Topic: Damage or mark?

[Jemv1989]

Hi,

I wondered if anybody could help me. I currently have this bottle (or decanter?) standing on my dressing table. I find it intriguing, despite it's shabby appearance. I can't figure out whether the mark shown in the image is a maker's mark or just damage? The pink tint to the glass is turning a shade of black- it seems to have been through the wars.

Thanks

[glassobsessed]

Any chance there was a handle attached, no mark further down for the other end of a handle?

John

[Jemv1989]

Not that I can see. No other marks on it (other than the chip at on the rim).

[Paul S.]

not a deliberate mark (as in trademark or whatever), I'm certain.           The 'pink tint' looks very much as though the piece has been 'stained' in some way so that the cutting appears more noticable and stands out.          If you look inside the neck and there is wear- then probably missing a stopper which means it was designed as a decanter.         I could be wrong, but to me it has more of a look of a carafe, and this will be confirmed if the inside of the neck lacks any wear.
Can't think why the pink should be turning black  -  dirty on the inside perhaps.

Just realized that I've made the mistake of assuming this to be a decanter or carafe  -  you don't give the height, but I've just seen that you mention a dressing table  -  so if small this may have been for cologne or toilet water, and possibly that has affected the colour.          Please tell us the height.       

[Jemv1989]

Thanks for your lengthy response. I think you're probably right on all counts. The pink does look patchy so I imagine it is a stain. The inside of the neck doesn't look worn, in fact the cut is still quite sharp where the rim meets the neck. The height is 18cm, so it is reasonably large, with a circumference of 38cm at the widest point.

[johnphilip]

If red wine sediment dries in a flaw in glass its a begger to get out even if its only been for a short time .
 Always suck the last drop out . jp 

[Paul S.]

With respect to jp's sense of humour, my comments re the staining refered to a colour that I can see as appearing to be on the outside - although I might yet need to visit Specsavers         Decorative effects such as staining and flashing (on the outside) were commonplace (perhaps more so on the Continent??), and these coloured effects were further enhanced by engraving and cutting, thus exposing the clear glass which would then be seen against the colour.

It may have been designed as a carafe, or simply a decorative piece not made specifically for any functional purpose  -  as an off-the-wall punt I'd suggest quite possibly from somewhere like Czechoslvakia.            If you like it - shove in some dried flowers and with a bit of luck the discolouration won't worsen.

P.S.    Welcome to the GMB by the way  -  and if you think that was lengthy  -  you should see some of the other rubbish I write.

[Jemv1989]

Thanks Paul,

Out of interest, what makes you guess at Czechoslovakia? I find it so clever how people like yourself can age and place glass! I wouldn't know pound shop from antique haha, let alone origin.

[Paul S.]

when you have as many books as I do, it would be embarrassing if I couldn't have at least a stab at origin - it may seem clever, but I did only say 'an off-the-wall punt' - and in truth I'm really not sure.            There are lots of genuinely clever people here who will know more about this sort of glass.

As I've already commented, decorative effects such as staining and flashing were possibly more eastern European features than U.K. practices, and it's possible that more glass of this type, with surface colouring, has come from the area we call Czechoslovakia/Bohemia than elsewhere.
As to date, I've no idea other than to suggest something like the middle third of the C20.          Dating, other than taking jp out for a drink, relies of a variety of factors.........wear, style or shape, colour, dirt particles within the glass, type of cutting, lead glass or not and whether there is a pontil scar/depression.   
Try spending a little time looking back at the GMB archives and you'll get an idea of how certain countries/producers can be recognized, often, by the characteristics of their glass.        The Miller's guides for glass are usually quiet cheap, and they'll give you a good idea of the diversity of  glass, yet at the same time show the similarities within countries.
Better quality glass designs are on record - lesser sorts are not, usually.

I may not have made myself clear re the wear within the neck of your piece.         It's not the sharpness of where the neck meets the rim - rather the surface within the neck itself - dull and worn if there's been a stopper.

Unfortunately, many requests for id and dating lack the essential data that would help - those factors I mention above.
Where did you find your piece, and what is the extend of wear (on base)?? 



       

 

[Jemv1989]

I think this could become a hobby of mine, although I currently collect my glassware from TKMaxx on the basis of whether it looks pretty or not haha.

Inside the top half of the neck feels very rough in comparison to the bottom half and the wear stretches a little deeper on one side, if that's what you mean? The base has a bit of mild wear where the lowest area will have been touching surfaces. The pontil area is very smooth, although I can feel the slight scar in the centre. There are one or two air bubbles in the glass. As for dirt particles- there's a lot of dirt encrusted inside I need to give it a clean with a suitable implement. I tried to take a photo but can't really capture anything of use.

I rescued the bottle from a box of junk from the clearance of a relative's house. He was an avid antiques collector, although primarily of Tudor goods.