Topic: Blue Glass Vase ID Request - Inwald? Replica?

[MistyLyn211]

Hi.  New to the board and enjoying browsing the posts!  So many experts that I thought I'd take a chance that someone can help me.

Picked up this piece at an estate sale recently and have been unable to find a definitive ID.  I have located a similar Inwald piece but no record of Inwald ever having done this particular shape.   The fleur de lys is a deep cut, and the vase measures 7 1/2" high.  Could it be a "replica" of his style in re: to the fleur de lys, or does anyone recognize it?  Any help appreciated!!  And thank you in advance.

http://i317.photobucket.com/albums/mm361/Arielyn211/IMG_071.jpg

base:
http://s317.photobucket.com/albums/mm361/Arielyn211/

[Lustrousstone]

Is the base ground flat and very shiny? I can't tell from the picture. If so, it's Inwald

[MistyLyn211]

Thanks for your response.  The base is very shiny and smooth, but the star is cut in and recessed. 

[Lustrousstone]

The star isn't cut in, it's pressed. Your vase is pressed to shape in a mould, not cut. This may help you understand how pressed glass is made http://www.pressedintime.com/whatis.htm

What I want to know is if the base has been ground on a wheel and then polished? If it is as straight out of the mould it will be shiny but it won't absolutely completely smooth. The grinding followed by polishing to a shine is the way Inwald pieces were finished after they came out of the mould. Other companies also ground the bases but they didn't polish to a shine like Inwald. Their base finish is slightly matt.

I do think you have a piece of Inwald though

[MistyLyn211]

Thank you for the clarification and subsequent edification.    I am slowly learning the lingo.  The base is as smooth and polished as the rest of the vase.  There is nothing matte about it, nor does it have any roughness.  I have searched for HOURS for positive ID on this piece, but have been unable to located the exact shape.  Is this characteristic of Inwald?  Were pieces massed produced?  Sorry if these are silly questions!  I guess with American pressed glass, I've generally been able to find duplicate pieces, duplicate shapes, etc. 

[Lustrousstone]

Inwald was mass-produced (it was factory glass), but the lack of available catalogues and records (which was exacerbated by horrendous bombing losses and Communism) mean that identifying pre-War European glass can be difficult. Some of the moulds from Czech and German factories were reused in the post-nationalisation equivalent factories, but the base finishing is often different as a consequence of changes in production machinery.

Ask your OH if he thinks the base has been ground flat and polished. I can't seem to explain clearly what I would hope to see and maybe he will be able to help.

[Glen]

I have the twin to your vase, but mine is in clear (flint/crystal) glass. I am certain it is an Inwald piece.

Glen

[MistyLyn211]

Sorry about being dense as to the ground and polished bit.  To me, it looks VERY polished and smooth.  :: shrug ::  I am slowly trying to learn and again apologize for not being able to make myself more clear.  Thank you for the background on Inwald.  I can't believe how much there is to learn about glass in general!!!  I hope someday to be as knowledgable as many of you here.

Glen, thank you VERY much for verifying that the shape existed in the Inwald line!  This vase was a mess inside when I got it, and it was on a "smalls" table at an estate for $1.  I bought it because I really loved the color, and with just a wet rag it cleaned up BEAUTIFULLY!  What is really interesting is that at that same estate several vases were labed as "Czech" and went for hundreds of dollars.     

[pamela]

Misty has also contacted me by pm, this is my response:

Hello Misty,
I had already seen your inquiry on GMB and was investigating the Inwald pattern books today. Unfortunately there is no exact match shapewise, however, as also the slightly swirled star on the shiny base, the bright blue colour and the upper rim are correct for this Inwald line, I would confirm Inwald as the maker.
I noticed that you received also positive replies from Glen and Christine ;o)