Topic: You won't believe this!

[Bernard C]

How many times do you think I would need to see a particularly fabulous, stunning, rare, and possibly unique example of British glass before I realised what I was looking at?   This is a type of glass I know well and have bought and sold.

Once, you would probably say — Bernard doesn't miss much.   Perhaps twice, if his mind was on other things the first time.   Certainly no more.

Well you would be wrong.

How about 15,000 times, give or take a few thousand?   Impossible you would say.   Well, to my eternal shame, it's true.  :spls:

Yesterday morning I happened to be looking at it and my eyes opened wide and my jaw dropped in disbelief.   I went closer to investigate further, and I was lost for words.

So, if you don't mind, I'm going to do a Mike M, and give you 24 hours to figure out what I was looking at. 

I hope you enjoy this preamble.   It will get serious tomorrow.

Bernard C.  :angel:

[glassaddict]

something you have used at your table for many years maybe?  .... the water set you were given as a wedding present has turned out to be a one off commission for the wedding of Queen Victoria to Prince Albert???   The milk jug and sugar bowl on your morning tea tray was commissioned for ...... the vase that has sat in your hall for years is the only one in existence because ..........  oh dear, I hate being teased  :chky:

I shall wait until the denouement. 
Regards Hil

[Carolyn Preston]

No, no, it's his orange juice glass. Turns out it was the very first thing Mr. Ysart blew for his female benefactrus (whose' name I cannot remember). 

Carolyn

[obscurities]

What room in the house were you in, or were you at home at all??

A clue?  Mike at least gave us a picture!!   

Craig

[Bernard C]

Hil, Carolyn & Craig — No, it's not mine, nor even is it in the road where I live.

A clue:   I live a few yards from the centre of Stony Stratford, the old coaching town on the Roman Watling Street.   I walk down Stony Stratford's High Street most days to post mail, go to the bank, or buy a newspaper, bread, or more or less anything I need.   I've lived here for nearly 33 years.

Bernard C.  

[Bernard C]

... and here's a picture, showing it.  

Bernard C.  

[glassobsessed]

The hanging lantern?

[vidrioguapo]

Hanging lantern is my guess too!  Emmi

[Bernard C]

John & Emmi — Too obvious — It's the one in the porch, together with those further back, in reception.

The one on the porch is a large amber shade, similar to the second example illustrated here, but more hemispherical, and the other way up, together with a lovely brass support.   The two chandeliers in reception are similar, but with the addition of three smaller matching shades facing down, again in amber, but with amazing ruby stained rims.

I obtained permission to photograph them from the manager this morning, and it might take me a while as it won't be easy, and I need to try different light conditions.

I'm also trying to find out when electricity arrived to help determine their age and manufacturer (probably Davidson), and some details on a local architect who is likely to have specified them, from a architecturally qualified historian who has compiled full details of his work.

Anyway — If you're in the vicinity, don't miss the opportunity to see them.

... and that's no Cock & Bull story!

Bernard C.  :angel:

[Frank]

I'm also trying to find out when electricity arrived to help determine their age and manufacturer

Almost certainly before 1920, but some hotels may have gone electric in the late 1890s with their own generator. But earlier than 1900 unlikely as they probably would not have used shades then. I bet they were not plain brass when new either.