Topic: Where do I start with this 'old' cut glass decanter

[scavo]

I don't know where to start with this cut glass decanter.

It's all cut and the base is polished flat. There are a few scratches but it's not scoured. Apart from that the decanter there are a few flea bites on the base of the stopper. There is a yellowishness to the glass that doesn't shop up in the photos, which makes me question if it's crystal - although it 'feels' like crystal.

Any decanter experts willing to give me a few pointers?

[Paul S.]

Beyond saying that it could be anyone's really, assuming there isn't a backstamp, I know almost nothing............other than the fact that it's likely to be quality if there are matching body and stopper Nos.         On the stopper it's likely to be on the end of the stub, or possibly on the waisted part  -  and as for the body of the decanter, possibly under the flange of the rim, on the flange, just inside the neck, or even on the very bottom of the body  -  I've seen them just about everywhere at one time or another.     Of course, if you see a continental seven, then at least you will know it's not British.
quote........................"although it 'feels' like crystal"  -  not so sure I'm with you on this one.........unless you mean the cutting feels sharp??

[scavo]

Thanks for replying Paul. I was hoping you might.

I will give it a good check over for numbers.

[Paul S.]

as I've said, the Nos. themselves don't actually tell us anything other than that you have both original matching parts that left the factory together - which if nothing else means the stopper is a perfect fit.    So many nice decanters still lurking around, but spoiled because they now have the wrong stopper.     If the decanter did have some age, then you might see some evidence of this in the script/font style of the written No. i.e. Victorian/Edwardian Nos. were more artistic/formal than those of say the mid C20.
Assuming no backstamp of any kind, then regrettably probably just a standard whiskey decanter  -  but at least you can use it, unless of course you belong to the temperence society .

[scavo]

I like MacKintosh for his designs, not his concern for the working classes!

The stopper does fit, but on closer inspection it may have been reworked to fit. From what I've read from the old Whitefriar's carborundum wheel operator's recollections on the Whitefriar's website each stopper was tailor made for each decanter. I have 2 Wedgwood decanters and 1 Dartington (3 Dartington?) and the stoppers all fit perfectly - yet they are not interchageable.

Anyhow, whilst looking for numbers and giving the thing a good once over - I've noticed one of the squares has a big chip out of it. So before I worry about going any further, I need to make a note to self - check the condition properly before parting with the cash. Thankfully it was only £3.

I never really use decanters. I like to show off the spirits I offer to my guests!

I'm going to start a thread on this but for cleaning decanters - Magic balls, copper or stainless? Which is best?

[Paul S.]

magic balls I'd suggest, with a little Brasso possibly, plus maybe some red oxide powder (jewellers rouge) or tin oxide  -  but use the search here re cleaning glass/decanters  -  we must have spilled sheds loads of ink on the subject over the past few years.           However, do ask youself, first of all, is the decanter worth the time and trouble.

P.S.   how did we get to Mackintosh, was he teetotal?  -  I didn't know he was concerned for the working classes - but don't know that much about him. 

[scavo]

MacKintosh was tea-total and concerned himself with the drinking habits of the working class (a familiar recurring theme!). Willow Tea House in Glasgow ...

I have a Rosenthal Ship's decanter that may not be and a Wedgwood that I like and would like to use. I also have some vases that I would like to clean too.

[Paul S.]

Must admit I knew nothing of this - although did know he spent time in Paris in the latter part of his career  -  and understand he died at no great age from mouth/throat cancer.     Had an idea he was a heavy smoker.

[scavo]

People didn't know the dangers of smoking, neither was it socially unacceptable -  how things have changed! I don't know if he smoked or not, but EVERYONE else did!

I believe that much of the Arts and Crafts Movement (I know it's not the same - but related) were for the 'improvement' of the working classes. Morris was 'Marxist' dreamer.

[langhaugh]

I seem to remember seeing a Mackintosh house in Collioure in in the south of France. I think he died in poverty around there.

DF