Category Archives: Daum Nancy

More information on how to spot reproduction Galle vases

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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.

If you like my blog, please let your friends know by sending them a link. Then check out my new Daum, Gallé and R. Lalique acquisitions. I’ve listed them all on my website. I’ve listed another twenty items in the last few days, including Tiffany, Quezal, Steuben, Van Briggle, Fulper, George Ohr, Daum and Gallé. Here’s the link. chasenantiques.com Then check out the huge sale I’m having on Icart etchings. For the complete listing, click this link. Available Icart etchings.

The results of the NYC Pier Antiques Show, November 13-14, 2010

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The lines outside of the show at 9:45 AM on Saturday morning

Stella Show Management held their semi-annual NYC Pier Antiques Show this past weekend, November 13-14, 2010. Attendance was excellent on Saturday and very good on Sunday. The weather was probably a factor, as it was uncharacteristically mild for a mid-November weekend. The two-pronged line extended far out of the door 15 minutes before opening at 10 AM on Saturday.

My booth on Saturday afternoon

Personally, my show was good, with interest and sales in many categories, including Tiffany glass and desk pieces, French cameo glass, Vienna bronzes and Icart etchings. In asking around, I heard results from good to fair. No one was effusive and no one was glum. Most dealers were satisfied.

Sold Daum Nancy solifleur vase with wild orchids and spider webs

In my last blog, I tried to convey some of the atmosphere of the show. In talking to another show promoter during the show, she referred to the Pier Show as “raw”. It made me look at the show through a stranger’s eyes. What I saw is a show that is not polished, with more functional displays than elaborate ones. That’s part of what makes the show interesting — it’s a very “New York” happening. Can I say “funky” anymore or is that passé?

The hours are long, from 10 AM – 6 PM, both Saturday and Sunday. It makes a lot of sense on Saturday, when there are lots of people all day, but it makes NO sense on Sunday. The hours should be 12 – 5 PM, but I can understand longer hours. At the very least, the hours should be shortened one hour on Sunday, from 11 AM – 6 PM. I spoke personally to Irene Stella about the change, but she indicated to me that the dealers needed the extra hour to park in the street and pay their bills. Excuse me??? I need an extra hour’s sleep and rest and not help with parking or paying my bills. To those other dealers who read my blog, please let Irene know you agree with me. From 10 – 11 AM, I did not answer a single question from even one person, nor did I open a single cabinet. The show didn’t even start to fill up until about 11:30 AM. Irene, please change the hours. OK, enough of my bitching.

Stella Show Management continues to put together high quality full shows in a world where many shows are shrinking dramatically. Their publicity is good, so they maintain consistently strong attendance. I wish them continued success.

If you like my blog, please let your friends know by sending them a link. Then check out my new Daum, Gallé and R. Lalique acquisitions. I’ve listed them all on my website. I’ve listed another twenty items in the last few days, including Tiffany, Quezal, Steuben, Van Briggle, Fulper, George Ohr, Daum and Gallé. Here’s the link chasenantiques.com

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The NYC Pier Antiques Show is coming this weekend, November 13-14, 2010

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Fashion is part of the New York City Pier Antiques Show

Twice a year, Stella Show Management holds the NYC Pier Antiques Show at Pier 94 on New York City’s Hudson River and 56th St. Everyone I know looks forward to this show because New York City doesn’t have another one like it. Of course, there are plenty of shows in NYC, especially fancy ones at the Armory on Park Ave. and 67th St., but the Pier Antiques Show is one-of-a-kind. The only show that was similar is no longer in existence. It was a show in the Exposition Rotunda of Madison Square Garden on 8th Avenue and 31st St. The attendance and enthusiasm for that show were tremendous.

Rare Daum Nancy 'Rain' veilleuse

What makes this show different is the huge diversity, from vintage clothing and costume jewelry to unique decorator objects to autographs (think George Washington!) to high-end items (think me, among many others). Anticipation and enthusiasm run high for the show. Some of the first people through the door are a bevy of decorators. I can’t think of another show with as many decorators. They rush in and snap up the unusual items that decorators know how to place. Also in the initial rush are many dealers and collectors (including some from Europe and Japan), all looking to find that special object or objects. And they are usually successful. You can tell by the line of people waiting for taxis. More than half of them will be carrying packages. That’s an unusually high percentage of buyers. You can always tell how a show is going by the number of people carrying packages. If attendance is good, but there are few packages, the show is not going well for the dealers.

