Glass Message Board

Glass Discussion & Research. NO IDENTIFICATION REQUESTS here please. => Murano & Italy Glass => Topic started by: Otis Orlando on January 12, 2010, 01:59:27 AM

Title: VINTAGE GLASS LEAF NAPKIN HOLDERS
Post by: Otis Orlando on January 12, 2010, 01:59:27 AM
Four beautiful vintage glass napkin holders.  Very light in weight and fragile.  All in perfect condition.  Measuring 11.6cm in height.  The base is 7.2cm in diameter. The actual colours of the leaf start from green at the base of the leaf to yellow and then pink at the top.  The base has a swirled pattern covered all over with gold speckles. The base has a pontol measuring 2.5cm in diameter and is convex as shown in picture. It is definitely blown glass.  I have no idea of their origin, but must confess that they are one of the most beautiful pieces I have ever seen!  If anyone can put a label on these I would be most grateful.  Your comments are most welcomed too.
Title: Re: VINTAGE GLASS LEAF NAPKIN HOLDERS
Post by: TxSilver on January 12, 2010, 02:46:47 AM
These look Venetian to me. If no one in the general glass group knows the maker, perhaps we can switch this to the Murano board. One of the members that drops by every few days may be able to give you more definite information. You have some beautiful glass, Otis.
Title: Re: VINTAGE GLASS LEAF NAPKIN HOLDERS
Post by: Otis Orlando on January 12, 2010, 02:57:25 AM
Many thanks!   TxSilver,  I look forward to this persons comments.  I had a gut feeling that they were Murano, but did not want to push my luck!  Many thanks for your info.  Any further information you or your colleagues can gather, will definitely be most appreciated.  Once again, thanks for your comments.  That has certainly put a smile on my face.  For that ............... :kissy:
Title: Re: VINTAGE GLASS LEAF NAPKIN HOLDERS
Post by: Lustrousstone on January 12, 2010, 07:38:04 AM
Can we see a base picture please. If they have a pontil mark, it is more likely to be concave rather than convex if it is properly finished. I think you are confusing concave and convex
Title: Re: VINTAGE GLASS LEAF NAPKIN HOLDERS
Post by: TxSilver on January 12, 2010, 08:00:27 PM
I would really expect this type of piece to have a snapped pontil that may have some degree of polishing. Often pictures of the base are not overly illuminating for older Venetian glass.
Title: Re: VINTAGE GLASS LEAF NAPKIN HOLDERS
Post by: Otis Orlando on January 12, 2010, 09:13:43 PM
Hi, Lustrousstone.  I can assure you that it is convex.  Mmmmmmmmmm,  I am all confused now.  If the pontil stands prominent from the base center, then surely this is convex.  
I have checked the figurine again and the pontil is curved and stands prominent.  So can you confirm then whether it is convex or concave. The picture attached does not do it justice but I am most certain that it is convex.  The centre of the convex is rough in places.  I could be wrong, but I will wait for your opinion.  Many thanks for you interest!
Title: Re: VINTAGE GLASS LEAF NAPKIN HOLDERS
Post by: Lustrousstone on January 12, 2010, 10:20:32 PM
That's a snapped pontil, i.e., an unfinished one or a partially finished (heated) one, which is OK as Anita said. If it was convex it would be a smooth curve like ( , not just something that stands proud of the surface.
Title: Re: VINTAGE GLASS LEAF NAPKIN HOLDERS
Post by: Otis Orlando on January 12, 2010, 10:51:01 PM
Hi, Anita  As I am unable to confirm that it is Murano.  Will this particular piece be moved into the Murano section by the moderator for scrutiny or do I have to do it? Thanks! for your info. Lustrouss.
Title: Re: VINTAGE GLASS LEAF NAPKIN HOLDERS
Post by: tam bam on January 13, 2010, 07:11:34 PM
They appear to be Venetian to me as well.  Very nice indeed.  I love the colors.  The colors are so autumn like which are appropriate for the leaf design.    

They are very lovely and they appear to be older pieces.  I wonder who made them?  Now I am going to pondering over this all day. 

