Topic: Advice on removing this glass problem, please

[Fen]

As soon as you see the pictures you can see the problem I have. This a lovely jade green glass vase, around eight inches high and with enamelled flowers on it. If anyone can identify I would be grateful but, primarily, I'm posting because I want to display it in the window but there are some old, dried out flowers inside which I haven't a clue how to remove. Has anyone successfully tackled this problem or can give some suggestions how I can gently and without fear of damaging the vase get these flowers out! Many thanks in advance.

[glassobsessed]

Have you tried filling it with water and swilling and (carefully) trying to shake them out?

John

[Fen]

Hi John, I have tried that way but, unfortunately, the stalk of the flower is bent over and has made a triangle shape so that it is wider than the narrow neck of the vase. The flower just gets to the opening and no further.

[dirk.]

Perhaps they´ll peel off, if you use some crumbled denture cleaner?

edit for new problem: have you tried to use a wire with a small hook?

[Ivo]

long tweezers to get the stalks out - and then fill with warm water, drop in a dishwasher tablet and stand overnight. If any residue remains, swirl round with course sand in a soapy solution.

[Lustrousstone]

Almost certainly Bohemian, late 19th, early 20th century. This fairly simple shape with slightly crude decor is likely to be unidentifiable. These were often bought by refiners who either decorated them in-house or outsourced to homeworkers (including children). Sometimes they were decorated by the manufacturer.

It might just glow under your UV light; some do.

[glassobsessed]

If you don't have long tweezers you could try using a couple of wooden chopsticks (or similar) to do the same job.

John

[keith]

Old wire coat hanger works for me,
                                             Keith.

[obscurities]

If soaking does not remove all that is stuck to the glass after getting the stem out, try putting a couple ounces of warm water, and a handful of rock salt. Swirl the vase and the rock salt will act as an abrasive that will not scratch the glass, but is abrasive enough to remove the stuck residue.... Make sure andf use rock salt as t will not diolve quickly as table salt will.

Craig

[Fen]

Eureka.... Thank you all, bit of bent wire and a bit of soaking and salt and I'm very pleased with my result.