Rare Muller chandelier with roses

I’m bringing some really special items to this show. One of them is a great French cameo chandelier by Muller. One of Muller’s best subject matter is roses and this beauty is covered with them. What else? Well, I was in a house in Chicago and got some wonderful items you wouldn’t normally expect to see in my booth, including a large Satsuma decorated bowl in the shape of a nautilus shell with underwater decoration on one side, a beautiful English tea caddy, a Vienna bronze basket with a bird, etc. From another collection, I’m bringing some very fine Daum Nancy acid-etched and enameled vases that haven’t been seen before. Then there’s two KPM plaques of pretty girls, a couple of Quezal vases, and lots of new items that haven’t seen the light of day in many years.

The show runs only two days, so the action happens fast. It opens at 10 AM on Saturday and closes at 6 PM, with the same hours on Sunday. Most show promoters feel they need at least three days for exhibitors, but I beg to differ. A compact show creates excitement. There are more people walking around when items start to sell. That forces people to make up their minds faster and that generates electricity. Shows need electricity, not dripping water torture. Maybe it’s the wrong approach for the Midwest, but it certainly works in NYC.

If you haven’t yet made your plans to come, do it now. There are plenty of parking lots in the area plus taxis and public transportation. As long as you’re in the city, go to one of the great restaurants or museums. There’s lots to do and enjoy over a weekend in New York City.

If you like my blog, please let your friends know by sending them a link. Then check out my new Daum, Gallé and R. Lalique acquisitions. I’ve listed them all on my website. I’ve listed another twenty items in the last few days, including Tiffany, Quezal, Steuben, Van Briggle, Fulper, George Ohr, Daum and Gallé. Here’s the link chasenantiques.com

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Results of the Chicago Merchandise Mart Fall Antiques Show, October 1-4, 2010

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My booth on Sunday afternoon

The Chicago Merchandise Mart Fall Antiques Show finished yesterday. Most of the dealers I spoke to were pleased with their results, but for the most part, they were below the results of a year ago. Attendance was good at the show, but selling was not quite as strong as before. No one I spoke to was ebullient, most were satisfied, and one dealer was quite unhappy.

A fantastic Daum Nancy ewer with poppies

Personally, I was pleased with my show, but my results were also below a year ago. Interest was best in Tiffany lamps and frames, Daum Nancy glass, and Icart etchings. I am always thankful to my loyal clients who buy from me repeatedly, and very gratified for the new clients I made at the show. This was a good show, not a lucky one, as I sold items to more than a few clients.

A rare Tiffany Linenfold floor lamp with hoof feet

The Merchandise Mart shows are amongst my favorites of the year. Setup and packup are always pleasant and efficient. All of the staff at the Mart, from the porters to the office, bend over backwards to be helpful. Downtown Chicago is great. Now if I can only convince them to get rid of the preview party, I’ll really be happy. Four hours of torture for me that always puts me in a bad mood.

If you like my blog, please let your friends know by sending them a link. Then check out my new Daum, Gallé and R. Lalique acquisitions. I’ve listed them all on my website. Here’s the link chasenantiques.com.

The Chicago Merchandise Mart Fall Antiques Show runs from October 1-4, 2010

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The Merchandise Mart in Chicago runs a very successful antiques show in the late April to early May every year. The success of the show led the Mart to create a fall version, which will open with a preview party on Thursday evening, September 30, 2010. This will be the third time the Mart has run the fall show and it’s getting better every year. It doesn’t have some of the international exhibitors who exhibit there in the spring, but nonetheless it’s an A-1 show that deserves a visit, even if you have to travel some distance.

The Merchandise Mart Fall Antiques Show, October 1-4, 2010

I recently returned from a successful buying trip, so I’ll be bringing some very fine items that you haven’t seen before, especially glass by Daum Nancy, Gallé and R. Lalique.

A superb Daum Nancy ewer with poppies and gilding, 9¾ in. tall

The show hours are Friday, October 1, 11 am–7 pm; Saturday, October 2, 11 am–7 pm; Sunday, October 3, 11 am–6 pm; and Monday, October 4, 11 am–3 pm. Not many shows end on a Monday. I can’t say I’m fond of it, but as this promoter insists on it, we’ll be there until Monday, October 4th.

Make your plans to visit the show. The weather in Chicago in early October is great, the city is vibrant and the restaurants are superb. Introduce yourself to me and let me know what you’d like to buy, sell or trade.

Check out the newly acquired Daum, Gallé and R. Lalique vases I’ve recently listed on my website. Please take a look by clicking on this link chasenantiques.com.

