Glass Message Board
Glass Identification - Post here for all ID requests => Glass => Topic started by: Anik R on May 10, 2010, 09:50:57 AM
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Hello…
I few weeks ago, I bought this little vase. Although it was sold as a Murano piece, I thought it was a Michael Harris Mdnia vase. Was I right?
The vase is 14 cm high and has a completely flat polished base – no signature.
If it is a Mdina vase, is it possible that it is a reject piece? The opening of the vase has got an air bubble which is open and rough to the touch. There is another open air bubble (this one is round and about 2mm wide) near the bottom of the vase. (Both 'defects' can be seen in the pictures.)
It’s a shame because the vase, Murano, Mdina, or whatever else, was sold as being in ‘excellent’ condition. :-\
Thank you for your time and comments,
Anik
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Is is Mdina, but later than Michael Harris. It's not a reject. Burst bubbles are not uncommon in studio glass
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Thank you, Christine!
The open bubbles wouldn't make the piece II quality? I was very upset when I got the vase and saw them... :cry: they would affect the value, wouldn't they?
Do you know what year (more or less, of course) this particular vase was made in?
I really do appreciate your time and input :kissy:
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They probably burst with handling and dusting. I think the quality of colour and the streaks are perhaps more relevant to value.
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Your vase probably dates to the mid to late 1970's, as time went on the rims became wider and wider. I would not describe yours as a 'button rim', which would be earlier but it is not as wide as many. Yours has good colour, they are often known as 'pulled ear vases'.
Here's a not very good photo of an amethyst one I bought yesterday:
John
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Beautiful, John! I think yours with the smaller rim is more attractive than my slightly wider rim... the color of yours is also lovely!
Thank you so much for the information.
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Looks to me as if the "burst" bubble at the base is simply a manufacturing flaw - not a problem - the edges are annealed.
Sadly, the one on the neck looks as if it started off as a bubble on the glass which has since been broken, which is considered damage.
Sharp, rough bits are indicative of damage. I think you might have legitimate cause for complaint.
The colours are lovely though - and this is important!
It's a Michael Harris design, but made after he left. Still has good age though.
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Thank you, Sue :) Like I said, the 'damage' to the top upset me, especially since the seller mentioned nothing of the sort in his description. [My problems with this seller/idiot is a whole other story.]
The vase cost me 40zł (about 10 euro... shipping included). It's a shame it isn't is perfect condition... but luckily, it still looks lovely on my shelf :)
Thank you again for your input! All the best...
Anik
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Given what you paid, the damage is sort of acceptable, but not the seller's non-disclosure of it. It's horrible when things go wrong like this. :-*
Sadly, I don't think the burst bit would even repair properly - it would change the shape too much to get rid of it. :'(
But it does display well!
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Like I said, the 'damage' to the top upset me, especially since the seller mentioned nothing of the sort in his description. [My problems with this seller/idiot is a whole other story.]
For what it is worth, I look at the seller's listings, closed auctions, and also feedback. If they do not normally sell glass, I ask tons of questions to make sure the details are all out.... If the answers are not correct or forthcoming, then I generally pass... People that do not collect or sell glass on a regular basis just do not understand.
To them "small" chips, cracks etc are nothing of importance.....
Craig
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Hi Craig :)
I also look at the seller's listings, closed auctions, and feedback... Unfortunately, it doesn't always guarantee fair practice >:(
This particular seller 'specialises' in glass and ceramics :o
I think a big problem here in Poland is that we are a bit behind when it comes to consumer protection. Especially when it comes to Internet auctions. It's a 'you win some, you lose some' game... and when you are unfortunate enough to lose, there is nothing much you can do -- particularly when we are talking about 'small' sums of money (i.e. < 100 euro :o).
Then again, I suppose everything must come with time. Poland has already changed tremendously over the past 20 years and has adjusted perfectly well. Hopefully, the idea of consumer protection -- heck, here I'd even add the idea of customer service -- will enter Polish thought soon.
Anik
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Hopefully, the idea of consumer protection -- heck, here I'd even add the idea of customer service -- will enter Polish thought soon.
:24: :24:
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certainly don't think you can complain at €10. Anik - even with the burst bubble it must be worth that. I don't know how deep this cavity is, but there is the possibility that you can get someone to polish this, at least to the extent that you will loose the sharp edges - of course if it is too deep then you will always have the a slight depression on the glass. I don't understand the comment that this happens due to dusting - admittedly, I never dust since my pieces are under cover always - but can only think that some people dust with a sledge hammer. Question, how many GMB members have actually burst a bubble (only a bubble) on studio glass - I don't mean dropping and shattering a piece though carelessness - when dusting? Of course I may have to eat my words if you all use sledge hammers. For us, now, of course it is conjecture only to say where and when the damage occured - it may well have been immediatly after manufacture, it may equally have been caused by the person from whom you purchased the piece. Does anyone know, as a matter of interest, if Mdina sell/sold seconds or rejects? However, you have learned a very valuable lesson, re a seller's description and our assumptions. Generally, (aside from items which need in law to be 'fit for purpose') if something is sold without qualification and a Buyer assumes condition to be o.k. and asks nothing, then probably you don't have any recourse when you find a fault (within reason). At least by asking questions and getting a description in writing, you can then decide whether to make a purchase. "Experience is the best teacher", as we say. If you want to make a profit, I will give you €15. for it ;D ;D
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If you want to make a profit, I will give you €15. for it ;D ;D
;D That's a tempting offer, Paul... but I'll pass... at least for now ;)
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I did once burst a manufacturing bubble, while feeling for a rough edge on it, gently, with a (very soft) fingernail.
The piece was a large bucket-shaped, flared-rim, controlled-bubble bit of amethyst/purple WF. I blame the bucket. The bubble was too thin. :P
In the early days at Mdina, they had so much trouble keeping up with demand that often wonky bits ended up on the shop shelves - that's also why the way they're finished on the bases can vary so much - they only got the "full treatment" if there were staff and time available to do it.
Here's evidence some strange bits ended up on the shelves - a neckless Fish, and a very odd bowl. The Fish is post-Harris.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/chopin-liszt/necklessfish1.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/chopin-liszt/hat3.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/chopin-liszt/hat2.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/chopin-liszt/hat1.jpg
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""did once burst a manufacturing bubble"" - well all I can say is that one burst bubble doesn't make a summer, and anyway, technically, you weren't dusting :)
Only joking Anik :)
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I did once burst a manufacturing bubble, while feeling for a rough edge on it, gently, with a (very soft) fingernail.
Sue, admit it... you were curious as to how thin the layer of glass over the bubble was, so you applied pressure with your nail >:D :kissy:
The bowl is lovely! There is something about it which makes it absolutely charming... as for the fish, well, I kinda feel sorry for it. The mother in me wants to hold it and caress it and tell it that everything will be alright... :spls:
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Honest, I didn't put pressure on it - I was trying to shift a lump of muck near it - my nails are incredibly soft and weak.
::) I know what you mean about the neckless fish - I had the same trouble when I saw a tiny, emaciated kitten with a bandage where her tail should have been in a rescue centre.... but she's a happy cat now and I cuddle her every day.
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Sue,
I love the Fish vase ;D
Are you sure you didnt over polish the neck :24:
(i think weve had that conversation before)
Andy
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Me, polish????????
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