Topic: ID Help: Conker 1984 - French Glass, Limited Edition of 250, signed Erte

[oldlights]

Hi,
I am in need of some help from some of you French Art Crystal experts. This urn (so called because of lid and base-band), is signed Conker (C) 1984 France Erte (signature from Romain de Tirtoff).

About 12" x 12" and weighs 18 pounds. Lid also signed Erte, and is, I believe, Silver Plated Both the lid and base-band have a silver hallmark and FRANCE.

Several photos below.

Many Thanks in advance.
Oldlights

[Paul S.]

hello Oldlights  -  hopefully I can tell you a little regarding the designer Erte - born in St. Petersburg in 1892 - real name Romain de Tirtoff - he became one of the high priests of the late Art Nouveau and early Deco periods, particularly in the area of theatre, haute couture clothing design, perfume bottles, jewelry etc.   This type of stylized woman was his speciality, and he is one of my favorites.    He was in fact still alive in 1984, the date on your piece (think he died in 1990).   Your signature is obviously a facsimile only - but indicates that the piece was designed by him.   Apparently his first theatrical commission was to design a costume for Mata Hari - the femme fatale.   If you get the chance to look at his coloured work do so, it is breathtaking.   You can buy birthday cards showing his costume designs.
Unfortunately, you now need somone to tell you about Conker  -  but guess you can also keep this 'urn' for your own ashes    By the way, whence came the piece - France or the U.K.?

[oldlights]

Hello,

Thank you for your information on Erte. Quite familiar with Erte we are, having some of his works, and having sold numerous others over the years. Unfortunately, none of them glass/crystal. Go figure. Not sure where the piece was purchased, but I would suspect it was shipped here to the US. - Best Regards

[Paul S.]

I see the name Conker is showing up on another piece of high value glass on the internet.   Possible a retailer, as the name is not coming up in any historical manufacturing context.   sorry drawn a blank.

[oldlights]

Thank you, yes, I see that on a Baccarat vase. Nice piece too. 

[pamela]

http://www.proxibid.com/asp/LotDetail.asp?ahid=3762&aid=28334&lid=7848743

a quick google brought this up 

[oldlights]

Hi Pamela,
Thank You, yes, this is the vase I purchased. Best Regards-oldlights