Tag Archives: Tiffany Furnaces

Doyle New York sold some interesting Tiffany Studios objects at its 20th Century Art and Design sale, November 9, 2016

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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.

Doyle New York held its 20th Century Art and Design sale yesterday, November 9, 2016. Their sales used to be called Belle Epoque, but the times they are a changing. Most auction houses have switched to newer titles that include the word Design. Included in the sale were several interesting lots by Tiffany Studios.

Tiffany Furnaces mosaic inkwell, Doyle lot #227

Tiffany Furnaces mosaic inkwell, Doyle lot #227

The top lot of the Tiffany Studios section of the sale was #227, a very rare gilded bronze and mosaic inkstand and letter opener. The design was not Tiffany Studios, but rather Marshall Fields. That made sense because the original owner of the set was Potter Palmer II, the son of Potter Palmer, the Chicago business magnate and business partner of Marshall Field. It certainly was a unique special order item. I wanted to buy it, but it zoomed past my top bid, selling for $34,375, including buyer’s premium — an impressive multiple of the pre-sale estimate of $6,000 – $8,000.

Tiffany Studios pottery vase, Doyle lot #224

Tiffany Studios pottery vase, Doyle lot #224

A fine Tiffany Studios pottery vase with bird nest decoration, lot #224, sold for $7,500, including buyer’s premium, well above its pre-sale estimate of $2,500 – $3,500. This was another lot I tried to buy, but couldn’t justify paying the price, which was good for a collector, but not a dealer.

For the complete results of the sale, click here.

I’ve been negligent in listing new items, but that’s already changed. I listed half a dozen new items this past weekend and I’ll be listing more this week. Please check my site as often as you can.

No more shows in 2016. Our next show will probably be the NYC Big Flea, the weekend of January 21, at the Lexington Avenue Armory. If not, we’ll be in Miami for the Miami Antiques + Art + Design Show, February 3 – 5, 2017. This is the airport show, which will be new and improved, with many additional exhibitors. It’s all happening because the Miami Beach Antiques Show will not be at the beach, instead moving to a new location in southwest Miami. It will all make for an interesting winter season.

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.

Pastel glass of the Louis C. Tiffany Furnaces, Inc.

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A rare two-color pastel wine glass

In January, 1920, Louis C. Tiffany Furnaces, Inc., was formed and headed by A. Douglas Nash. In the decade that followed, a line of pastel glassware was created that proved popular. The items were all utilitarian, as opposed to the art glass that Tiffany Studios produced. Wine glasses, parfaits, compotes and candlesticks were made in various shades of yellow, green, blue, pink, and lavender. The quality of the workmanship was very high.

Tiffany pink candlesticks

Pastel glass is under-appreciated by today’s collectors. Perhaps the spark will be the publication of a book on the topic. As of today, there is no such book, but Gordon (Hank) Hancock of Long Island is writing one that I hope he finishes and publishes. In the meantime he has done substantial research. (You may contact him directly at pasteltiffany@aol.com)

To those collecting today, certain colors appeal more than others. Pink is probably the most sought after, followed by lavender, blue and green, with yellow trailing the pack. Tastes change, so buy what you like. Doesn’t the “in” color change every year for ladies fashions?

Aqua color wedding ring compote

Some of the shapes were more unusual than others. A “wedding ring” compote is moderately rare and especially nice.

A rare chartreuse color variation

The numbering system on pastel glass is different than for earlier Favrile glass from Tiffany Studios. Earlier pieces had unique numbers that included a prefix or suffix letter. The numbers on pastel items do not have a letter and refer to the shapes, so you will see the same number repeated on items with the same shape. For example, 1881 is a trumpet vase and is repeated on all trumpet vases of the same size and shape. (Credit Hank Hancock for this information.)

Prices are still very reasonable for pastel glass. If you find it appealing, it’s a great time to enter the market and start collecting. One day, prices may soar and you’ll look back fondly on this time period.

If you like my blog, please let your friends know by sending them a link. Then check out my new Tiffany, Daum, Gallé, Webb and R. Lalique acquisitions. I just listed some important Tiffany vases, straight from a private home. Here’s the link. chasenantiques.com