Please send me your comments or questions about art glass, lamps, Louis Icart, shows, auctions, etc. If it’s interesting, I’ll answer you in a future blog.

French cameo glass lessons — Galle blownout vases

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The following post took quite some time to write, so I’m leaving it on for an additional couple of days. You won’t want to miss my next post on Wednesday, when I’ll report about an incredible auction result for a rare Tiffany Studios object.

Monumental Galle calla lily blownout vase

The basic technique used in the manufacture of French cameo glass was acid-etching. After the vases were built up with layers of colored glass, they were then cut back with hydrofluoric acid. The design was protected with a waxy substance called a resist. The process was repeated as often as necessary to create the desired level of detail. The result was a raised design that could be seen and felt with your fingers.

The French makers were not content to make the same type of vases again and again, so they experimented with various techniques to achieve different results. It is thought that the technique of mold-blowing by the firm of Emile Gallé was not added to their repertoire until after WWI. By that time, Emile Gallé had already died.

Using this technique, the artists first had to carve an original model, from which a mold was made. Molten glass was poured into the mold to create a blank. From there, the techniques were the same – build up the layers of colored glass and then use acid to cut them back. The result was very effective, creating flowers or fruit or animals, that stuck out from the body of the vase and became three-dimensional.

Galle apple blownout vase

In the United States, the Pairpoint Corp. of New Bedford, Massachusetts, patented the technique for “puffy” lamps in 1907. Pairpoint puffy lamps are basically the same as Galle blownout vases, except that the lamps were hand-painted and then fired, rather than acid-etched. It’s curious. Perhaps there was some trans-ocean cross-pollination between the two companies? Perhaps someone at the Galle factory first saw a Pairpoint puffy lamp and decided the technique could be applied to Galle glass? Or the other way around, although the dating makes this less likely?

Pairpoint puffy Apple Tree lamp

Blownout vases can be of identical form, but not identical. They will differ in color, depending on the choice of colored glass used to cover the blank. They may also differ slightly in design, depending on the etching.

Two Galle clematis blownout vases in different colors

Galle produced approximately fifty different models of blownout vases, from small to huge. The clematis blownout vases pictured above are examples of small blownout vases, approximately 6″ tall. The calla lily vase is huge and the largest of the blownout vases, approximately 14″ tall and bulbous (from memory and surely not accurate).

Blownout vases (sometimes called mold-blown or souffle) are highly desirable and collectible. They have always commanded a premium price over similar, non mold-blown examples. Prices in today’s market range from a low of about $5,000 to over $100,000 for rare models, such as a white elephant blownout. An average price would be about $15,000.

Very rare Gallé white elephant blownout vase

Other companies, such as Daum, employed the technique of mold-blowing, but Gallé embraced the technique and produced the largest number of different blownout vases.

I’ve seen various collectors put together collections that included a number of blownout vases, but to my knowledge, no one has ever tried to put together a collection with every known example of Galle blownouts. I think that would be a great, fun challenge, but one has to have the means and the desire to achieve it.

I just came back from a successful buying trip. Over the next week, I will be adding to my website recently acquired Daum, Galle and R. Lalique vases. Please take a look. Click on this link chasenantiques.com.

Please send me your comments or questions about art glass, lamps, Louis Icart, shows, auctions, etc. If it’s interesting, I’ll answer you in a future blog.

Repeating designs in French cameo glass by Daum Nancy and Gallé

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When the Daum and Galle factories chose designs that sold well, they repeated them on different shapes. It permits an interesting way to collect — buying multiple items with the same design, but different shapes. Mixing shapes with the same decoration can make for a beautiful display. Odd numbers of items are usually easier to arrange.

Daum lamp with violets decoration

Daum repeated many decorations, including scenes depicting every season of the year. Many different flowers were also used. Vases and lamps with violets are highly collectible and have been since Japanese buyers singled them out in the late 1980s.

Daum 4-inch pillow vase with blackbird decoration

Blackbird decoration is another one that Daum repeated. It is one of the rarest and most desirable decorations. It’s available in a variety of shapes, from lamps to miniatures.

A fine Daum blackbird miniature 'broken egg'

Prairie vases by Daum show a field with many tiny wildflowers, each hand-enameled. The flowers appear raised and create a gorgeous decoration. Prairie vases are especially rare and command premium prices starting at approximately $10,000.

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Galle also repeated many decorations, including a variety of flowers, as well as scenes. Dragonfly and water lily decoration was especially popular and frequently depicted. This decoration is prized by collectors.

