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Author Topic: Vallerysthal/Portieux "Dauphins" or Westmoreland "Argonaut" ?  (Read 2849 times)

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Offline Anne E.B.

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Vallerysthal/Portieux "Dauphins" or Westmoreland "Argonaut" ?
« on: December 18, 2015, 03:09:56 PM »
I've acquired a very nice unmarked white milk glass lidded bowl which is shown in the VP catalogue "Dauphins" no.3814 dated 1894.  However, I see that Westmoreland Glass Co. made what looks to me to be an identical version referred to as "Argonaut".  From what I can gather Westmoreland marked the inside lid with a WG, but that other companies copied this Westmoreland design and therefore wouldn't have any markings.

So, a couple of questions.  Firstly, how can you tell if it is a genuine Vallerysthal/Portieux piece?  Did Westmoreland acquire VP moulds or just copied the original VP version, or is it a Westmoreland copy?
Hope that all makes sense :-\ ::)
Anne E.B

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Offline Ivo

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Re: Vallerysthal/Portieux "Dauphins" or Westmoreland "Argonaut" ?
« Reply #1 on: December 19, 2015, 10:00:20 AM »
That is a very difficult question without handling both. What I think is that VP used a whiter shade of pale (sorry it was irresistible) which goes clear at the edges where the glass gets thinner, while WG uses a rather garish solid milk glass.

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Offline Anne E.B.

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Re: Vallerysthal/Portieux "Dauphins" or Westmoreland "Argonaut" ?
« Reply #2 on: December 19, 2015, 04:53:46 PM »
Thanks Ivo.  I've had a close look (having first skipped the light fandango whilst turning cartwheels 'cross the floor ;D)  Its not a solid garish white - I know what you mean.
The extraneous bits of glass which haven't been removed are clear and the thinner parts of the dolphin tails (including outside edges) are actually opalescent with a fiery glow when held to a strong light. 
I'm inclined to believe it is more likely to be VP.
I'm also that much nearer geographically to place of origin, although I know that shouldn't make too much of a difference :)
Anne E.B

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Offline Ivo

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Re: Vallerysthal/Portieux "Dauphins" or Westmoreland "Argonaut" ?
« Reply #3 on: December 19, 2015, 08:35:49 PM »
VP it is - it beats WG hands down 😊

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Offline Ohio

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Re: Vallerysthal/Portieux "Dauphins" or Westmoreland "Argonaut" ?
« Reply #4 on: December 20, 2015, 02:57:22 PM »
Might ask the Facebook Westmoreland group the molds questions as I know they produced several PV type pieces. Greg Jennings runs the group which is fairly large. They will answer anything in the lines of questions about Westmoreland.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/WestmorelandGlassCompany/

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Offline Anne E.B.

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Re: Vallerysthal/Portieux "Dauphins" or Westmoreland "Argonaut" ?
« Reply #5 on: December 23, 2015, 03:30:40 PM »
I'm not on Facebook, so any assistance would be greatly appreciated if at all possible ;)
Anne E.B

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Offline Ohio

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Re: Vallerysthal/Portieux "Dauphins" or Westmoreland "Argonaut" ?
« Reply #6 on: December 25, 2015, 05:14:27 AM »
So far I've been informed that Westmoreland did not own/have any PV molds however they copied the designs & made their own molds calling the productions "Faithful Reproductions of Classic Designs".

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Offline Anne E.B.

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Re: Vallerysthal/Portieux "Dauphins" or Westmoreland "Argonaut" ?
« Reply #7 on: December 27, 2015, 11:27:03 AM »
Any idea of the period in which these reproductions were made just out of interest?
Anne E.B

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Offline Ohio

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Re: Vallerysthal/Portieux "Dauphins" or Westmoreland "Argonaut" ?
« Reply #8 on: December 30, 2015, 08:18:26 PM »
Westmoreland closed in 1984 & the items in question were produced on & off in various colors/treatments for over 40 years.

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Offline Anne E.B.

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Re: Vallerysthal/Portieux "Dauphins" or Westmoreland "Argonaut" ?
« Reply #9 on: January 01, 2016, 11:39:44 AM »
Many thanks for the information.
Anne E.B

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