A few French cameo glass results from recent auctions

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. Now that the weather is colder, I have gone back to publishing twice weekly, as often as possible.


Gallé Tulip vase, Treadway Toomey lot #113

Treadway Toomey Auctions of Chicago, IL, held their Art In Glass: Collection of Joan & Milton Baxt sale on Saturday, November 11, 2017. Included in the sale was one fine lot of Gallé glass, with provenance from Minna Rosenblatt Ltd., New York City, August 2, 1986. With four layers of colored glass on a salmon background, great detail, and a nice 15″ size, it was much better than most Gallé vases that have come up for auction recently. The multiple layers allowed for an unusual effect, with tulips on the back looking like the negative of those on the front. Couple fine quality, market freshness and a low estimate of $2,000 – $4,000 and you’ve got the recipe for a great result. The vase sold for $15,000, including buyer’s premium. I tried to buy it, but it flew past my price to a full retail price.

Gallé Moth vase, Humler & Nolan lot #0572

Humler & Nolan of Cincinnati, OH, held a pottery, glass and Rookwood auction on November 4-5, 2017. Included in the glass section of the sale were a few good items, along with more than a few ordinary items. Lot #0572 was a small (3¾” tall x 4½” long), but very high quality, Gallé vase with wheel-carved moths. Wheel-carving by hand yields a level of detail that is not attainable with acid-etching only. When done by a skilled craftsman, the result can be wonderful. This example was no exception, with great artistry, on a very rare shape. Collectors were willing to overlook the small size and bid the vase to $13,310, against an estimate of $2,500 – $3,000. I, on the other hand, was unable to buy it at a price where I thought I could resell it.

Daum Nancy Cornflower pitcher, Humler & Nolan lot #0622

Lot #0622 was a nice, but unspectacular, Daum Nancy pitcher with Cornflower decoration. Estimated near retail value, $5,000 – $7,000, it sold for the low estimate, $6,050, including buyer’s premium. I had no interest in this item and did not bid.

For the complete results of the Treadway Toomey sale, click here. For the complete results of the Humler & Nolan sale, click here.


No more shows until February 2, 2018, when we’ll exhibit at the Miami Airport show. That gives us time to beat the bushes to find new treasures and take some time to smell the figurative roses. November is usually a good month for business. Then business dies in December because most people are looking for less expensive Christmas gifts than we offer. Occasionally we make a Christmas sale, but that’s the exception, not the rule. Cold weather and the New Year bring a new wave of enthusiasm.

I will update my site as often as time permits. We’re still very much in business between shows, so please don’t hesitate to email or call. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.

Some recent Daum Nancy French cameo glass purchases and sales

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, readership slows down in the summer, so I will only publish on Mondays until the weather gets cold and readership picks up.


The French cameo glass market has been strong for many years. Daum Nancy glass, in particular, has excelled. Recently I’ve had the opportunity to both buy and sell some exceptional examples. Following are a few.

Daum Nancy scenic tumbler with exceptional color and detail

Daum Nancy tumblers come in three sizes, miniature (about 2″), mini (about 3½”), and standard (about 4¾”). They also vary in shape from round to square to pinched diamond. All of them are quite popular among collectors. In the largest size, floral examples are the most common, with scenic examples moderately rare. So it was especially nice when I was presented with the opportunity to buy a fairly rare, and exceptionally pretty scenic example. I sold it before I could even list it in inventory or on my website. A client sent me an email inquiring about what I had that was small, new and pretty. This tumbler fit the bill, so out the door it went.

Daum Nancy vase with applied moth

By the 1920s, Daum was changing its style to the new Art Deco movement. They started producing some vases with no acid-etching, but rather with applications that were hand-engraved by wheel-carving. The example pictured above is exceptional, with an applied moth whose body looks like a seashell, and elaborately carved wings and martelé background in the body of the vase. This vase was also sold immediately when I sent photos to my best client. No surprise there.

The following two examples haven’t yet been listed on my website, but I am sending photos to a good client. They may be available by the time you read this blog or they may be sold. Please inquire if you have any interest.

Beautiful Daum Nancy scenic vase

The first is a particularly beautiful scenic vase, in a rare shape, with a square mouth, 5″ tall. The color and detail are extraordinary, especially the red in the foreground.

