Topic: Mdina rare 'cut ice' fish vase signed by Michael Harris...

[PAUL H]

Hi all I have a rare and unusual Mdina piece that I'm hoping has a genuine signature by Michael Harris. Its a 'cut ice' fish vase but its unusual in that both sides have been cut and faceted.. I have never come across one like this and it has very nice colour and design. I am hoping that the signature is genuine I'm pretty sure its right but maybe Mark Hill or Ron Wheeler would be able to advise. I will be able to bring it along to the next glass fair at the motorcycle museum near the NEC in May if it helps. Regards Paul.

[PAUL H]

Oops sorry forgot to mention the height is 213 mm and its weight 2260 grams.

[Andy]

Lovely vase Paul, i have doubts about the signature, take it to Birmingham for expert analysis,
in my opinion , its not right, sorry 

Someone tell me im wrong
Cheers
Andy

[Greg.]

Hi Paul,

Very nice vase, I gather Harris made many of these pieces, however,not completely convinced by the signature.  What ever the outcome still a very nice piece of Mdina.

Good Luck.
Greg

[suzygpr]

Super vase Paul.  I'm sorry but I have to agree with Andy, the sig isn't right at all.  A good attempt - we've seen a few - but not MH to my eyes.  Doesn't stop it being a wonderful piece though.

Suzy x

[glassobsessed]

Lovely piece of glass, wonky signature.

Not sure it's even Mdina but it does remind me of Tim Harris's lollipops (very round shoulders).

Lollipop not fish vase. Genuine sigs here not sure about the one in the top left corner though.

John

[PAUL H]

Thanks for your replies..  I suppose I maybe clutching at straws but the signature has base wear running through it making it look scruffier than it looks in real life although I have to admit its crude in comparison to confirmed signatures.. and in reply to the comment from John  I'm pretty convinced its early Mdina the colourway is to my eyes identical to the ones in Mark Hill's book (top of page 27 and page 33) and the shape being more rounder is typical of Michael Harris early production however I wont be too disappointed if it proves to be a Isle of Wight item. So how do I go about pricing such an item in terms of selling on I guess I will have wait until May and get it confirmed as to whether its early Mdina or Isle of Wight.. I wont hold any hope on the signature I just hope it doesn't devalue the vase too much. Regards Paul.

[glassobsessed]

I don't think the signature devalues the vase, for some it might even hold extra interest. I thought of starting a fake signature collection when I had two wonky signatures on genuine bits of Mdina. Eventually I auctioned them on ebay and they did fine (pointing out the dodgy sigs), one was spelt wrong, in capital letters and in the 'wrong' place, quite comical really.

Again, lovely bit of glass, I'm quite :mrgreen:.

John

[Andy]

I would think its early Mdina, as you say, its a pattern he did at Malta.
The age wear, if someone was bothered enough to fake a signature, adding a few scratches
at the same time would probably also occur to them.
I agree with John re the value.
Andy

[PAUL H]

Thanks guys thats made me feel alot better.