Topic: Vase ID - possible Bohemian or French Opaline

[SellingThings]

Recently acquired cased milk glass vases.
They appear to be blown milk glass then cased in crystal then painted with gold.
They stand 12 3/4" tall by 3" at the mouth & 3 5/8" on the base.

ID's have been proposed as being French or Bohemian Opaline.

Any assistance on an ID would be appreciated !!!

[Paul S.]

I believe there is a difference in the manufacturing process - between milk glass and opaline  -  the former will appear opaque, and the latter has a real translucence and should show a fiery glow when viewing transmitted light.
Could be wrong but as far as I know opaline is not cased in clear.                  In the past we have spilled much ink on discussions regarding opaline  -  you may find it of some use, and interesting, to read these conversations  -  if you punch the word opaline into the Board's search (at the top) you will have enough to read for the rest of the week.

The condition of the gilding appears exceptionally good  -  it may be that these are more modern vases from Czechoslovakia, where pieces with gold coloured decoration - similar to these - were produced commonly in the 1960 - 70 period.            Are you able to tell us where you acquired these pieces, and may we see a picture of the underside of the foot, if possible, please.

[Ivo]

These are either "opalina" which is Italian for clear coated milk glass, or straightforward milk glass (lattimo). Having a pair in good nick with the decoration intact points at a more recent production date - I would have guessed the 1960s or 70s, perhaps even later. Could be from Bohema, from Italy (but not Murano) or from Belgium.

[SellingThings]

Two angles on base - also including close up of vase mouth showing crystal casing.
Both vases are heavier - 1# 12 oz. each.

Purchased in a consignment shop near Punta Gorda, Florida - pieces were hidden on a top shelf in a china cabinet that was for sale. Apparently someone was hiding them - I talked the owner down in price & snatched them up.

[Ohio]

I agree with Ivo & Paul. Every fine (note I say fine) gift shop  everywhere in the U.S. from the mid 60s clear to the late 80s handled these, some were Czech & some were mainland Italy. We (collectors/dealers) refer to this type of glass in the U.S. as gift shop ware. I will say that their size is a plus certainly above average. Same situation exists with the white cut to clear/color stuff, if it wasn't the OPs pieces it was the cut to clear stuff & usually a good quantity of both offered for sale in the better gift shops.