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Glass Discussion & Research. NO IDENTIFICATION REQUESTS here please. => Scandinavian Glass => Topic started by: inca on October 18, 2006, 11:40:46 PM

Title: Books about FM Konstglas, Ronneby, Sweden
Post by: inca on October 18, 2006, 11:40:46 PM
Hi!   :)

I'm looking for information about FM Konstglas (Marcolin), Ronneby, Sweden. I haven't managed to find much on the internet and I wonder if anyone can recommend any books. I think I've seen the name Piña mentioned and any help you can give is very much appreciated. If anyone can point me in the right direction! Thanks!

I bought some FM items late 70's/early 80's and I've now taken up collecting again. I've heard that a lot of FM's production went to the USA, there's lots to learn and I'm new at this..... I'm a little embarrased to actually admit how little I know but if I don't ask I will never learn! Right?  :lol:

Thanks in advance!

regards,
Ingela
Title: Books about FM Konstglas, Ronneby, Sweden
Post by: Ivo on October 21, 2006, 03:52:05 PM
As far as I know there is no book on the Marcolinis - but I'll be happy to get yoiu information as soon as I'm back in Holland. I have the circa 1990 catalogue which has all the info you'd need. Please get this subject back on top some time after Nov 1st.
regards
Ivo
Title: Books about FM Konstglas, Ronneby, Sweden
Post by: inca on October 21, 2006, 11:07:12 PM
Hi Ivo,

Thanks! I'll move this post on top as requested early november.

I've found one site with Marcolin items:
http://www.marcolinartcrystal.it

I've also enclosed a few pics of objects from my collection. I hope you'll enjoy them!

Turtle
http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-3762

fish (with gold)
http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-3765
http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-3764
http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-3763

elk/moose
http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-3766

regards,
Ingela
Title: nifty
Post by: wrightoutlook on October 21, 2006, 11:37:24 PM
The interior design of the turtle is quite interesting. Very molten lava. There's a very Milropa Glass Studio quality to it. I love it.
Title: Books about FM Konstglas, Ronneby, Sweden
Post by: David E on October 22, 2006, 09:33:27 AM
I have a few signed/labelled FM Konstglas/Ronneby items myself and would be interested to decipher the scribble seen on the bottom. There often appears to be a pattern number that might date certain items.
Title: Books about FM Konstglas, Ronneby, Sweden
Post by: Connie on October 22, 2006, 09:45:03 AM
Hi again, Ingela

We discussed FM Konstglas/Ronneby in this thread when you first joined

http://www.glassmessages.com/index.php/topic,3851.0.html

I still haven't been able to identify the maker of my polar bear  :cry:

Do you think it might be FM Konstglas?

http://www.grayhorseglass.com/items/492611/item492611store.html#item
Title: Books about FM Konstglas, Ronneby, Sweden
Post by: David E on October 22, 2006, 09:57:07 AM
Hi Connie: the photos on the other thread are broken!

Nice polar bear, but I'm certainly not an expert on Ronneby/Konstglas - my experience is very limited! :roll:

Trying to find out when they signed or labelled might help. I have a paperweight/dump with a label and no sig and thought this was quite modern. Whereas I always considered the signed pieces to be much earlier.
Title: Books about FM Konstglas, Ronneby, Sweden
Post by: Connie on October 22, 2006, 10:07:20 AM
Quote
Hi Connie: the photos on the other thread are broken!


Hi David -

I know the old links weren't working which is why I put another link in my message above.  I since went back and edited the original thread to avoid confusion.
Title: Books about FM Konstglas, Ronneby, Sweden
Post by: inca on October 22, 2006, 10:26:19 PM
Hi,

Here's a short company history of FM Konstglas/Marcolin, Ronneby
http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-3793

2 pages from a FM catalogue, scanned pics, could have been better
but if you 'click to enlarge' they do get a little better/clearer
http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-3784
http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-3788

to wrightoutlook:
Some more pics of my turtle. I love this one too! I bought it in the late
70's / early 80's.
http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-3787
http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-3786
http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-3785

to Connie:
I've looked at the pics of your polar bear but it doesn't quite look like
FM to me. It's lovely and I'll make some enquries on another glass forum
 a Swedish one, and see if anyone can identify this for you.
I've enclosed a couple of pics of my FM polar bear.
http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-3792
http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-3791
http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-3790
http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-3789


to David:
"....would be interested to decipher the scribble seen on the bottom.
......I have a paperweight/dump with a label..."

What does the scribble say? What does the label look like? Could you add
some pics please! I'm curious!!!!

bye for now,

Ingela
Title: Books about FM Konstglas, Ronneby, Sweden
Post by: David E on October 22, 2006, 10:31:32 PM
Quote from: "Inca"
to David:
"....would be interested to decipher the scribble seen on the bottom.
......I have a paperweight/dump with a label..."

