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Glass Discussion & Research. NO IDENTIFICATION REQUESTS here please. => British & Irish Glass => Topic started by: arlowood on February 15, 2008, 03:36:10 PM

Title: Caithness Vase or not?
Post by: arlowood on February 15, 2008, 03:36:10 PM
Hi Folks
Hope someone can help out. I have fallen heir to a graduated green glass vase decorated with an etched and engraved pattern of a squirrel sitting on an oak branch with leaves and acorns. My mother bought this vase in the late 1960's or early 70's and is convinced that she bought it as a Caithness piece. However there are no "Caithness" marks on the vase although there could have been a sticker which has been lost over the years.

The base of the vase does have some etched initials which I presume are the artist's/designer's. They appear to read "JNM" or possibly "JMM"

Does anyone recognise the pattern or the initials to confirm the origin of this vase. The vase stands about 12.5cm tall x 10cm diam at the rim. It was definitely bought in Scotland.

A couple of images are attached to assist.

Any help/ suggestions would be appreciated
Title: Re: Caithness Vase or not?
Post by: Anne on February 15, 2008, 05:25:04 PM
Yes, Caithness. Frank may be able to help with the initials. Also check out his site at www.scotlandsglass.co.uk
Title: Re: Caithness Vase or not?
Post by: Frank on February 15, 2008, 06:37:29 PM
'fraid not, he posted this on the forum there and I suggested coming here as there are few Caithness glassware people around there yet.  :)
Title: Re: Caithness Vase or not?
Post by: Anne on February 15, 2008, 07:12:07 PM
Heh heh heh oh well, at least it plugged the site again Frank. :)   I noticed pkay6 has the same vase in his collection - I wonder if his has initials and if they are more readable?
Title: Re: Caithness Vase or not?
Post by: arlowood on February 16, 2008, 10:18:30 AM
Hi Anne and Frank

Many thanks for your detective work on this one. I have tracked down the collection listed by pkay6 and found two images that match my vase. Is there any way to contact pkay6 to raise a query about engraved initials on his pieces or is he a regular visitor to the site anyway?

At least I have confirmed my mother's recollection about the origin of the vase - the identity of the engraver/ designer may be more problematic.
Title: Re: Caithness Vase or not?
Post by: arlowood on February 29, 2008, 07:00:58 PM
Hi Guys

I got a lead to a former Caithness engraver, Helen MacDonald, from another post and sent her an email. She has just got back to me to confirm that the initials "JMM" belonged to John McDonald. An extract from Helen's email is attached:-
The initials JMM belong to John McDonald, he was an engraver with
Caithness from 1969/70 until about 1980. He used to live in John O'Groats
and was a real character, always doing practical jokes on us all.
I'm trying to make up a list of Caithness engravers but it is taking me
longer that I thought. I will check it all out with Willie Bain (another
caithness engraver) to make sure it is all correct.


Hope this is of some use to others
Title: Re: Caithness Vase or not?
Post by: Anne on March 01, 2008, 10:30:33 AM
That's a great result and thank you for sharing the info from Helen. :)