Topic: limescale (or not)

[Paul S.]

hello GMB - my first time on screen, so apologies if I don't get it right, and grateful for any help re the attached.
the woman at the boot sale said this was Whitefriars, and although I was sceptical, like all collectors I didn't dare leave it and then get home and find she was right, so for nine quid I bought the vase and thats when it goes a bit wrong.   I removed the hardened gloss paint and other crud and then discovered what I assumed was limescale up two thirds of the inside.   After another nine quids worth of Hagesan Blue and Kilrock K I was no further forward and still had a matt interior, so maybe the glass has become etched for a couple of microns depth.     Does anyone recogise the item, know the date or factory.       Presumably it isn't Whitefriars - can't see it in Lesley Jackson' book.
Specification is:  trumpet flared top  -   colour pale gold/amber  -  height 23cms.  -  dia. at top 21 cms.  -  and 12 cms. at the base   -  rising spirals of air bubbles which elongate towards top, and a good quality 6 cm. polished pontil mark.    There is considerable wear at the base indicating it wasn't made yesterday (unlike me probably).  It has a good 'ring'.
many thanks.    Paul.

[glass]

I'm sure this is Whitefriars produced 1940s-50s

[Paul S.]

thank you for very quick response  -  and of couse Im very pleased if it is Whitefriars.
do you think a professional acid treatment wud remove the limescale  -  or is the piece better left as is.
cheers             Paul S.

[sueglass]

The colour looks good for being Whitefriars, William Wilson I think, but I think it probably is limescale, I have had several items of this colour and they have always been clear. Pip on the board gave me a good tip, pop in a couple of denture cleaning tablets and fill with warm water this can remove the limescale. I have tried this and it always seems to work. Sue.

[sueglass]

Paul, Have you tried posting it on the Whitefriars site? Sue.

[vidrioguapo]

These are always coming up on ebay as Whitefriars, but I have never found this shape in the catalogues and the Amber colour is not quite right to my mind.  I think they are either Webb or Stevens and Williams, but by all means put it on the IS IT section of www.whitefriars.com, someone may have seen one at some time. Emmi

[Paul S.]

thanks Sue and Emmi  -  appreciate the suggestions.       However, having used the Kilrock K, and Hagesan, without any improvement in the matt surface, I'm not very hopeful of a false teeth cleaner.     However, I will get around to trying it at some point but I will definitely put a picture on the Whitefriars site.
thanks again.      Paul S.

[Paul S.]

Sue  -   just to say that I have now posted a pic. on the Whitefriars site  -  so fingers crossed.

thanks again.           Paul S.

[TxSilver]

thanks Sue and Emmi  -  appreciate the suggestions.       However, having used the Kilrock K, and Hagesan, without any improvement in the matt surface, I'm not very hopeful of a false teeth cleaner.     However, I will get around to trying it at some point but I will definitely put a picture on the Whitefriars site.
thanks again.      Paul S.

It sounds like you may have some sick glass that was covered when you bought it. I've had some success with Lime-away OR toilet bowl cleaner -- the type that clings to the sides. I have a feeling from what you describe that chemicals may not help remove the problem. Many pieces would have to be repolished, but most things are not worth the expense. It is a nice vase, nonetheless.

[johnphilip]

I am sure it isnt W/Fs but one of the other British firms S&W  Stuart or Webb . jp :mus: