Topic: Old Pitcher

[Sarajayne]

I inherited this Pitcher from my Great Grandmother along with hundreds of other pieces of glass. The Pitcher stands 11" tall up to the lip. I have no idea of age, maker or anything else. It is in perfect condition. Please help if you can.

[keith]

Hello and welcome, looks Bohemian to me, secessionist ? I'm sure someone will be along who can help, great piece 

[Paul S.]

Hi - welcome to the GMB    ordinarily I'd be very cautious of combining 'old' with 'perfect condition  -  not that they can't be associated, but old things are rarely perfect, unless they're in the V. & A.              Are you aware of your great grandmother holidaying in Europe at any time, or was she in the habit of buying antiques do you know ?
I'd agree with Keith about possibly eastern Europe, although whether as early as secessionist (think of Klimt) or later mid C20 Czechoslovakian, might be difficult to assess unless you can find something more or less identical, and dated, for comparison.         Certainly that area of mainland Europe is known for producing heavily gilt decorated glass from late C19 onwards.
What if any is the extent of wear on the under side of the jug?                      It is of course attractive - very ornamental.

Is there a theme that runs through your relative's glass - anything that might point to a specific origin or period?                 Regret I can't help with anything specific about your pitcher.

[Sarajayne]

My Great Grandmother did travel around Europe before I was born. She kept the Pitcher in a glass China Cabinet along with many antique items. I was allowed to take it out and hold it only one time as a child. My Grandmother raised me and the Pitcher was in there ever since I can remember as a child. She used to tell me sometimes about her trips to Austria and other European places.

[Paul S.]

thanks.           Glass in general acquires importance, and value, if the piece can be shown to have verifiable provenance/attribution, and that's something we aren't going to have with your pitcher.     In the C19 and early C20 that part of the world was full of small independent glass houses, and unless the glass is signed or recognizable from it pattern, we will never know the maker.
I don't think there's any doubt its origin is eastern/middle Europe, although specifically which part we don't know, but Czechoslvakia/Austria are possibilities - parts of which were previously called Bohemia.           Countries and borders in the aftermath of wars change, and that area is/was complex.
Whilst the decoration shows some nod to linear patterning in common with Continental design from the early C20, there is always the possibility that it was made subsequently and copying an earlier design, but at least you have answered the question as to why the condition remains v.g.

Glass designs have been copied as much as, or more, than other decorative materials, and never easy to be sure when trying to date.    Perhaps it should be law that people keep their receipts
I doubt that you will fare any better elsewhere, but possibly there's always someone ready to put their neck on the block and commit to an actual date, but for my money first third of C20 or even first half of C20 is about as good as I can suggest.

It's a great piece and full of nostalgia for you - you're lucky to have this memento from your g. grandmother  -  don't use it.

You might care to post pix of some of your other pieces.