too cheap? Or way over the top?

Opinions very welcome. Thank you.

Max · « **Reply #4 on:** September 26, 2006, 06:38:34 AM »

I don't think tortoise shell glass is that rare Roy, and my personal opinion is that £50 is a bit steep, although you never know if someones looking for a specific shape then you may be lucky.

There's a couple of pages of tortoise shell glass in Circa Fifties glass and the prices range from $25 to an estimated $75 - $125 for nice lemonade jug set with four open-handled mugs.

...just waiting now for someone to say I'm wrong... :lol:

Frank · « **Reply #5 on:** September 26, 2006, 07:36:10 AM »

Tortoiseshell is mentioned in Hadjamach; In reference to Sowerby pressed glas where it is a dark amber. Then in reference to a patent to achieve an effect like Tortoiseshell. Al 19th century.

I don't think your late 20th century piece looks anything like tortoiseshell, but you can call it tortoiseshell if you want to - just adds no value to it.

Frank · « **Reply #6 on:** September 26, 2006, 07:43:38 AM »

Just an afterthought - You might get your listing chopped by eBay if you use the word tortoiseshell, they can be bit over the top with their PC interpretations of natural terms and what is or is not animal parts. :lol:

RoynMargaret · « **Reply #7 on:** September 26, 2006, 09:16:49 AM »

Hah!

I started by calling it leopard-skin, then someone kindly suggested tortoiseshell. Both sound better than "brown mottled", but I welcome suggestions.

I know all about eBay's funny ways - they are being sued for $47million by Louis Vuiton over fakes (estimated at 90%) listed on their site - and they have just put an all-bells-and-whistles warning on one of my recent listings; but I am not sure whether it was British Rail, Rolls Royce, or Diesel in the title & description that triggered the panic

Thanks for your help and comments.

Frank · « **Reply #8 on:** September 26, 2006, 10:39:32 AM »

I would put the emphasis on the label. I suppose you might have to check that the words on the label are not copyright in the US :?

It has become quite farcical even listing including the word fake is no longer allowed. I suppose you are safe with the words... Rare, scarce, unique object. :wink: I assume you can use commas in a title... maybe not hmmm.

Pip · « **Reply #9 on:** September 26, 2006, 07:18:03 PM »

Roy, surely if you were to describe it as a tortoiseshell style glass vase there would be nothing eBay could object to?