Dazzling Daum Nancy Fall scenic pillow vase

The second example is a Fall scenic, one of my favorite seasons, both in real life and as pictured on Daum Nancy vases. This is the second example I have of this vase, with the same season, size and shape. I’m partial to this example. The colors and detail are quite beautiful and different than usual. The greenish arc in the background is internal, giving the vase great depth. It’s also more transparent than usual, adding to the effect. It’s a stunning example.

I hope to be able to add a number of wonderful examples of recent purchases to my website, but I’ve been so busy, it’s been hard to find the time. If you’re looking for something, send me an email. I’ll make the time to respond to your request.


October 20-22, 2017

Our next show, in Denver, October 20-22, 2017, is fast approaching. We’re giving Denver one last shot to prove it’s worthwhile traveling all the way from New York. If the show doesn’t go well, goodbye Denver. The following week we’ll be in Southfield, Michigan, for the Southfield Pavilion Antiques, Art, & Modernism Show. That’s another show that has to go well for us to return. Then we’ll be in Winnetka, Illinois, the following week for the Antiques + Modernism Winnetka show. That’s one show we don’t have to worry about. We have great clients in the greater Chicago area, so we really look forward to seeing our old friends.

Click Philip Chasen’s new items to check my website for the latest items and to look around. I recently added several new items and I’ll be adding more this week. They’re some of the best items I’ve ever had, so please take a look.

I will update it as often as time permits. We’re still very much in business between shows, so please don’t hesitate to email or call. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.

Here’s why Daum Nancy miniature vases are treasures worth owning

Sorry I wasn’t able to post a new blog on Monday. We were in Europe on a buying trip and just got back. I’ll start to list some of the new items in the next few days.

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, readership slows down in the summer, so I will only publish on Mondays until the weather gets cold and readership picks up.


Daum scenic miniature Broken Egg

Daum Nancy French cameo glass is very much in favor and has been for many years, for good reason. The quality, workmanship and beauty are exceptional. There is no modern glass that rivals antique Daum. Aficionados worldwide, including the US, Europe, Australia, Japan, Brazil, and Canada have amassed impressive collections.

This lovely acid-etched, enameled, and gilded miniature tumbler, dated 1906, is available for under $1,000

Attention to detail is one of the enduring qualities of Daum glass. One might think that the detail would get lost on a miniature, but it’s the opposite. Daum miniatures are tiny works of art, under 2″ tall, with the same subject matter as the larger examples, including all varieties of flowers, forest and marine scenes, and birds. They also come in a wide variety of shapes, so it’s possible to find the same subject matter on different shapes. That makes for an interesting way to collect if one has a particular fondness for a certain decoration.

A rare Daum miniature Swan vase

Rarities include Blackbirds, Rain, and Swans, none of which I have to offer, unfortunately, as they really are rare and easy to sell.

Dutch Winter is a lovely decoration for a miniature vase

The quality of Daum miniatures has not changed over time, however prices have. The market has softened for them in the last few years by about 30%, while the rest of the Daum market has gone up. Seems like a great time to add to your collection or start a new one. Many models range in price from $750 to $2,000, with most in the $1,000-$1,500 range. Very rare examples still sell in the $2,000-$5,000 range.

All of the Daum Nancy miniature vases are presently available for sale

I’m assisting Art & Antiques Magazine with a feature article on Daum Nancy glass for an upcoming issue. It’s possible that the publicity will generate further interest and boost prices. That’s pure speculation on my part, but good publicity never hurts.


October 20-22, 2017

Our next show will be in Denver, October 20-22, 2017. We’re giving Denver one last shot to prove it’s worthwhile traveling all the way from New York. If the show doesn’t go well, goodbye Denver. The following week we’ll be in Southfield, Michigan, for the Southfield Pavilion Antiques, Art, & Modernism Show. That’s another show that has to go well for us to return. Then we’ll be in Winnetka, Illinois, the following week for the Antiques + Modernism Winnetka show. That’s one show we don’t have to worry about. We have great clients in the greater Chicago area, so we really look forward to seeing our old friends.

Click Philip Chasen’s new items to check my website for the latest items and to look around. I recently added several new items and I’ll be adding more this week. They’re some of the best items I’ve ever had, so please take a look.

I will update it as often as time permits. We’re still very much in business between shows, so please don’t hesitate to email or call. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.

What’s new at Philip Chasen Antiques?

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, readership slows down in the summer, so I will only publish on Mondays until the weather gets cold and readership picks up.


