Topic: Three pieces straw opal James Powell

[cagney]

Recent auction purchases. Paid dearly [ $500.00 ] but had to have them. "thrown wavy rim" vases are 23.75 cm tall. Compote/vase is 23 cm tall. Foot has pattern molded ribs.  Seems to mirror in shape to middle illus. fig.19 page 11 in Jacksons book. All have small snapped off rough pontils.

[Paul S.]

I wouldn't have thought that figure expensive for genuine Powell, last quarter C19, Venetian style glass.                Was there any indication of previous ownership or provenance for these pieces?               Impossibly thin and delicate so oodles of caution and care - in fact don't ever pick them up and show them only under full protection of a cabinet.

Did the auction house guarantee their authenticity?

[cagney]

Attribution to a specific American collection. No attribution as to maker. Listed as vaseline opalescent .The thrown wavy rim vases are thin, seems to be quite strong though, probably do to excellent annealing.The attribution is mine, based on my knowledge. Not a bargain, but great example of excellent workmanship, materials and process.

[Paul S.]

I still don't consider the price paid to be expensive for such historical items  -  where else are you going to find them for less money?                  Unfortunately, many of us who are collectors of whatever, are tempted to pay an amount of shekels -  that others who lack such interests - find incomprehensible - I'd die with embarrassment to tell you what I paid for a 1942 Rupert Annual.             What else might you buy today that will hold its value and be saleable still, in years to come.
Of course this presupposes that our purchases are always authentic - we just have to hope that our passion and the red mist doesn't lead us into error

Nice pieces that will show well  -  agree annealing must have been well understood - wonder what/if the failure rate of such material was.

[Lustrousstone]

I think you got a bargain. Well done