Topic: IOW maximal polar bear??? in black and white ? what do you think

[jonchellycain]

Hi all
I was just having a look through suzygpr fantastic photo's when it sparked a memory, so off i went and dragged a long forgotton about box out from its dark corner, nothing fantastic in there but there was this little bear. Now i am a collector of all things Michael Harris and didnt pick up on this little fella, so im not so sure.

The bear is very similar to the Maximal polar bear, but ive never seen or heard of a maximal in this colour.. is it? or is it a just a bear from another factory
here is the link to suzygpr's one http://picasaweb.google.com/guinearescue/SuzySGlass#5312300323462095026 he looks a little more chunky than mine. But the one in Mark Hill's book looks alot more like mine (except its green ;0) same measurements almost and shape
It measures just over 3 inches about 7.5-8cms tall, with a smooth and very well polished base. he is black (think it may be a very very dark blue) with white going from the neck to the base down his back, with patches of pale blue (think the blue is from the core colour of very dark blue?) then cased in clear glass
what does everybody think??
many thanks
michelle

[Lustrousstone]

He could be Wedgwood. The Maximal polar bear was loosely based on the Wedgwood bear

[jonchellycain]

Ive never actually had a maximal/minimal so im not sure how they feel, the base does look very much like a Wedgewood but they are generally a bit bigger arnt they??
thanks michelle

[Baked_Beans]

Hi ,

This one is very similar in shape and looks like IOW Azurene ? 7cm tall (smaller) , what do you think ?

[rosieposie]

Both IOW.....I had one just like yours Michelle....I'll try to find a picture tomorrow.....and yours is as well BB....or it might be a St John's Crystal. Isle of Man one.  I had an IOW one like that BB and also a lovely red azurene one as well.  Wedgwood are definately bigger Christine.....and have a longer nose.

[Baked_Beans]

Thanks very much Rosie,

They are mini sculptural beauties....so well made. I hope you can find that photo  :hi:

Cheers Mike.

[chopin-liszt]

I reckon it's a St John's one - as is the green one in the book.
Well made, but not as well made as IoWSG.

[rosieposie]

Good Afternoon all...
The Good News:These are the pictures of the IOW Minimals and Maximals I have sold, before I decided to start collecting them.  :cry: (seller's remorse!!)

The Bad News: Michelle, I can't find the proper pictures of the one like yours....I sold it in Feb last year.  I have written to the buyer to see if she will send me a picture of it, if she still has it....so,  :X:

Mike you are so right, they are beautiful and I now collect them with a passion....I have lots of them, ellies, squirrels, birds, ducks (Oh why did I ever sell any of them!!)
I have just bought my 4th ellie fron a seller inOz at great expense!!  It was worth it though.

Sue, I can't agree that IOM are not so well made....I have some of those as well, and I defy anyone to tell the difference without turning them over to see the labels....I have some by IOW that are not as well finished as the IOM ones.  
Each piece is totally individual and although they are all beautiful, some are more so than others.....regardless of them being IOW or IOM....IMHO.

[rosieposie]

Just found these pictures of a red one I sold as well.....

Where we do need to be careful is in being led to believe that these:
 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STUDIO-GLASS-PAPERWEIGHT-HANDMADE-POLAR-BEAR-GREEN-WHIT-/330505679721

are IOW glass minimals and maximals.

[chopin-liszt]

Your St John's bear is lovely- and it looks like it was made under the official ageis of MH - however, St. John's went on to do a load of stuff not under the official ageis that are decidedly poorer quality - compare the modelling of your bear with the (distemper   ) green one in the book.
I've got one which matches the one in the book exactly. It's not well modelled at all.
I also have a couple of largish St. John's Fishy things - very badly finished, I can assure you.