St. Charles Gallery, Inc. held an auction this past Sunday, November 21, 2010. They sold two cameo glass vases that were reproductions of original Gallé vases. What was so good about that was how accurately they described them.
Reproduction Gallé vase, New Orleans Auction, lot 1047
Lot 1047 was described as follows: Tall Cameo-Cut Glass Vase, the blue over smoky topaz over yellow glass vase of tall baluster form in “Mountain Lake” decor in the manner of Emile Galle (1846-1904), the side with a pseudo-Galle signature in cameo script, h. 14-1/2″, dia. 4″.
Reproduction Gallé vase, New Orleans Auction, lot #1048
The second reproduction was also accurately described: lot 1048 Emile Galle-Style (1846-1904) Cameo-Cut Glass Vase, early 20th century, of modified flask form in “Mountain Lake” decor, signed at one side “Galle”, in wavy script within a freeform reserve, h. 8-3/4″, w. 5-1/4″, d. 3-1/2″.
What is one supposed to do if the auction gallery either doesn’t know that the vases are fake or is unscrupulous and does know, and is trying to trick you? That’s the tough part. It’s important to have seen and handled enough authentic vases to be able to tell the difference. Gallé used specific colors, designs and shapes. If there are substantial differences, the odds are that it’s a reproduction. But until you’ve seen and handled many, many authentic vases, you won’t know for sure.
Let’s talk specifically about the two vases at St. Charles Gallery. The first one, lot 1047, is easier to identify as a reproduction. The first giveaway is the quality of the decoration. The fisherman is cartoonish — well below the quality of an authentic vase. The second giveaway is the shape, but that’s more difficult. The foot is the wrong shape — too large and bulbous. One would only know that with lots of experience. Next is the finish. The decoration on earlier authentic vases was wheel-polished, which gave it a semi-gloss sheen, while the background remained matte. The fisherman vase has the same matte finish throughout. Again that’s difficult for a novice to tell because late authentic Gallé vases were not wheel-polished, so they were similar to the reproductions.
Lot 1048 is a more faithful reproduction. The shape is a known Gallé shape. The decoration is close to authentic Gallé. The colors are close to authentic colors. This one doesn’t scream reproduction, but rather whispers it. Thank goodness this auction house didn’t try to fool anyone, because they probably would have gotten away with it.
Reproduction Gallé vase, Kaminski Auctions, lot 6040
Kaminski Auctions of Beverly, Massachusetts, will be holding an auction this coming Saturday and Sunday, November 27-28, 2010. Lot 6040 is described as follows: Galle cameo vase, floral with insects, 9″ x 7 1/2″. Good condition. EST 600 ~ 900. To the best of my knowledge, Kaminski Auctions is a reputable auction house, so I can only assume they just don’t know. This one is an obvious fake, with the biggest giveaways being the dark band around the rim and the straight-cut rim.
I post lessons about reproductions on my website and I continue to write about them on my blog. I’m doing my best to educate the public, but it only helps a little. Of the many appraisals I do for individuals and insurance companies, about half of them turn out to be fake. My fee for appraisals is $100 for the first object and $50 for each additional. Most appraisals are done from emailed digital images.
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I saw the Galle sold for $1000. What is the true value of a reproduction like this?Thanks
I have what I thought was an original Galle lamp ( both the rounded top and separate base are a beautiful amber (rust on yellow ) which my super broke while moving it.
I have since been told it was a very good reproduction. Is it possible to find another one like it. If the reproduction looked as good, where might I find another and what would the value be? How much could it take to replace it?
Sorry, but I don’t deal in reproduction glass, so I’m unfamiliar with where to purchase it. I suggest searching on the Internet and perhaps eBay for sellers.
Gostaria de encontrar uma reprodução de uma jarra Gallé. Só porque adoro as peças
dele. Será possivel arranjar uma ?