Gallé blownout Plum vases don’t get better than this example

There aren’t many shows in spring and summer, so it gives me an opportunity to spend my time searching for treasures. This year I’ve been especially successful in buying some of the finest examples of French and American glass and lamps. Following are a few examples, but there’s more. I just need the time to get it all listed on my site. I’ll have most of it on display in Baltimore in a few weeks, but the Internet business has been good recently, so I suspect some of the items will be sold before the show. If you see something you want, don’t wait for the show.

You can’t find finer Gallé glass than this Seagull example

As usual, French glass will be my strongest department. I’ve been able to purchase some of the best examples of Gallé, Daum, Burgun & Schverer, and R. Lalique glass.

Just got this stupendous Tiffany green Linenfold counterbalance desk lamp

I always strive to find the best examples of Tiffany glass and lamps. The green 8″ counterbalance Linenfold desk lamp pictured above is one of the best ever. The color is a fabulous green and the patina on the base is an “11”. You just couldn’t find a finer example.

I’ll be bringing a flock of Martin birds to the Baltimore show

The Martin Brothers will be well represented with several bird tobacco jars. The bird above is just one of several examples.

Please feel free to contact me if you’re interested in buying any of the above. If you don’t see what you want, please ask. I’ve got lots more that isn’t displayed.

See you soon in Baltimore.


Our next show will be the eagerly anticipated Baltimore Summer Antiques Show, August 24-27, 2017. It’s the best show of the summer and possibly the best of the year. People fly in from all over the world to attend, including Europe and Japan. If you haven’t yet visited, you should. It’s big, with some of the best national and international dealers. You’ll also enjoy Baltimore. Hope to see you there!

Click Philip Chasen Antiques to check my website for the latest items and to look around. I recently added several new items and I’ll be adding more this week. They’re some of the best items I’ve ever had, so I suggest you click on the following link and take a look. Philip Chasen’s new items.

I will update it as often as time permits. We’re still very much in business between shows, so please don’t hesitate to email or call. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.

J. Levine Auction & Appraisal LLC sold some very nice Daum Nancy glass, July 23, 2017

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, readership slows down in the summer, so I will only publish on Mondays until the weather gets cold and readership picks up.


J. Levine Auction & Appraisal LLC, Phoenix, AZ held an online-only auction yesterday that included three fine Daum Nancy vases. I tried to buy all three but was unsuccessful.

Daum Nancy Weeping Willow vase, J. Levine lot # 2691

The first was a rare, fantastic, 9¼” scenic vase with weeping willow trees. It was especially fine because the artist who painted it was B.S., Daum’s best artist. Click here to read my blog about this artist. It sold as lot #2691, with a very low estimate in the hundreds. Bidders knew this wasn’t a $1,000 vase and pushed it to $9,750, including buyer’s premium. I really, really wanted to buy this vase, but the price was just too high for a dealer, so I was the underbidder. Congratulations to the buyer.

Daum scenic vase, J. Levine lot #2688

Lot #2688 was a very nice, but smaller (5¾”), scenic vase with excellent color and detail. It also carried a low estimate, but sold for $3,100 — a good price for a collector but a bit too much for a dealer.

Daum Winter scenic vase, J. Levine lot #2690

The last of the three Daum vases was a nice Winter scenic vase, 7½” tall. It sold for $3,500, which is in the wholesale range, but too much for me because I have a better example of this vase in the same size and shape. I would have bought a second example if the price were lower.


Our next show will be the eagerly anticipated Baltimore Summer Antiques Show, August 24-27, 2017. It’s the best show of the summer and possibly the best of the year. People fly in from all over the world to attend, including Europe and Japan. If you haven’t yet visited, you should. It’s big, with some of the best national and international dealers. You’ll also enjoy Baltimore. Hope to see you there!

Click Philip Chasen Antiques to check my website for the latest items and to look around. I recently added several new items and I’ll be adding more this week. They’re some of the best items I’ve ever had, so I suggest you click on the following link and take a look. Philip Chasen’s new items.

I will update it as often as time permits. We’re still very much in business between shows, so please don’t hesitate to email or call. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.

James D. Julia, Inc. knocked it out of the park with its Rare Lamps, Glass and Fine Jewelry auction, June 16, 2017

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, readership slows down in the summer, so I will only publish on Mondays until the weather gets cold and readership picks up.