tam bam
Title: Re: VINTAGE GLASS LEAF NAPKIN HOLDERS
Post by: Otis Orlando on January 14, 2010, 11:20:47 PM
Hi! Tam Bam,  I have scoured myself to no avail.  My only possible lead, it that they could be Murano. I am not sure if the Moderator would consider putting this in that section.  I would love to know the origin and current value as I would release these if the price was right.  I know for a fact that they are very old and fragile too.  They are not the normal sort of thing I would collect. I have to be ever so careful with them, so try not to handle them too much. Whoever made these must of definately been highly skilled.  
Title: Re: VINTAGE GLASS LEAF NAPKIN HOLDERS
Post by: Otis Orlando on January 22, 2010, 01:10:09 AM
Has anyone got any glass that may have a similar base to the one shown?   
Title: Re: VINTAGE GLASS LEAF NAPKIN HOLDERS
Post by: TxSilver on January 22, 2010, 02:25:48 AM
The Venetian glass pieces of this type are often difficult to attribute because there are several companies that made similar appearing glass. Sometimes these companies even worked together, marketing through a common outlet. The style of the glass is like pieces made by Salviati, Barovier, and Fratelli Toso. The style was popular in the late 1800s-early 1900s, but the traditional styles were often used later. If I were a guessing person, I would say there is a good chance it was made by one of the three mentioned companies sometimes between 1900-1930s, but without knowing your specific piece, it is just a guess.
Title: Re: VINTAGE GLASS LEAF NAPKIN HOLDERS
Post by: Otis Orlando on January 26, 2010, 02:44:14 AM
Thanks! for putting this in the Murano forum
Title: Re: VINTAGE GLASS LEAF NAPKIN HOLDERS
Post by: Otis Orlando on February 01, 2010, 02:20:32 AM
Hi! all.  I am still unable to obtain any more details regarding these esquisite, and fragile pieces.  I am aware that they are rare and it would be interesting to find out if there are any others.   I have looked and researched on other types.  I have even sent emails but nothing has been positive as yet.  It is ashame that I am not able to find one even modern, that endures an array of Venetian colours so laced in specks of gold.  I have been on suggested sites to no avail.  It would be hard to comprehend that these such wonderful pieces should be used as Napkin Holders.  If anything, it is of one's opinion that they should stand alone, elegantly displayed as showroom pieces.  I would very much appreciate if anyone could assist on this desperate matter in obtaining any more leads.  Kind Regards!
Title: Re: VINTAGE GLASS LEAF NAPKIN HOLDERS
Post by: soledivo on February 01, 2010, 02:48:32 AM
i love them, I'd really like to see the base away for the wood surface.   :) :)
Title: Re: VINTAGE GLASS LEAF NAPKIN HOLDERS
Post by: Otis Orlando on February 03, 2010, 02:09:19 AM
Hi! Martin.  As per your request, please find attached pics.  Please note that my camera does not do these justice, however, I am sure these will assist you.  Kind Regards
Title: Re: VINTAGE GLASS LEAF NAPKIN HOLDERS
Post by: Otis Orlando on February 03, 2010, 02:12:25 AM
Additional pics. Martin.
Title: Re: VINTAGE GLASS LEAF NAPKIN HOLDERS
Post by: Otis Orlando on February 06, 2010, 03:49:49 PM
Improved additional pics
Title: Re: VINTAGE GLASS LEAF NAPKIN HOLDERS
Post by: Otis Orlando on February 06, 2010, 03:53:53 PM
Extra pics.  I hope these are sufficient in identifying this Napkin Holder
Title: Re: VINTAGE GLASS LEAF NAPKIN HOLDERS
Post by: soledivo on February 06, 2010, 06:24:58 PM
hi otis
the more I look at these I can only see Salviati as the maker,
but take into account my very few years in this fascinating subject against the experts on this site,
they really do know what they'r talkin about.
The lack of a diffinative answer is because without a label or sig. there probably is no answer.
"it looks like or in the style of" is probably as much as can be given.

Regardless of this, they are fine pieces that I would love on my shelf.   :chky: :chky:
Title: Re: VINTAGE GLASS LEAF NAPKIN HOLDERS
Post by: Otis Orlando on February 06, 2010, 06:43:32 PM
Hi! Martin,  Thanks for your valid info.   I have spent a lot of time trying to obtain as much information as possible regarding this particular piece.  I am lucky to have all four in excellent condition considering how fragile they are.  Could you tell me if you have pieces similar to this design, especially paying attention to the pattern design on the base?  I have most recently written to a company in order to obtain a valuation.  I am hoping to hear from them some time this week.  I would very much like to sell these on but with no idea about them, unfortunately I am stuck with them.  I am sure they would look very nice in the right place and too desperate to find someone who is going to take pride in these such wonderful vintage pieces.
Title: Re: VINTAGE GLASS LEAF NAPKIN HOLDERS
Post by: Otis Orlando on February 16, 2010, 01:05:51 AM
I have recently had a valuation of these, which is a 3 figure sum, however would like to know if anyone has got one the same or can give me a more positive lead.  I have contiuously looked at sites suggested but nothing has come up.  Surely there would of been multiples of this design made?  If anyone can further assist I would be most grateful.  Kind Regards.
Title: Re: VINTAGE GLASS LEAF NAPKIN HOLDERS
Post by: Otis Orlando on February 23, 2010, 10:50:13 PM
Hi Martin,  Are you or anyone else interested in owning these such fine pieces?  If you are don't hesitate to contact me. Always willing to negotiate, that is. in the designated forum.    :thup:
Title: Re: VINTAGE GLASS LEAF NAPKIN HOLDERS
Post by: Anne on February 24, 2010, 04:15:59 AM
Otis, offers to buy or sell should only be in the Market Place, not the discussion forums, please. :)
Title: Re: VINTAGE GLASS LEAF NAPKIN HOLDERS
Post by: Otis Orlando on February 24, 2010, 09:48:48 PM
Thanks! Anne  :thup: :-X