Glass Message Board
Glass Discussion & Research. NO IDENTIFICATION REQUESTS here please. => Malta Glass => Topic started by: Paul S. on June 23, 2010, 06:15:36 PM
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one of today's pieces, which although unsigned, I feel could well be Mdina. Flat base (with reasonable wear) - 125mm tall - with what I believe the books call an 'applied shell ribbed section handle' (reminiscent of the Victorian style of handle). To my inexperienced eyes it looks as though it has a 1970's colourway, but I could well be wrong. My mother used to have custard jugs in this shape, so the styling seems old fashioned perhaps. Having looked through Mark Hill's book, what of course seems noticeable is that I can't see any other pieces with handles - literally.
Is this uncommon?? - so would really appreciate an expert's opinion please, and thanks for looking. Anyone for custard :) Picture three is taken with the camera inside the jug.
Reference: 'Michael Harris - Mdina Glass & Isle of Wight Studio Glass' - Mark Hill - 2006.
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I would say, but don't quote me, that this was perhaps made at Mdina by one of the Boffos with its Whitefriars style handle. The Boffos did make pieces to sell in a shop in Valetta I believe. Sue, Suzy and John need to see this.
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thanks for your prompt reply. I had also meant to say that the piece is heavy for it's size, due mainly to the thick clear casing, especially at the base. .........
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For what it's worth I had the same 'first impression'
Chris
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I have now seen the reference, in Mark Hill's book, where he comments that ..."the Boffos were also allowed to make whimsical animals and small functional pieces such as jugs in their spare time".......so that just goes to prove that I should read my books rather than just look at the pics. Taking other factors into account....the Boffos arrival date on Malta etc., then I'm thinking that this jug may well date to about 1969 - 1970. Whether Vicente Boffo continued this practise of making these 'out of hours pieces' after the tragic death of his son Ettore, I don't know. So in conclusion, I think that Christine's thoughts re attribution for this jug, are more than likely, so my thanks to her for bringing this to my attention. Paul S.
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Sue has what she believes is a Boffo jug but it's different to this one. Wait till "the Mdina trio" are back in circulation and see what they say. They are AWOL ATM.
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Still lurking in the shadows. :D
John
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and...
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For what it's worth I had the same 'first impression'
Chris
:-[ :cry:
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Why are you crying Chris? :kissy:
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Sorry all, thought you had it spot on Christine.
The colourway is classic Mdina, they still use a variation of it today. I believe it was originally a creation of Michael Harris though the addition of a 'celery' style handle to this item is unique in my (limited) experience. I also thought Whitefriars and Boffo and assumed it would have been sold in Valletta - where the Boffos sold there 'out of hours' items.
I assume it would turn a few heads on the Whitefriars forum....
John
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Well it certainly turned my head John
Chris
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I'm only a Mdina trainee John!!
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quote early today from Lustrousstone....I'm only a Mdina trainee John!!.......Christine, I have the feeing you are rarely a trainee in anything to do with glass. But thanks to all for their help, and being a 'collector' the rarer a piece is the more I drool ;D Stupidly, I have in the past - before I included these Maltese items in my 'oeuvre' - given away one or two pieces as being unimportant urghhhh....how wrong can you be (gnashing of teeth heard somewhere south of London) I had this beautiful 'purple/brown'/yellow swirled decanter thingy....mouthwatering... :cry: I seem to come across blue pieces not uncommonly, but can't now find the purple/brown ones. If anyone would like more/better pics. of this jug, let me know, and thanks again :)
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Just to add my tuppence worth, i saw one of these sell at a local auction house (about 18 months back, glass goes very cheap in there). It was not identical but very very similar with the celery handle, slightly more pitcher jug shaped and the handle was a bit thicker, but colours the same, and in my opinion it was definatly Mdina, again it was not signed
I stopped bidding at £75 :cry: and it went for £110, loved it, but it was not to be that day
michelle
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Michelle - how can you be so vulgar and discuss money - this is about the artistic value and merits of a beautiful piece of glass. ;D - but seriously, I always value your input and enjoy reading your heartfelt posts - and my thanks for your 'twopennyworth which is very much appreciated. In view of the comments from the experts, I had come to the conclusion that it probably is worth a little more than usual, and although I never sell, it is good to know that my intuition paid off. thanks again. Paul S.