Attendance was much higher than the usual Julia auction

James D. Julia, Inc. held its Rare Lamps, Glass and Fine Jewelry auction on June 16, 2017, with record sales just short of $4.4 million. Two important collections were included in the sale with no reserves. As I’ve stated before, there is nothing better for a successful auction than fresh, important merchandise with no reserves. Julia’s had a record crowd of about 100 in attendance, as well as a record number of phone and Internet bidders. Julia’s is located in central Maine, so most of the attendees flew in from all over the US and one from Japan. All the excitement led to strong prices throughout the entire sale.

Tiffany Studios Dogwood floor lamp, Julia lot #1108

The top lot of the sale was a very rare, large, important Tiffany Studios Dogwood floor lamp. It sold to a dealer on the telephone for more than double its pre-sale high estimate of $150,000, realizing $406,600, including buyer’s premium. Ultimately it will sell to a collector at a still higher price.

Tiffany Studios Wisteria window, Julia lot #1365

Authentic Tiffany Studios windows have seen a resurgence of late, realizing strong prices at major auction houses, including Julia’s. The top window of the sale, a Wisteria design, was lot #1365. It easily surpassed its high estimate of $150,000, realizing $257,850, including buyer’s premium.

Daum Nancy Snail vase, Julia lot #1596

Julia’s had a strong selection of fine French cameo glass. The top lot of the sale was #1596, an important Daum Nancy vase with applied grapes and snails. It sold within its pre-sale estimate of $17,500-$22,500, realizing $21,780, including buyer’s premium.

The 777-lot Julia sale included a huge variety of lamps, vases, candlesticks and jewelry. Click here for the complete results of the sale. You will have to sign in for the prices (free), or you can click here to look at the highlights with prices, where you won’t have to sign in. Kudos to Mike Fredericks, head of Julia’s Lamp & Glass Department for putting together a great sale.


July 14-16, 2017, Denver Mart EXPO Building – 451 East 58th Avenue, Denver

Our next show is the Denver World Wide Antique Show in less than two weeks, July 14-16. I’ll be buying and selling in the meantime, so be in touch if you’re doing either.

Click here to check my website for the latest items and to look around. I will update it as often as time permits. We’re still very much in business between shows, so please don’t hesitate to email or call. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.

The results of the 2017 Michigan Modernism Art & Antiques Show, April 22-23, 2017

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.


Friday, 8 PM. I’m starting to write this post on Friday night from the preview party of the 2017 Michigan Modernism Art & Antiques Show. Silly me thinking I might sell something at a preview party. I should have hired a booth sitter and gone to the movies instead. The show opens tomorrow morning at 10 AM. Got my fingers crossed.

We sold this gorgeous Daum padded and wheel-carved Poppy vase at the show

UPDATE: Saturday, 4 PM. Attendance has been moderate all day, with decent interest, but only one good sale. Thanks to the client who made my day. I know you read my blog.

There were people in my booth on Saturday afternoon

UPDATE: Sunday, 6 PM. The show is over and I’m disappointed. We made one small sale today and not much else happened. Two sales do not a show make. We just about broke even. I do see the possibility for better business at this show down the road, so we’re going to sign up for the October, 2017 edition. If we don’t see improvement, that will be it for Michigan.

The show is very pleasant to do. The space is comfortable, airy and well lit (but that’s actually a minus for a lamp dealer). The show promoter, Bob Bockius, has bent over backwards to please the dealers and the public, including free wine and beer. Here’s wishing him and the show good luck.


I’m really looking forward to our next show, the revived Chicago Antiques + Art + Design Show at the Chicago Merchandise Mart. I was quite sad when it folded a few years ago as it was always one of my favorite shows. The new edition will have a new promoter, Dolphin Promotions, headed by Rosemary Krieger. There hasn’t been an antique show in downtown Chicago for several years, so I’m hoping this one will be met with a lot of enthusiasm. The show runs from May 18-21, 2017.

I recently listed over 15 new items on my website and I’ll be listing more in the near future. Please check my site as often as you can.

Click here to check my website for the latest items and to look around. I will update it as often as time permits. We’re still very much in business between shows, so please don’t hesitate to email or call. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.

Setting up at the 2017 Michigan Modernism Art & Antiques Show, April 20, 2017

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.


Yesterday we spent the entire day setting up at the 2017 Michigan Modernism Art & Antiques Show in Southfield. It went very well for a variety of reasons including 1. We unloaded and set up the showcases on Wednesday. 2. We had an additional person helping, so there were four of us. 3. We had a huge booth, so we weren’t stepping all over each other. We finished in one day, which was quite an accomplishment. We’ll have the day off today, Friday, but we have to come back for the preview party this evening, 6:00 – 9:30 PM. I really hate preview parties, but I have a funny feeling that we might do some business at this party. I’ve got my fingers crossed.

