Topic: another possible pipe holder??

[Paul S.]

Have posted the U. elephant in recent times - and conclusion was that these figures - with the depression over the head - are almost certainly pipe holders from the 30's period.    Picked up the cow/bull this morning, and pipe holder came to mind again.   However, the depression is at the other end.  Don't know whether to think that the horns were ground down at the time of leaving the factory, or if there has been a mis-hap since, and someone has taken the Black & Decker to them.  There is some wear to the feet, but I'm not left feeling confident that the piece is as old perhaps as the two smaller elephants.  I have looked thru Ivo's book, and one or two others, but cant find the mark, and not legible enough for me to read cearly  - although I think there is an 'R' in the diamond, and the bottom word may say France  -  but I'm only guessing.   About 19 cms. long and about 9.5 cms. long.   Wud be grateful for some answers to my questions, if possible, and thanks as always for looking, and hope I'm not giving you a load of old 'bull'     Paul S.

[Pinkspoons]

Art Vannes, France, perhaps?

[Paul S.]

superb, you have it in one!   Many thanks for the loan of your expertise.   I had certainly not seen this mark previously - called a 'dashed square'  -  and the 'R' in the mark is in fact the R of the word ART  -  now I will know for the future.   Apparently, the furnaces were active from 1950 to 1970 only, so pieces are a good find.   Of course I don't have an answer to the 'horns' question  -  and don't now feel so confident about the pipe holder business.   Looking again at Ivo's book, I stand corrected, he does include an entry for this factory, but doesn't show the 'give away' lozenge'.   thanks again.   Paul S.

[Margi]

Does anyone think that Art Vannes are a good investment I have a shelf specifically for my AV items and can pick them up easily over here in France for about 1euros the most I have paid is 5euros for a gorgeous ram.

[Paul S.]

oh well, bang goes my idea of a 'good find'.   If they are that common, then don't think they will give you a good pension  -  unless of course you have cornered the market and bought all of them (except my one, that is)   This is the first I have seen in the U.K. - although I do only frequent boot sales, charity shops and the like etc.    Anyone want to buy a cow/bull   cheers      Paul S.

[Margi]

I like to think I am lucky enough just to be in the right place here in France where all the long moustached french men are making room for their jars of escargots    I have searched ebay quite often and they are not on there all the time like some items.  Here is a pic of my ram.