Topic: Unusual Large Webb Corbett Pitcher Jug Irene Stevens?

[Vitrum Veteris]

Today I sourced this unusually large (12 1/2 inch tall) and quite stunning Webb Corbett pitcher.  It weighs 2.27 kg and has the etched mark used between 1930 and 1947.  I have not seen one of these before and I wondered if someone might recognise it, or has a record of Webb Corbett patterns that attributes it to a particular designer such as Irene Stevens.

[Paul S.]

very nice cut glass pitcher.       Can't see this pattern in the usual standard glass publications, or in Dodswoth's leaflet on W.C.
Unfortunately, the contents of Broadfield House Glass Museum - and presumably the records etc., - are currently in storage awaiting completion of the new museum facility  -  no idea when that will be - but they do have some records of W.C. production.          Alternatively, you might try the V. & A. in London who might be able to help.
The often quoted 'periods' during which individual company backstamps were in use, aren't always reliable, and this piece might well have been made some time after the dates you mention, and it's a permanent source of disappointment to collectors of C20 cut glass that there is a lack of published material on this subject.

[Vitrum Veteris]

Thanks Paul.  I can see that you have taken some interest in W.C. I might try the V&A Opinions service.  Interesting what you say about using the earlier, half-moon Made in England mark later than 1947.  If you do discover anything further, I would be pleased to hear from you.  Image size limitations are quite restrictive here.  If there is another way of making better images available I would like to make use of it.  Kind regards, Nigel

[Paul S.]

as my main area of interest is mostly clear cut glass, I'm one of those who experience 'disappointment' due to the lack of available printed matter with which to attempt to id my pieces  -  though I'm not particularly biased or clever toward W.C., and take only a general interest in the stuff.

In my opinion, both your pix in this instance are adequate - though appreciate your comments that the max. size of first dimension of 700 is a tad restrictive, and I have been on other forums where 2000 is the norm.        But we have to live with what we have.
Your image of the backstamp has the potential to be improved ……………….
try dusting it with talc slightly to highlight the appearance - or try carbon paper rubbed over the backstamp to darken it.
If you have a camera with magnifying properties, try running up the scale to increase the size of what is seen in the final picture  -  alternatively, use a loupe of c. X5, placed between the camera and subject - this will have the same effect and increases the size of subject seen within the picture frame.            For backstamps in particular, raking light is often best - the light hits the part of the glass you want to photograph but doesn't create excessive glare.
It all takes a little juggling, but is worth the effort, and is more necessary with clear glass than coloured - in my opinion.            Photograph pieces against plain dark backgrounds with diffused light  -  it's not difficult but makes all the difference, and don't show us pix of your furniture, garden, car, pets or the neighbours               I'd suggest a camera will be the better option rather than using a phone.

We don't appear to see much oldish cut W.C. glass here  - Stuart, Thomas Webb seem more popular  -  something about Webb Corbett seems not to attract the collectors for whatever reason.          Best of luck.

[Vitrum Veteris]

Thanks Paul,

I have attempted a better image of the backstamp.  Not sure what it will look like once uploaded, but optimistic.

I will let you know if I learn something more about the pitcher.

Stay safe,  Kind regards,

Nigel

[Paul S.]

have you looked on the Board's W.C. archive for this design?  -  must admit I haven't, and dare say it's not there, but the GMB records and archive of images is always worth checking - it's now very extensive in some areas, and you never know.

[Vitrum Veteris]

Thanks Paul,
Do you have a link for the archive?  Forgive my ignorance, but are you referring to websites like "Replacements" or is there a specific website I can visit?  Thanks

[Paul S.]

Nigel  -  I'm referring to the 'in house' GMB archive of images, not an external link   -   see here ..  http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/search.php
If you type Webb Corbett, or whatever other maker's name you wish to see, into the Search box, then this should bring up the relevant page/s of images - assuming there are pix to see.
I think there's only a couple of pages of W.C. pix  -  but the theory 'that it's always worth checking' the GMB archive' still holds good  -  you never know what might be there, and always good to view examples of images of glass posted by others  -  a good way of learning about the various designs etc. of glass from a variety of makers.
I hope the link works.               While you're there, take a look at some of the work that Fred has been doing re adding to the image archive for pressed glass - marvelous work, and must be the envy of many other on-line pressed glass image archives.

[Vitrum Veteris]

Great resource Paul.  Thanks.  I have handled some very nice pieces of glass - some quite rare in my time including some S&W neoclassical and some Ludwig Kny for Stuart.  I love researching and learning.  Just sold a John Derbyshire Mr Punch to someone.  Thanks for your help Paul.  Much appreciated.  Will let you know if I find something out.  Kind regards, Nigel