Glass Discussion & Research. NO IDENTIFICATION REQUESTS here please. > British & Irish Glass

Walsh glasses

(1/3) > >>

JPH:
:?:
I am a very new collector... I need enlightening.
I have just purchased two hock style glasses with "Walsh" etched on the bese. They also have some etching on the rims of grapes and leaves.
The quality seems very good... nice long, tuneful ring to the glass.
I read (Millers) that items made by Walsh were only etched like this in 1926-1930.
I would like some info on the market value and how common are thses type of items
regards,
JPH

EricR:
Congratulations on your purchase of WALSH glass.

You will find an interesting article on WALSH glass on this website.

"WALSH" was used as a marking in the late 1920's/early 1930's and it later became "WALSH ENGLAND".

The fruiting vine pattern was very popular. You do not say whether your glasses are clear crystal or cased(overlay) colour. These glasses are available as a harlequin set of 6 colours. Many other items including vases, bowls, decanters, tumblers, dessert bowls, water jugs and handbells sometimes appear at fairs and in antique centres.

I do not normally publicly give valuations as these can vary depending on size, condition, etc and also collector demand at that point in time. If you send me more detail relating to your glasses I will compare them with some of my recent purchases and try to provide a realistic valuation.

I was pleased to read your message and will offer assistance wherever I can. If you become a WALSH collector you may find my book "The Glass Of John Walsh Walsh 1850-1951" of interest.

The number of specialsed collectors of WALSH glass is steadily growing and you would be welcome to join this "exclusive club".

I know Walsh glass comes up for sale in New Zealand and Australia. I have purchased several pieces this part of the world.

If you have any further questions relating to WALSH glass please do not hesitate to ask.

EricR

JPH:
Hello and thank you EricR for your reply.
I would much like to visit the web site you mentioned, but I see no sign of the address and your personal message is not active.
I can email you a phots if I can have your email address also.
I am excited about your book.
My glasses are clear and of excellent quality. They are in perfect condition... as new.
JPH

Bernard C:
Clear crystal Fruiting Vine is an unusual and interesting pattern as it relates to today's marketplace.   As it was made in reasonable quantity, it is not too difficult to find examples today.   I buy singles, pairs or any quantity I find, as it is such high quality it will always sell well.   Note that the number of flake cuts in the rings under the fruiting vine pattern can vary considerably.   I once bought a set of five sherries where this number varied from five to eight on individual glasses.   About all you can say about such a set is that it was probably not purchased through a top London store such as Fortnum & Masons.

My undertaker, or at least he probably will be when the time comes, has inherited a magnificent family collection of Edinburgh "Thistle" pattern decanters and glasses, much of which looks Victorian to me.   This is used on special occasions.   The main advantage of this pattern is that he and his ancestors have replaced broken or damaged items on a regular basis.   So the set is still complete, but from a variety of periods.

I know of at least two collectors who are taking a similar approach to Walsh "Fruiting Vine".   They start by buying anything in the pattern.   Then by trying to build up complete sets.   One told me that he will continue to buy Walsh Fruiting Vine as long as it is less than roughly half the price of new items of similar quality.   And both use their Walsh Fruiting Vine for special occasions.

So, I believe there will always be a demand, and prices will relate to shop prices of similar quality items.   At some time supply might get more difficult as the pattern gets more popular, tending to push up prices.   So those collecting today will find themselves owning a very pleasant appreciating investment.

Some collectors are taking this approach with all Walsh glass.   It is actually very difficult to find examples of Walsh glass that are not of the highest quality.   The elegant simplicity of their patterns did not allow any room for error.    And their base stars are always perfect.   In cut crystal I only know of one example, a very rare bowl that Eric and I discussed about a year or two ago and one of only two known examples of the pattern.   Pompeian is perhaps the most obvious range to check carefully - for lopsidedness and for burst bubbles.

The website that Eric referred to is http://www.glass.co.nz , the home of the first version of this message board.   You will find his illustrated article on Walsh there.

... and I strongly recommend Eric's excellent book, together with a good quality magnifying glass.   It is one of the most cost-effective books I have ever purchased, easily paying for itself on my first (unmarked) Walsh purchase after buying it.    

Bernard C

JPH:
:) Thanks Bernard,
I apreciate your info... I did see the Walsh article that Eric had been referring to... I must have had a dopey moment when I asked about the glass site. I did work it out.
I will be on the lookout for more Walsh glass, it is beautiful.
Best wishes,
JPH.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page