What does the scribble say? What does the label look like? Could you add
some pics please! I'm curious!!!!

Sure, not a problem, but I will do this tomorrow as I'm dead on my feet ATM! :wink:
Title: Books about FM Konstglas, Ronneby, Sweden
Post by: David E on October 23, 2006, 01:23:53 PM
OK, here are some links to three of my FM Konstglas pieces:

All three (http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-3801)
Owl (http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-3799)
'Weight (http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-3798)
Fish (http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-3800)

Label and signature:
Label (http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-3803)
Signature (http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-3802)

The signature is seen on the fish and reads:
FM Ronneby
Sweden
B850
(or '830') and what looks like '.1ao'
Edit: number actually reads B850.16 (16 cm long)

The 'weight' only has a label - gold/black text

The owl has both, the label - silver/black text and the text reads:
FM Ronneby
Sweden
C691


I also have a massive crystal whale with the number B878 but this does have a broken tail. So does 'B' = fishes?

This seems to suggest the numbers are pattern numbers, but needs confirming.
Title: Books about FM Konstglas, Ronneby, Sweden
Post by: inca on November 03, 2006, 10:30:52 PM
Quote from: "Ivo"
Please get this subject back on top some time after Nov 1st.
regards
Ivo



Hi Ivo,

As promised, bak on top again!

regards,
Ingela
Title: Books about FM Konstglas, Ronneby, Sweden
Post by: inca on November 03, 2006, 10:34:31 PM
Hi David,

Thanks for posting the pictures.  Very nice!

There has been several different labels over the years and also different signatures. I will add some pictures for you shortly of the labels that I have in my collection.
 
Does B stand for fish? I would say no! I have some examples for you:
B6, B7 polarbear
B15, B16, B100, B101, B645, B673 fish
B87, B105, B155 bird
B88 giraffe
B632 apple
B633 pear
B635 peach
B638 sailboat
B715 penguin
B720 rhino
B724 elephant
B740 mushroom
B746, B747 Snoopy
B774, B775 whale
B778 snake
B780 cat
B782 shark
 
There are lots of different pieces but I can't see any pattern here with the numbering! I guess there is a reason for different numbering but it's not that obvious. Has it got something to do with the size or colour variations? I don't know!
I have for instance seen the pear (gold) = with label only, with signature only, with label and signature.
 
The next numbers usually indicates the size. The signature on your fish looks like B850 and then possibly 100. Which would then indicate the size 100mm = 10cm. Is your fish approx. 10cm?
 
I don't know how often they changed labels but I would date your gold/black label early 70's (possibly late 60's?) and the silver/black one mid or late 70's. My owl has no signature but the gold/black label.
 
I'm certainly no expert here so I welcome all the information that I can get!
 
regards,
Ingela
Title: Books about FM Konstglas, Ronneby, Sweden
Post by: alexander on November 04, 2006, 01:40:04 AM
Looking at the very nice pieces DenCill posted I'm reminded of a fish I just bought with the same "bubblegrey" effect as in the owl and the fish.

Is this a FM trait or did many makers do this?

This is the fish I just got, about 12"

Aplogies for the poor picture quality - I didn't get the lighting right.

Fish (http://www.wilhelmsen.no/glass/unknown.fish02.JPG)
Closeup - bubbles (http://www.wilhelmsen.no/glass/unknown.fish04.JPG)

Thanks

Alexander
Title: Books about FM Konstglas, Ronneby, Sweden
Post by: Lustrousstone on November 04, 2006, 08:40:27 AM
Sticking my neck out here Alexander, but I would hazard a guess that your fish was Murano and possibly a good maker. Someone will tell us :?
Title: Books about FM Konstglas, Ronneby, Sweden
Post by: Ivo on November 04, 2006, 08:42:04 AM
here is the explanation from the catalogue:

For example C-759 - 55 (22") - 01
C-759 = article number
55(22") = size
01 = colour code (clear)


possibly the B stands for Benito, J for Josef and M for both - but it does not say so in the catalogue.
Title: Books about FM Konstglas, Ronneby, Sweden
Post by: David E on November 04, 2006, 02:04:03 PM
Quote from: "alexander"
Looking at the very nice pieces DenCill posted I'm reminded of a fish I just bought with the same "bubblegrey" effect as in the owl and the fish.

Is this a FM trait or did many makers do this?

