Topic: Two Mdina vases, further info appreciated :-)

[rocco]

Thanks again, Sue!
I can assure you the paper label on this one is considerably different to the paper labels on my other pieces (and all I have seen so far). Those are 10 x 16 mm, the black square with the tower being 7 mm wide, whereas the one on this side stripe is only 8 x 13 mm, the black square 4.5 mm wide.
I had hoped this would perhaps point towards a certain time frame, but obviously not...

And yes, some were applied rather unfortunately >> Link

Michael

[chopin-liszt]

John might have been more observant than I am... 
To me, your side-stripe is a lovely early one, based on its appearance.
(and what's a few milimetres between friends anyway?  )

[glassobsessed]

The actual colour of glass used is red - silver nitrate turns this into brown, but you can end up with shades in between, and some lovely streaky colour effects .

Ooh, I did not know that the starting colour was red.

John might have been more observant than I am... 

Absolutely not, I had not noticed...   Weirdly, not one of my bits has that type of label but from now on I will start to pay attention.

I have moved a few labels, I have only tried it with paper labels though. Carefully lift the label with a razor blade (or similar) held at a bit of an angle so you ease it under the label. Paper labels can be stuck back on with a tiny bit of PVA glue. I have relocated quite a few labels on my Isle of Wight pieces this way and they all ended up on the base.

John

[chopin-liszt]

I've just located 3 paper labels, all 10 X 16 mm, all on post-Harris designs, but still earlyish and good.
I have also located a large stoppered bottle in the streaky red with blue strapping design, (some folk call it orange and green  ), which has on its base the remnants of a bit of paper stuck to it. It is rectangular, with rounded corners, all the print or writing on it is long gone, I've never known whether it was a label or the remains of a price tag which might have been stuck onto it at a later date.

But it measures 13 x 8mm. 
I suppose I can now safely assume it was a Mdina label, so I can tell you this size of label was being used in the late '70s into the '80s possibly, as that is when Mark's book puts this design.
Image of red with blue strapping on p. 53, described as orange with green/blue trailing, the photograph does make it look orange, it's very washed out.  My pieces are all red.

[rocco]

Thanks John and Sue (for measuring )

So the small label doesn't seem to indicate much. I guess whatever label available was used to mark the items...

Michael

[chopin-liszt]

For early Mdina the rule of thumb was just use whatever is available, if there is time available, if staff are available, if equipment is available...... 

But thank YOU Michael  - your measuring and questions brought the different sizes of label to light, got me looking, and from the pieces the labels are on, now we all know the answer - which we hadn't considered before.

[rocco]

And another really nice piece of Mdina glass for my collection
Base unmarked, 21 cm high.

Once again not early, but I don't mind at all; the vase is a really nice example from this range -- the decor looks very painterly...

Michael

[chopin-liszt]

I believe that one's called "Sea and Sand", Eric Dobson's Tiger pattern around a frothy yellow ground. Not MH early, but still good early.

[rocco]

Thanks Sue!
Sometimes it is earlier than you think

Michael

[rocco]

I am quite happy with this addition to my Mdina collection (though I am aware it's nothing special). But I never thought I would come across one of those knot sculptures here in Vienna.
16 cm high, unmarked; has a nice splotch of amethyst in it, too

Michael