Thursday setup in our booth

We set up a killer booth, with the best assortment of French and American glass and lamps that we’ve ever brought. With the huge amount of space, we were able to set up a great booth with everything showing well. It looks great! We’re set to have a fabulous show if the buying public cooperates. If the show goes well, we’ll be thrilled to return. If it’s a bomb, goodbye Michigan.

Meyers-Huffman is setting up a beautiful booth at the show

The show opens to the public this Saturday at 10 AM and continues until Sunday at 5 PM. Please visit the show and do your part. If you want me to return, pay me a visit. Thanking you in advance!! Click here for more information.


I recently listed over 15 new items on my website and I’ll be listing more in the near future. Please check my site as often as you can.

Click here to check my website for the latest items and to look around. I will update it as often as time permits. We’re still very much in business between shows, so please don’t hesitate to email or call. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.

The 2017 Michigan Modernism Art & Antiques Show opens to the public this Saturday, April 22, 2017

Thursday’s post will be delayed until Friday as setup in Southfield, MI doesn’t start until Thursday.

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.

We’re traveling to Michigan this week to exhibit at the 2017 Michigan Modernism Art & Antiques Show in Southfield. We haven’t exhibited in the greater Detroit area in over 10 years, but at the encouragement of a fellow dealer, we’ve decided to give it another shot. I enjoyed doing the show years ago and hope that business is good so we can add it to our regular schedule. The show opens to the public this Saturday at 10 AM and continues until Sunday at 5 PM. There will be a preview party on Friday from 6 – 9:30 PM. I can’t tell you how thrilled I am about that. 🙁

We’ll have this killer Daum Nancy Spring scenic vase at the show

We’re bringing one of the strongest inventories we’ve ever carried, including an amazing selection of French and American glass and lamps by Tiffany Studios, Handel, Pairpoint, Daum Nancy and Gallé, to name a few.

Just got this Tiffany Studios 20″ diameter Linenfold table lamp with a rare Silver Dollar base

The dealer list will include important dealers with beautiful displays, including Alan & Adele Grodsky, Myers-Huffman Antiques, Del Giudice Antiques and Ray Kisber. For the complete list of dealers, click here.

If you’re anywhere in the greater Detroit area, it will be worth your while visiting the show. Click here for more information. I hope to see you there.


I recently listed over 15 new items on my website and I’ll be listing more in the near future. Please check my site as often as you can.

Click here to check my website for the latest items and to look around. I will update it as often as time permits. We’re still very much in business between shows, so please don’t hesitate to email or call. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.

Good results at Sotheby’s New York Design sale, March 29, 2017

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.

Sotheby’s New York held their Design sale on March 29, 2017 with total sales of $2,742,251. Included in the sale was a nice selection of Tiffany Studios lamps and French cameo glass.

Tiffany Peony lamp, Sotheby’s lot #16

Lot # 16 was a beautiful Tiffany Studios 22″ diameter Peony table lamp, with impeccable provenance. It sold for its high estimate, $150,000, including buyer’s premium, but in my opinion, should have sold for more.

Tiffany Spider lamp, Sotheby’s lot #23

I really liked lot #23, a lovely 16″ diameter Tiffany Studios Spider lamp. It sold for $35,000, including buyer’s premium, against a pre-sale estimate of $25,000 — $35,000 — an excellent price for the final buyer, but a bit too much for a dealer. I was the underbidder.

Daum Nancy Mushroom vase, Sotheby’s lot #98

Top lot of the French cameo glass section of the sale was #98, a rare and very desirable Daum Nancy Mushroom vase, with wheel-carving and enameling. It more than doubled its high estimate of $9,000, realizing $21,250, including buyer’s premium.

For the complete results, click here.


We haven’t exhibited in the greater Detroit area in over 10 years, but at the encouragement of a fellow dealer, we’ve decided to give it another shot. I enjoyed doing the show years ago and hope that business is good so we can add it to our regular schedule. The show opens with a preview party on Friday, April 21st and continues until Sunday, April 23rd at 5 PM.

I recently listed over 15 new items on my website and I’ll be listing more in the near future. Please check my site as often as you can.

Click here to check my website for the latest items and to look around. I will update it as often as time permits. We’re still very much in business between shows, so please don’t hesitate to email or call. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.