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Glass Discussion & Research. NO IDENTIFICATION REQUESTS here please. => Scandinavian Glass => Topic started by: neil53 on February 28, 2025, 02:25:00 PM

Title: Orrefors engraved vase - designer?
Post by: neil53 on February 28, 2025, 02:25:00 PM
Hi does anybody recognise the designer from the signature on this vase?  Details:

"This is an Orrefors of Sweden etched lead crystal vase, model 1802, designed (we think, please see reference to signature below) by Vicke Lindstrand, the design dating from the 1930s.   The vase is in excellent condition for its age.  It shows age related wear and tear to the rim of the base consistent with use.   The vase is square when viewed from above, measuring 11.5 cm (4.6 inches) across the top rim.   The vase is made in clear glass and tapers as it descends, the base measuring 7 cm (2.8 inches) across.  The vase is decorated with two etched fish, a fishing net and small polished "bubbles" within lateral optically ribbed glass.  The glass alternately thickens and lessens to create the appearance of water.  The vase is 17 cm (6.8 inches) in height.  There are no chips, cracks, significant scratches or any obvious evidence of restoration.  There is a scratched signature that we think reads "Orrefors L 1802 d 3 B".  Heavy lead glass.  It weighs in at 1.34 kg. (~ 3 lb.).

Thanks in anticipation, Neil
Title: Re: Orrefors engraved vase - designer?
Post by: flying free on February 28, 2025, 10:49:40 PM
Could it be A3 for 1937?

The dots between the numbers are a bit confusing.

B seems to be for Gunnar Cyren though? and he wasn't around designing in 1937??
https://www.orrefors.com/shop/designer/gunnar-cyren
https://swedishglass.com/how-to-date-orrefors-glass/

Disclaimer - I don't know anything about Scandinavian glass.
Title: Re: Orrefors engraved vase - designer?
Post by: essi on March 01, 2025, 10:02:38 AM
In the book "Swedish glass factories production catalogues". On page 137 your vase with the same engraving is shown with the reference L 1802.
This is for Vike Lindstrand.
The catalogue is from the year 1937. Thanks M, you working out the the date code saved me some time looking.
Tim
Title: Re: Orrefors engraved vase - designer?
Post by: neil53 on March 01, 2025, 10:13:25 AM
That's excellent thank you.  I bid on a copy of that book this week but it went for too much money for my purse.  Much appreciated. Neil
Title: Re: Orrefors engraved vase - designer?
Post by: flying free on March 01, 2025, 12:39:23 PM
Could the B be the initial for the engraver?

This is a vase in the V&A designed by Lindstrand and engraved by Emil Goldmann - see the blurb further down for the signed letters and numbers on the vase. The engravers initials are at the end of the sequence:
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O6158/the-diver-vase-lindstrand-vicke/

Is there another initial worn away after the B maybe? - just asking because B relates to Birger Gustavsson and dates are 1923-1927:
https://web.archive.org/web/20200112233107/http://glassfromsweden.com/orrefors-engraved-glass-engravers-list.html


There is some interesting information here on the numbers/letters and dating.  This item is dated 1966 but says it was designed in 1921 for example:
https://www.bukowskis.com/en/auctions/624/13-edward-hald-a-swedish-grace-engraved-glass-bowl-fyrverkeriskalen-fireworks-orrefors-sweden-1966

Possibly yours was designed by Lindstrand but engraved by someone else?
Title: Re: Orrefors engraved vase - designer?
Post by: essi on March 01, 2025, 10:26:09 PM
I suppose this is where it gets tricky. Vike lindstrand designs the vase, someone designs the motif and someone actually cuts the design into the glass.
Not sure if this link has been used before, http://glassfromsweden.com/orrefors-engraved-glass-engravers-list.html.
Tim
Title: Re: Orrefors engraved vase - designer?
Post by: flying free on March 02, 2025, 12:41:30 AM
Tim that link doesn't work but this one does.
https://web.archive.org/web/20200112233107/http://glassfromsweden.com/orrefors-engraved-glass-engravers-list.html

It's the one I used :)

Strangely this is apparently engraved by Birger Gustavsson also has the B letter at the end of the sequence but dated apparently after the dates given on that list?
https://freeformsnyc.com/products/clear-glass-vase-by-sven-palmquist-for-orrefors-n8680?srsltid=AfmBOopLFMAzzznURmcKmqTuALYTNXHB-3hpwlpiLrfapRXmv1PfCu0a

and this one:
https://www.ripleyauctions.com/auction-lot/orrefors-scandinavian-art-glass-ship-lindstrand_6BPNORCZQ3

perhaps they got the initial and name from that list but the dates don't tally?

It could be that the G is missing and it's Bertil Gustavsson as the initials for that engraver are BG

m