Topic: possible champagne or stem vase?

[Paul S.]

slightly baffled by this one.........is it a small champagne coupe, or maybe an unusual example of a stem vase.   Stands about 117mm/4.5/8" tall, and the base is not far short of the diameter of the bowl.      The cut flats on the stem (of which there are seven) stop a little short of the foot  -  and are of crude execution  -  they come a little way up under the bowl.   There are no remains of any pontil mark, although the outer rim of the underside of the foot appears to have been bevelled slightly, and there is a reasonable amount of wear to the foot.    However, the intriguing thing is that the stem is not only hollow, but is an extension of the capacity of the bowl  -  in other words, you'd get a few more drams for your money   -  which is why the thoughts of a small sem vase.  No real ring to the glass, and unfortunately, a slight misting to the bowl caused by a fair amount of very fine scratches - presumably due to cleaning the inside.    Would be grateful for any suggestions please, and thoughts on possible age - and my thanks as always for looking.

[Ivo]

Champagne coupe made at Wadgassen, Germany circa 1880s - nice if you can find the other 5.

[Paul S.]

my thanks indeed Ivo - especially for such a quick response.    No  -  I don't think I'm going to find the rest of the set, unfortunately.        I don't know if this very unusual
bowl- into-stem arrangement was a unique novelty/gimmick, or whether there have been other manufacturers in history who have done the same  -  I have no knowledge of any other examples.    However, a very useful addition to my collection of drinking glasses.   cheers.

[Ivo]

it is based on a 18th ct. model, before corks were used and champagne had a deposit which sunk into the stem. (that is what they said at Dom Perignon at least)

[Paul S.]

thanks again  -  and yes, I had indeed meant to ask the reason why this particular design  -  so your explanation much appreciated.

[Tim]

Hi I have 5 exactly the same. Well I say exactly the same, all are slightly different in shape and size - so I guess they were all individually made - but part of the same set nonetheless. They have been in the family for donkeys. Originally they were brought from a stately home house clearance sale in the 1920s. Great to finally get some info on them. Need one more to make a set, fancy selling it?

[Tim]

Oh yes it's all coming back to me now...there were a set of 6 for sale on eBay, all the way from down under in Australia. I think they sold for about £60 but that was about 5 years ago.

From what I can gather, from family folk law, there were numerous similar glasses broken down in to several smaller lots during the 1920s house clearance. I guess they might have been made to order for the well to do, perhaps.

Just imagine the glasses stacked on top of one another in a pyramid flooded with Champagne - possibly as a spectacular centrepiece to a grand party to celebrate who knows what historical event; Armistice Day 11/11/1918 perhaps. They are particularly splendid when full as the bubbles rise from the bottom of the stems.

[Paul S.]

hello Tim - great to have additional information on these older pieces - which often don't come with much of a provenance (especially when I acquire them from boot sales -and one of the reasons I have such a love of history is - as you suggest - imagining what they might say if they could only talk.    Perhaps once adorning the homes of the aristocracy - or celebrating an historic event.      Thanks for the offer to buy, but I never sell my glass - although I have been known to give the odd piece away, occasionally, although since I do collect C19 drinking glasses, this piece will stay with me.     In fact, I would very much like your five glasses, I would pay a very fair price  -  but I guess you don't wish to sell?
I know other people on the GMB who would never keep a single glass from a set, and would rather dispose of it than have a vastly incomplete group -  but I think to have just a small piece of real history is great