Maria Manuela
I’m sorry, but I don’t sell reproduction Galle and I don’t know where to buy it. (Sinto muito, mas eu não vendo reprodução Galle e eu não sei onde comprá-la.)
Where I could buy a small Galle vase in London?
Sorry, but I only know of one dealer in London who sells Galle and he’s dishonest, so I can’t recommend him.
Hi;
I bought it recently a Emille Galle in a auction. I think, supostly his 2nd phase with single layer (cameo) of glass. How i can certificate this piece with your aunthenticity or not ?! May i send some picture to you see it quickly, before spend some sum to certify a fake or not piece ??
My best regards
Paolo Vitelli
Paolo, my fee for appraisals is $125 for the first item and $75 for each additional. Best. Philip
Where are u located ?? Can u analize some pictures or you need the lamp in your hands ?! Let me know.
My best regards
paolo vitelli
I can do appraisals from good photos.
Hi !
Yesterday one of my chields broke a Galle vase which is more than 25
years in our familys property. It’s in a lot of peaces but they can be placed back. What should I do? If its original, is it worth to be repaired somehow and somewhere and how can I controll if it’s a reproduction or not ? Can I send you a photo? Thanks in foward.
Zsombor Csiszer
Zsombor Csiszer
Zsombor, sorry for your loss, but all of the value is now gone. Now you should only repair the vase for sentimental reasons. If you have no sentimental reasons, you should just throw the pieces in the garbage.
i have a genuine galle small vaze from my grand mother and i want to sell it.
If you are interest i can send you photos.
Please send a photo to philchasen@gmail.com.
I recently purchased a gorgeous chandelier marked “Emile Galle”. Even as a reproduction it is surely worth the $900 I paid. However how can I ascertain its true value whether as genuine or a reproduction?
Thanks you.
Morton Kaplan
Morton, my fee for appraisals/authentications is $125 for the first object. Let me know if you wish to continue. Best. Philip
I purchased a galle single flower vase, Scenic yellowish with mountains and trees one with leaves and one losing some leaves. Mountains are orange/brown and tree is brown, ground brown. The signature does not have the accent over the e and it is somewhat, but not like his oldest pieces. Is the galle without the accent over the e a reproduction, or was this ever used?
To the best of my knowledge, authentic Gallé signatures always have an accent on the e.
I purchased a Galle’ vase in Bloomfield Hills (Oakland County), Michigan at an estate sale over 10 years ago.
I was told a few years ago by an appraiser that it might be an one of a kind original because of the length (25 inches )
It has the signature with the accent also.
Are you aware of any originals this length?
I’ve seen Gallé vases that are even larger than 25″. It could be authentic, but it’s not a one-of-a-kind original.
How can I set-up an appraisal?
You can start by sending one or two photos to philchasen@gmail.com. Then you can call me with your credit card information for the $125 fee. 516-922-2090.
I found a 18 inch tall galle vase at a antique shop they are saying it the real thing. it is orange and brown with a black ring on the top and a black bottom with palm trees and two toucans facing away from each other. could it be a real one and could it be found in a catalog some where. how can I tell if it is a real one.
You can send me photos of the vase. My fee for appraisals is $125, which you can pay by credit card.
Looking to purchase a gallé vase, sage green, with the signature close to the base but also a small star in front of the signature. I have been told that this signifies that the piece was done after his death. If so, does this lower the price of the vase?
Alfred, are you trying to appraise your vase? My fee is $125.
I have a lamp from Europe signed Galle, with no “TIP”. Is there a way if I send pics can you tell if original. Also, do you deal in them if it is? I do have digital pics.
Jeff, I can tell from the pictures. My fee is $125.
My mother and father would travel every year starting in 1975 to an antique shop somewhere in Vermont .This is where my patents bega.began their collection of 32 French cameo vases.The antique dealer went to France once a year and purchased SIGNED cameo glads.
You have two different prices for your appraisals. The ones in the statement are 100 and 50, but in your blog they go up to 125 and 75.
Why? And which is the current correct price?