The internal effect looks quite different to yours, Alexander. The crimping of the tailfin did remind me of one other fish I have, and dug this one out:

Unknown fish (http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-3985)
Fish comparison (http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-3987)
Close up of FM Konstglas texture (http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-3986)
Close up of unknown texture (http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-3984)

Edit: The unknown fish has no marks at all on the base.
Title: Books about FM Konstglas, Ronneby, Sweden
Post by: David E on November 04, 2006, 02:06:14 PM
Thanks for all the detail, Ivo.
Title: Books about FM Konstglas, Ronneby, Sweden
Post by: Ivo on November 04, 2006, 03:05:36 PM
there are more than 40 different fish in the catalogue; most are quite elaborate, but there are also some which are quickly made & badly drawn. Colourful inclusions are usual, and most are modeled after reef fish: Pennant, Humu-humu, Bandit fish, yellow tang, surgeon fish, butterfly fish etc.  

I doubt if your nail mould fish was made by FM - the style deviates a bit too much and nail mould is too quick a fix for achieving internal decoration.  There is very little nail mould technique in their production, except in the paperweights.

However, never say never. Maybe these were produced in the short period when they produced at Sardinia Crystal after their retirement and before their fallout with that company - or maybe they were made earlier, at Glimma or in Reijmyre?
Title: Books about FM Konstglas, Ronneby, Sweden
Post by: alexander on November 04, 2006, 05:42:58 PM
I saw a fish almost identical to the unknown DenCill posted above at the fair where I bought mine, I assumed then it was the same maker as the colors, bubbles and tail matched to a tee, even the eyes look similar.

I recall thinking it they were both scandinavian, mostly as this was a norwegian antique/collectibles fair.

No hard info on maker yet tho.

Also - no markings on my fish either - polished base.

Alexander
Title: Books about FM Konstglas, Ronneby, Sweden
Post by: inca on November 06, 2006, 11:35:34 PM
:)    Hi,

I have 2 FM catalogues, one from the early 70's and one from the early 80's.

The one from early 70's has article No, size and colours.
The one from early 80's has article No and colours, it does not mention size
at all.

from FM Konstglas Ronneby catalogue, early 1970's
http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-4012
The fishes here look a lot like the ones David and Alexander have. I think
both their fishes are FM, I will add some more pictures of these as soon as
possible.

from FM Konstglas Ronneby catalogue, early 1980's
http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-3784
http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-4013

Both catalogues illustrate some of the colour variations and patterns
available at that time.

I still discover new colour variations and patterns I did not know existed
earlier which makes it quite exciting.

I also looked through my catalogues to see the different article numbers and
here is what I found:

in the 70's catalogue:
artciel Nos starting with B, C, D, F, G, GS, L, LB, LM, M

in the 80's catalogue:
artciel Nos starting with B, C, D, F, H, L, M, R, S, T, U, V

LM - could that be Luigi Marcolin?
http://www.blekingeparlor.se/images/konstnarer/LuigiMarcolin/
Josef's or Benitos' son / brother ??????

I will add some more pictures shortly.

regards,
Ingela
Title: Books about FM Konstglas, Ronneby, Sweden
Post by: inca on November 06, 2006, 11:41:47 PM
Hi David and Alexander,

I have some pictures for you, and based on these pictures I believe that
your unknown fish are indeed FM.
The labels (in my pictures) indicate that they are made in the 60's / early 70's.

http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/thumbnails.php?album=255



FM has many different patterns and colour variations and not having
catalogues showing the full range makes it a bit difficult to identify an
object.

Next I will add the different FM labels, I have 7 ones, one Marcolin
Dartington and also Sardinia Crystal.

regards,
Ingela
Title: Books about FM Konstglas, Ronneby, Sweden
Post by: alexander on November 06, 2006, 11:56:33 PM
Thanks :D

They do look very similar so I'd say you were spot on.

Thanks again : )
Title: Books about FM Konstglas, Ronneby, Sweden
Post by: inca on November 07, 2006, 01:14:42 AM
Hi again,

I have now added the Marcolin/FM labels and the approximate dates of the labels.

I am not sure of all the dates so let us say that this is my 'educated' guess!  :lol:


http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-4028
http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-4027
http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-4026
http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-4025
http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-4024
http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-4032
http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-4031
http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-4030
http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-4029
http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-4033
http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-4034




regards,
Ingela
Title: Books about FM Konstglas, Ronneby, Sweden
Post by: David E on November 07, 2006, 09:53:20 AM
Wow, thanks Ingela! Nice to see that fish postively identified  :)

The labels are most interesting and surprising there are so many variations - most helpful.

Do you have any information why the Marcolins left Sweden and set up in Sardinia?

Edit: I'd also like to put this information on my own web site. If you have no objections I'd like to link directly to the photo you posted and will credit you accordingly. Or can I copy the photos over?

http://www.glassyeye.com - very much work in progress...
Title: Books about FM Konstglas, Ronneby, Sweden
Post by: Ivo on November 07, 2006, 12:11:29 PM
Quote from: "DenCill"
Do you have any information why the Marcolins left Sweden and set up in Sardinia?


