Topic: leaf shaped possible 'Eisglas' dish for id

[Paul S.]

I have seen this style previously, somewhere, and I'm fairly sure that this relief underside texture is described as 'Eisglas' - maybe Bohemian or German perhaps - Biedermeier.   I've temporarily lost the internet site.   If it is then could be late C19 - but if not then I need some help.      8 inches/205mm long, and the gold edging is looking very tired and worn in places.  There is some reasonable underside wear, although with this rough surface difficult to assess accurately.   I can't really work out its use - sweetmeat dish, something in which to pass the peanuts round  -  rather shallow spitoon   But not something that would cause abrasion, or need frequent cleaning, as this would destroy the gold decoration.     So, grateful for anyone's thoughts, and thanks for looking. 
P.S.  I'm still trying to work out why my descriptions are five times longer than everyone elses. :huh:

[dirk.]

P.S.  I'm still trying to work out why my descriptions are five times longer than everyone elses.

I think it´s your literary way of thinking as well as your great sense of humour! 

Concerning your pieces I´d agree with your thoughts - bohemian or german Eisglas ~1860. These plates are
usually meant for serving codfish liver.  :ac1:

[Ivo]

or French - I think every glassworks made these in the 1880s.

[antiquerose123]

P.S.  I'm still trying to work out why my descriptions are five times longer than everyone elses. :huh:

 :thup: That is Good - as when it comes time for someone here (or yourself) to do a search on an item (or related info) -- the more key words used to describe an item makes it easier to later go back in to search for certain posts.  I used to say less in some of my older posts, but then when I was looking to find that post -- I could not even find my own post!! 

So good key descriptive words relating to an item is always good such as here "Clear glass, gold edging, leaf shape, the finish, etc, etc"....................rather than just a Pic and "What is it?"   

So in my books, you are doing Correct !!  :hiclp:     Also, it is just a picture, and we have to rely on what you can see/feel there with the glass object.  Pics are only ONE Dimensional. 

Very pretty piece of glass, but I do not know anything about it -- but can try to hunt around some too.

[Paul S.]

thanks very much for your replies.  Codfish liver may well be beneficial, but sounds awful to eat.   I have also been given a link to another larger piece that is for sale - and seems that they can apparently command quite high dollars when in really good condition.
Am I correct in thinking that the underside 'Eisglas' texture is imparted by the mould - or might it have been due to shards of glass that were later fire polished?  I think it must be from a mould.
Thanks Rose - I know that I've done good when I hear from you     'you can see/feel my glass'.. any day.    You've heard of Tuppaware parties....perhaps we should start a......'come and feel my glass' party.   Lights out and you have to feel then guess what the piece is.
But seriously I do agree with your comments, and it's always more difficult when someone says simplyt......."I found this today, it's sort of heavy and red - what is it"  -  mind you I might give it a go, I'm always being told to be more brief.      Thanks again.

[dirk.]

Paul, I don´t think the structure is made by a mould. Waltraud Neuwirth describes two different
techniques in ´Farbenglas´.
First  - as you suggested - marvered in shards, which are reheated and fire polished  to make
the surface smooth.
Second method would be similar to crackle effects. The hot glass is quenched in water to make
the outer layer crack. Then the shape is blown to the final dimension; the tiny shards to the
outer surface won´t expand. The piece is then fire-polished.

[Paul S.]

thanks Dirk - I went for the mould option thinking it to have been simpler.   However, thinking about it I would believe your suggestion of the marvered shards/firepolising is far more accurate.   Looking at my piece, I dont see this as being produced in the heat/cold plunge/crackle method - the ice effect is in relief - (the pattern can be 'felt' as a texture, slightly proud of the surface).  However, the finished product does have a realistic effect, especially when viewed from the top side.

[pamela]

 :hi:
see (feel  ) the difference, mine wasn't fire polished I'd say  outer surface has a very rough touch to it

BTW never thought it being that old! The gold lines however vanished more or less completely over the decades... 

[Paul S.]

thanks Pamela  -  in truth, I am not remotely qualified to say categorically which process has been used on my piece.    The under surface of mine - whilst of a 'textured' feel, is certainly not rough  -  which is why at first I thought that the effect had been produced in a mould.   However, I suspect that the truth is more likely that, as Dirk comments - shards rather than a mould WERE used - and different factories fire polished the underside in varying degrees - leaving some more rough than others.   As a matter of interest, do you know the country of origin of your example?
When I first saw mine, like you, I had no idea of the age
I can hear the purists descending - but see no harm if you wish to re-touch the edges with a little gold paint

[Ivo]

I can hear the purists descending - but see no harm if you wish to re-touch the edges with a little gold paint

 :fr: only if you promise not to lick the plate - can you restrain yourself???  :fr: