Topic: Help with Id Luster Vases Please.

[jomo99]

Hi Everyone!

   Need some help with these Lusters. They belong to an elderly relative of my Cousins who, at the age of 91, has decided to move into sheltered accomodation! She doesn't want to take to many 'knick-knacks' with her and wants to sell as much as she can. They are a pair of Lusters about 14.25 inches tall Extremely Heavy, Pink with Enamelling on them, they are both in good condition and have always been kept under the Glass domes. I assume they are Victorian, but can anyone Help with any further Info and would be great if anyone could give a ballpark figure as to how much Hetty should be asking for the pair? Sorry for the poor quality pictures, they were sent to me.

                             TIA


                          Warmest Wishes,

                              John

[flying free]

Are they in perfect condition do you know?  no chips or cracks?
If so I think you should do an ebay search and see how much a good Pair of Lustres sells for.  Also if you do a google search there is one antiques dealer who specialises in lustres/pairs and you may be able to get some idea of pricing on the site although often their prices aren't visible.
And I shouldn't say this, but if they were mine I would be putting a high reserve price on them, and would keep them if they didn't sell.  They are seriously beautiful (obviously it also depends on the condition) and with the domes as well...worth a lot of money.
m

[jomo99]

 M -  Thanks for your reply. Yes as far as I am told they are in excellent condition, without any chips or cracks, although one of the domes has some slight damage to the rim this cannot be seen when in place. I have searched E-bays completed listings and found prices vary wildly! I have also seen the website of the American dealer you mention, some great stuff on there and very similar to Hettys pair, however very few prices as you say. would be great if I can get more info for Hetty should she decide to sell them, money she raises will buy new bed and furniture for her new home!


                                          John

[flying free]

good link here. This is the dealer I was talking about.
http://www.theantiqueshop.co.uk/victorian___later_glass.html
They do vary but if those are in perfect condition then they should garner top end prices,especially with the domes.
Perhaps a chat to a high end auction house i.e. Christies or similar might be helpful? If you were thinking of ebay, personally I would put a reserve on them (and I would be prepared to keep if they didn't sell).  You might also want to wait until the main school hols are over before offering them as then there will be more people around to bid, and pre-christmas time people are looking for these sorts of decorative items maybe?
As ever, only you can decide these things though as the market is so variable.  And price wise you would need to consult an auction house I guess unless looking around the web gives you a better idea of where you may price them.
m

[bfg]

a pair in blue, good condition with their domes passed through our local auction about six months ago - went for £550 (+ 20% commission) to a dealer so that would need to be considered a wholesale price.

I don't think Hetty will have any trouble swapping them for a new bed!

good luck
Mel

[jomo99]

  WOW! £550!! I'm sure she'll be over the moon with that, especially as she was going to throw them away! She originally had 7 different pairs of these that were left to her by her Mother, over the years she has given away or binned the other six pairs!

                   Many Thanks,

                      John

[bfg]

I suppose that's why the ones that didn't get binned and survived intact are so collectable.

If it were me, I would put them into a good auction house with internet capabilities rather than trying to sell them through ebay...all that packing and risk of breakage...let someone else worry about that

[jomo99]

  Many Thanks for the Advice and Info on values and where to sell, It is very very much Appreciated!

  It would be great if I could Tell Hetty when and Where her Lusters were made and if possible by whom? Any further help with ID would be most gratefully received!


             Again my sincerest Thanks for the help so far.


                          John

[Lustrousstone]

My guess would be late 19th C and Bohemian from the colours. The base colour is Rose du Barry

[jomo99]

 Many Thanks Christine!! I'd like to give Hetty as much information as possible about her Lusters, not just the monetary value!!


                                         John