I know that. They reached pension age, went back to Italy and worked with Sardinia Crystal for a few months. The idea was to continue production of the existing models with a team of young glass makers, but the collaboration was not a happy one. They then moved back to the village they originated from - I think it is somewhere in the Veneto - where they are enjoying their well deserved rest.
Title: Books about FM Konstglas, Ronneby, Sweden
Post by: David E on November 07, 2006, 01:32:02 PM
Thanks, I seem to remember there was a bit of upset.

Quote from: "David"
The signature is seen on the fish and reads:
FM Ronneby
Sweden
B850 (or '830') and what looks like '.1ao'

The number therefore reads: B850.16 (16 cm long)
Title: Books about FM Konstglas, Ronneby, Sweden
Post by: inca on November 08, 2006, 01:25:14 AM
Hi,

I have a couple of albums on Webshots and you are all welcome to browse through the pictures. Some of them are taken from listings on eBay and Tradera, and some are taken by my brother and I.

Thought it would be nice to share these pictures with you!

http://community.webshots.com/user/ingela_alegni

These pictures illustrates some of the many patterns and colour variations avalaible.

The names of the files probably seems strange to you, some are in Swedish and some are just numbers. Don't pay too much attention to the file names, in fact some of it looks pretty strange to me too! Don't know what I was thinking when I named some of those files!  :lol:   Please just look at the pictures and enjoy!

Have fun!

regards,
Ingela   :)
Title: Books about FM Konstglas, Ronneby, Sweden
Post by: inca on November 12, 2006, 10:45:59 PM
Quote from: "Connie"

I still haven't been able to identify the maker of my polar bear  :cry:
Do you think it might be FM Konstglas?




Hi Connie,

I asked about your polar bear on a Swedish Glass Forum but no news so far.  I will let you know if I hear anything!



Ingela
Title: Books about FM Konstglas, Ronneby, Sweden
Post by: inca on November 12, 2006, 11:05:04 PM
Quote from: DenCill
The labels are most interesting and surprising there are so many variations - most helpful.
I'd also like to put this information on my own web site. If you have no objections I'd like to link directly to the photo you posted and will credit you accordingly. Or can I copy the photos over?


Hi,

Yes, you can use my photos of the labels. You can link to the photos or copy them over.

Please credit:  photo by Ingela Nyrén, Sweden


Ingela
Title: Books about FM Konstglas, Ronneby, Sweden
Post by: inca on November 12, 2006, 11:14:02 PM
Hi,

Another question for you!

What can you tell me about Royal Sweden Crystal ?


Ingela
Title: Books about FM Konstglas, Ronneby, Sweden
Post by: David E on November 12, 2006, 11:18:10 PM
BIG suggestion: I'd start a new topic on this, rather than use this thread :wink:
Title: Books about FM Konstglas, Ronneby, Sweden
Post by: inca on November 12, 2006, 11:19:55 PM
Quote from: "DenCill"
BIG suggestion: I'd start a new topic on this, rather than use this thread :wink:


Hi,

No! It's related to Marcolin! No need for a new thread!



Ingela  :lol: :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:
Title: Books about FM Konstglas, Ronneby, Sweden
Post by: David E on November 12, 2006, 11:22:23 PM
The topic at present is very specific about books on FM Konstglas and IMHO it would be best to start a new topic. It should encourage new people to look at this subject.
Title: Books about FM Konstglas, Ronneby, Sweden
Post by: inca on November 12, 2006, 11:30:01 PM
Quote from: "DenCill"
The topic at present is very specific about books on FM Konstglas and IMHO it would be best to start a new topic. It should encourage new people to look at this subject.



Hi,

But Royal Sweden Crystal is FM Konstglas - it's just another of Marcolin's labels! I'll add some pictures for you shortly!


Ingela
Title: Books about FM Konstglas, Ronneby, Sweden
Post by: David E on November 12, 2006, 11:35:55 PM
Carry on if you're happy, but this thread is about books on FM Konstglas (I wasn't aware of the distinction between the two makes) and you'd maximise the input you receive by starting a new topic, specifically on Royal Sweden Crystal - there may be collectors of this glass, but not Konstglas.

Not much point in throwing all Konstglas/RSC/Ronneby queries into one topic or you'll end up with a 38-page topic like the Chance glass one... spread it out a bit!
Title: Books about FM Konstglas, Ronneby, Sweden
Post by: inca on November 13, 2006, 12:16:51 AM
Quote from: DenCill
Not much point in throwing all Konstglas/RSC/Ronneby queries into one topic or you'll end up with a 38-page topic like the Chance glass one... spread it out a bit!

Hmmmm, 38-page topic! That is an awful lot to scroll through!

I'll start a new topic tomorrow!   :)

Ingela



I have now started a new topic for Royal Sweden Crystal
http://www.glassmessages.com/index.php/topic,8265.0.html