Elias, $100 and $50 were the old prices from a couple of years ago. The prices have been $125 and $75 since. Exactly where did you find the $100 and $50 prices? I would like to correct them. Thanks. Philip
I used to own lidded Galle box’s bottom part. It was stolen from me. I replaced it with one which appeared on e-Bay for $3,000.00 I’m wondering whether it is really an original? Comparing the bottom half of this new piece and the one I used to own, this is much finer at the bottom, the old one was rougher at the edges.
I would be able to tell you with photos. My fee is $125. Please let me know if you wish to continue.
I recently purchased a lamp which the seller did not know the maker but after a bit of research it appears to be quite similar to the style of galle. However I can’t find any signature on it, did he always sign his pieces?
Gallé signed almost everything, but a Gallé signature does not mean the item is authentic. Many items with a Gallé signature are reproductions.
I recently found and Emille Galle’ Vase very large. It seems dark but when placed in front od window it glows. Its beautiful. If its fake its a very good one at that. would love to know exactley what i have the honor of owning. Every time i sit and admire it., I just think God, I love it@. Any help would be appreciated.
I recently found and Emille Galle’ Vase very large. It seems dark but when placed in front od window it glows. Its beautiful. If its fake its a very good one at that. would love to know exactly what i have the honor of owning. Every time i sit and admire it., I just think God, I love it@. Any help would be appreciated.
Amy, my fee for appraisals is $125. Please let me know if you wish to continue. Best. Philip
What kind of photo do you need? And how to send appraisal fee , have you bought in Tokyo? Best,Walter Loh
Walter, you can pay by credit card by calling me with your credit card information, 516-922-2090, or faxing the information to 516-922-2029. Good email photos are sufficient. Best. Philip
Philip, as per Elias’ question of April 13, 2015, the fees you state are on this very page and I quote: “I post lessons about reproductions on my website and I continue to write about them on my blog. I’m doing my best to educate the public, but it only helps a little. Of the many appraisals I do for individuals and insurance companies, about half of them turn out to be fake. My fee for appraisals is $100 for the first object and $50 for each additional. Most appraisals are done from emailed digital images.”.
That discrepancy of prices charged for appraisals is still there. Just thought you’d like to correct it.
What are your current appraisal fees and where can I send photos?
$125 for the first item and $75 for each additional. Send photos to philchasen@gmail.com
If a Gallé item is determined to be a reproduction, are you able to determine its worth as well ? There seems to be somewhat of a market for high quality reproductions in this age of hi quality rep production designer bags such as hair matches fetching top dollar for repros but still significantly below original retail prices. Crazy repro world !
I am discovering many art glass pieces in the home and storage vaults of my great aunt who lived all her life in Paris. Her family was French for 8 generations .
Some art glass do have corresponding estimates or bills of sale but they go back to the 1940s or 50s , And others have absolutely no trace yet as to how she obtained them. I do not want to second guess with which items I might begin to research or value , but I thought to start with the Gallés as they are so highly collectable and likely sellable or given to auction . I would like to forwardi to you pictures of a pair of Gallé vases one dated 1894, and the other 1900 but they do appear to match. My great aunt had a book with many pieces in it and markings in the book that appear to match
pieces she believed she owned. We have not located that yet ong her nelongings .
These vases supposedly have a
provenance from King Farrouk
collection . Her collection ranges
from Lalique ashtrays and bowls to
Baccarat chandeliers and bud bases
as well as jewellery boxes or
perhaps she use them as cigarette
boxes. I would like to send you
pictures of the two vases to begin
with or do you require payment first?
I have what looks like a Galle’ vase, but it is unsigned. Looks as if there was a sticker on the bottom at one time. Were there any unsigned Galle’s put on the market? I know he didn’t sign his pieces unless they passed his inspection.
I’ve just aquired a glased vase with the initials La in the base..it has an antelope a bison or a deer around it??could anybody shed some light.thank you.