Topic: mark of embossed 'W' or 'M'

[Paul S.]

Have a feeling I have possibly seen the pressed amber coloured 'deco' piece on a post in recent times  -  but can't remember when.  The point about both pieces is the mark which is either a W or M  -  but not under-scored or in a circle, and I don't see it in Ivo's book, unless I'm looking in the wrong place.     The red bowl gives an amberish sort of fluorescence under U.V. light  -  so may not actually be Uranium.       Both pieces have a look of 30's/40's (or perhaps even earlier), and there is substantial wear to the foot of the amber piece.         thanks for looking, and grateful for any replies.           Paul S.   

[Anne]

You don't give sizes Paul, but the amber one looks like a Davidson shape - see the powder pot HERE - this shape also appeared in larger sizes by them but I can't imagine why it would have an embossed M or W on it if it's Davidson. 

[ChrisStewart]

HI All,

The M or W on some pieces of Davidson is on ongoing mystery. We have been unable to find when or why this mark was added, although we suspect that it is post WWII.

Regards

Chris

[Lustrousstone]

Can we see the marks on both pieces please Paul.

I think the amber glow may be caused by selenium, which I think is one of the chemicals used to produce red in glass (I'm sure somebody will tell me if I'm wrong.) Uranium is always a bright green.

The red bowl has a sort of Stuarty, Webby look.

[ChrisStewart]

Hi,
    The red bowl is a Davidson No 21  bowl. As it is in red it must have been made post war. The amber piece is a 283 powder pot or flower vase (depending in size).

Chris

[Glen]

Re. the amber glow on a red piece...I would say cadmium sulphide is the cause.

I have a cloud glass bowl with the moulded letter W (M). Still a mystery, as Chris says.

Glen

[Pip]

Please could we see a photograph of the marks!

[Paul S.]

thanks for all of the replies.    I wouldn't normally omit the specification/sizes etc., but felt so sure that everyone was going to come screaming back immediately saying...."oh, don't you know this mark means so and so"......that I didn't bother to add the usual details.      Just goes to show........so this evening I will post sizes etc.
What am I talking about 'embossed'  -  nothing of the sort, of course  -  just simply in relief/raised, centrally, and on the underside of the base.      I do have powder pots thanks Anne, so as this brown piece is about four times the size and weight, it may be a 'flower vase' as Chris suggests.    I will also try to send a pic. of the mark Pip, although since it is only about 3mm high, not sure how clear it will look.       Paul S.

[KevinH]

I will also try to send a pic. of the mark Pip, although since it is only about 3mm high, not sure how clear it will look.

If your camera is a relatively modern digital one, with the basic controls found on most, set the picture size to the maximum. Most cameras will go up to 2,000 to 3,00 pixel width, which when viewed on a pc screen straight off the memory card will show the "M/W" plenty big enough. Also, set the camera to "Macro" mode (usually a flower icon) and take the photo at close distance. Experiment with the distance to make sure the focus is sharp.

[Paul S.]

thanks Kev  -  will do as you suggest  -  and we will see the results later.    cheers  Paul S.