Topic: Whitefriars Count Minerbi glasses - value?

[Proustian]

My wife has three of the glasses from the Count Minerbi (sometimes spelt Minorbi?) collection from c .1906. They are different sizes, perfect order and are exquisitely beautiful. If we were to wish to sell where should we take them and does anyone have any idea on the approximate value, just the rough order as I recognise no-one can be precise in guessing what someone may pay.

Many thanks

Marcel

[johnphilip]

Hi Marcel i have P Md you with some info ,hope you get it . jp

[Bernard C]

Marcel — I wasn't too sure whether such a query could be serious, but, as it's not April 1st, I will answer seriously.

For such items you need top international expertise.   The one name that springs to mind is Simon Cottle of Bonhams http://www.bonhams.com   I wouldn't take them anywhere at present as packing such delicate items is a skilled operation and involves not only protection but also the elimination of undue stress.   Just photograph them if you can.   CameraJim's guide to photographing glass here will tell you enough to obtain reasonable photographs from any digital camera without buying specialist equipment.

You are fortunate indeed to own such beautiful wineglasses.

Bernard C.  

[Proustian]

Many thanks JP and Bernard C for your useful pointers, very much appreciated. And yes it is a serious question. Yes too they are so delicate and beautiful, quite sublime.

Thank you again

[nigel benson]

Hello,

There were some 400 pieces in the Count Lionel de Minerbi Service made by James Powell & Sons in 1906, which was based on a piece shown at the Turin Exhibition of 1902. This piece was bought from the exhibition by Minerbi, who then commissioned his own service based upon (it is believed) the threading used by Powell in this item. (It is not known what the actual item was that Minerbi bought).

NB. Various sources suggest, under 400 pieces, 400 pieces (both Jackson, ed) and 465 pieces (Hajdamach, 2009) in the Minerbi suite.

Another service, having different coloured threading, is also known meaning that it is also possible to determine which service an item eminates from.

Bernard, it is nice to know that you have so much confidence in your fellow dealers that you advise Bonhams above Jeanette Hayhurst, The Country Seat or even myself - all of whom have a depth of knowledge in the subject of early Powell that people such as Simon Cottle (and other auction houses) turn to us for advice.

Should you need advice on your pieces Marcel I would be happy to help you, please email me nbenson at 20thcentury-glass dot com assuming Hobbsy hasn't already put you right.

Nigel

[johnphilip]

Yes Nigel is one of those you can trust . IMHO .JP :angel:  I didnt try to buy them Honest Guv . :thup:

[Bernard C]

...   Bernard, it is nice to know that you have so much confidence in your fellow dealers that you advise Bonhams above Jeanette Hayhurst, The Country Seat or even myself - all of whom have a depth of knowledge in the subject of early Powell that people such as Simon Cottle (and other auction houses) turn to us for advice.   ...

Nigel — Your cynicism is misplaced and unwarranted.   Marcel wanted a value, which is precisely what auctioneers specialise in doing — all the time.   Thank you for confirming that Bonhams do their research properly.

Also after nearly twelve hours Marcel must have wondered whether he was being ignored.   I certainly did.   So I passed on some simple honest common-sense advice.   That's all.

Bernard C.