Topic: Vallerysthal/Portieux "Dauphins" or Westmoreland "Argonaut" ?

[Anne E.B.]

I've acquired a very nice unmarked white milk glass lidded bowl which is shown in the VP catalogue "Dauphins" no.3814 dated 1894.  However, I see that Westmoreland Glass Co. made what looks to me to be an identical version referred to as "Argonaut".  From what I can gather Westmoreland marked the inside lid with a WG, but that other companies copied this Westmoreland design and therefore wouldn't have any markings.

So, a couple of questions.  Firstly, how can you tell if it is a genuine Vallerysthal/Portieux piece?  Did Westmoreland acquire VP moulds or just copied the original VP version, or is it a Westmoreland copy?
Hope that all makes sense

[Ivo]

That is a very difficult question without handling both. What I think is that VP used a whiter shade of pale (sorry it was irresistible) which goes clear at the edges where the glass gets thinner, while WG uses a rather garish solid milk glass.

[Anne E.B.]

Thanks Ivo.  I've had a close look (having first skipped the light fandango whilst turning cartwheels 'cross the floor )  Its not a solid garish white - I know what you mean.
The extraneous bits of glass which haven't been removed are clear and the thinner parts of the dolphin tails (including outside edges) are actually opalescent with a fiery glow when held to a strong light. 
I'm inclined to believe it is more likely to be VP.
I'm also that much nearer geographically to place of origin, although I know that shouldn't make too much of a difference

[Ivo]

VP it is - it beats WG hands down 😊

[Ohio]

Might ask the Facebook Westmoreland group the molds questions as I know they produced several PV type pieces. Greg Jennings runs the group which is fairly large. They will answer anything in the lines of questions about Westmoreland.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/WestmorelandGlassCompany/

[Anne E.B.]

I'm not on Facebook, so any assistance would be greatly appreciated if at all possible

[Ohio]

So far I've been informed that Westmoreland did not own/have any PV molds however they copied the designs & made their own molds calling the productions "Faithful Reproductions of Classic Designs".

[Anne E.B.]

Any idea of the period in which these reproductions were made just out of interest?

[Ohio]

Westmoreland closed in 1984 & the items in question were produced on & off in various colors/treatments for over 40 years.

[Anne E.B.]

Many thanks for the information.