Topic: Orange mottled vase with a 'V' carved in the base

[Anik R]

Hi,

While doing some cleaning and re-arranging, I found this long-forgotten vase under the sink.  I bought it a few years ago from an on-line auction, though why, I've got no idea.

I think it's a darn ugly piece, but my 9-year-old son says it's wonderful.  So I took a closer look at it and it does have some interesting bits.

It is mottled with orange, and upon closer inspection, with some yellow and red.  The color is strongest at the top, and then goes lighter towards the bottom (the bottom is more transluscent than the top).  There are random air bubble here and there, but they are much smaller at the top.

The base has a polished pontil.  In the middle of the pontil is an engraved 'V' that was made with two strokes.

Aha, the vase is about 20cm high.

Can anyone tell me more about it?  My first thought was Polish, but then I changed my mind when I saw the 'V' -- I've never seen any Polish glass with such a mark at the bottom.

Thank you,
Anik

[Lustrousstone]

It is definitely interesting and I would say old rather than new, perhaps Bohemian. The V is almost certainly all that remains of the pontil scar. Sometimes removing the scar completely would leave a hole right through! It was certainly considered OK to sell an item finished as yours is: no one sees the base and it is no longer sharp.

[Anik R]

The V is almost certainly all that remains of the pontil scar. Sometimes removing the scar completely would leave a hole right through!

Aha...  and silly me thought it vase the maker's mark  :24: :pb:

You learn something new every day!  Thank you 

[Anik R]

...  and silly me thought it vase the maker's mark  :24: :pb:

...and silly me thought it WAS the maker's mark...  not 'vase' -- I think I've got a few brain-issues  :pb:

[Lustrousstone]

It'll be the damp  :kissy:

[chopin-liszt]

 
and the mould.....

[Anik R]

Very funny, ladies     :kissy:

[paulbowen]

Regarding the base of the vase: is it ground flat and polished smooth, or is it concaved inwards a little bit?  Can't tell from the photo.  Also, are you sure the V is deliberate, and not either from wear or accidental from the manufacturing process?

If the base is flat and smoothly polished, and not concave, I would say this is WMF Ikora, but an atypical piece. 

[Anik R]

Hello Paul,

The base of the vase is flat, not concave, but it is a little wobbly.  The 'V' mark looks absolutely deliberate... it is deep, but smooth and not rough to the touch.  I can also see polishing marks inside the 'V'.

To be honest, I don't think it's WMF Ikora.  The top rim is slightly uneven, and as I said, the vase is a tad wobbly.  Although, wouldn't it be great if it were?   

Thank you for the response!  It's really appreciated.

[chopin-liszt]

Are you positive they're polishing marks in the v-bit - and not just concentric rings from when the pontil rod was broken off?
It does seem to have a polished round bit surrounding it, so I'm firmly in the camp of thinking it's simply the remainder of the pontil mark.

I thought the glass itself remeinded me a bit of some French stuff, but the strappy bits don't, so I'm in the Bohemian camp.