Two lovely examples depicting Galle's dragonfly and water lily decoration

I recently added over 10 Galle vases to my website, 7 Tiffany lamps, 1 Grueby vase, 1 Newcomb vase, Daum Nancy glass and a fabulous Burgun & Schverer internally decorated vase. This coming week, I’ll be adding many new items. Please take a look. Click on this link chasenantiques.com.

Please send me your comments or questions about art glass, lamps, Louis Icart, shows, auctions, etc. If it’s interesting, I’ll answer you in a future blog.

Some extraordinary results for French cameo glass at Christie’s Interior sale, July 22, 2010

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Christie’s New York held another of their Interior sales on July 22, 2010, with some noteworthy results for French cameo glass.

Daum Nancy winter scenic footed bowl, Christie's New York, lot 217, July 22, 2010

Daum Nancy winter scenic footed bowl, Christie's New York, lot 217, July 22, 2010

The French cameo glass section of the sale began with lot 204 and ended with lot 236. A nice selection of Daum Nancy and Emile Galle glass passed the block during that time. The top lot of the group was #217, a Daum Nancy winter scenic footed bowl, estimated to sell for $1,500-2,000. It sold for 10 times the high estimate for the extraordinary price of $20,000. It was a hair taller than 3″ and in my opinion should have sold in the $3-4,000 range.

Daum Nancy winter scenic vase, Christie's lot 216, July 22, 2010

Daum Nancy winter scenic vase, Christie's lot 216, July 22, 2010

A larger 9½” Daum Nancy winter scenic vase, lot 216, was the second highest lot of the French cameo glass. It was estimated to sell for $2-3,000 and sold for $18,750, again many times the high estimate.

Daum Nancy 8¾ inches bellflower vase, Christie's lot 225, July 22, 2010

Daum Nancy 8¾ inches bellflower vase, Christie's lot 225, July 22, 2010

Another superb price was achieved by lot 225, a Daum Nancy floral vase with purple bellflowers. It sold for over 8 times the high estimate of $1,800, realizing $15,000.

Galle water lily vase, 11¾ inches, Christie's lot 207, July 22, 2010

Galle water lily vase, 11¾ inches, Christie's lot 207, July 22, 2010

Gallé vases also performed well, but not as well as Daum. The top Gallé lot of the sale was #207. Estimated at $2-3,000, it sold for $8,125, almost three times the high estimate.

Good French cameo glass continues to do well, even under trying conditions in today’s market.

I recently added over 10 Galle vases to my website, 7 Tiffany lamps, 1 Grueby vase, 1 Newcomb vase, Daum Nancy glass and a fabulous Burgun & Schverer internally decorated vase. This coming week, I’ll be adding many new items. Please take a look. Click on this link chasenantiques.com.

Please send me your comments or questions about art glass, lamps, Louis Icart, shows, auctions, etc. If it’s interesting, I’ll answer you in a future blog.

Results of the Denver Antiques Show, July 16-18, 2010

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My booth at the Denver Antiques Show, 2:20 PM, Sunday afternoon

My booth at the Denver Antiques Show, 2:20 PM, Sunday afternoon

2:20 PM Sunday. Although attendance has been decent throughout the show, sales have been poor (read non-existent) since Friday afternoon. So based on the results to this minute, we will not be returning to exhibit in Denver. Should something dramatic happen in the last few hours of the show, I will be pleased to change my mind. It’s too bad that the locals don’t buy enough to support the show. Denver is a nice city and Colorado is a beautiful state, but business is business.

5:00 PM, Sunday. The show just closed and sales for the day were $30. Two out of the three shows in Denver were not good, so we have decided not to return to Denver.

I spoke to several dealers and each and every one told me the show didn’t go well. That’s how shows fail. A vicious cycle begins when the dealers can’t sell enough to warrant returning. The show gets smaller, the public is disappointed, and round and round it goes until the show fails. Cleveland used to be a wonderful city to exhibit many years ago, especially at the Cleveland Coliseum, halfway between Cleveland and Akron. Now all of the shows there have failed and there is no decent antique show in the area.

Now we’re on to the Redondo Beach Antiques Show, just south of Los Angeles, this coming weekend, July 23-25, 2010. That show has been shrinking every year, but business is usually decent. I’ve met some of my best clients there, so I hope it doesn’t fail. Apparently that isn’t the case for the other dealers, as many have dropped out. The antiques show business has become tough, with only the best shows surviving in major cities like Miami, New York, Chicago and Baltimore.

Tiffany Studios 12-light lily floor lamp

Tiffany Studios 12-light lily floor lamp

I’m bringing some amazing items to the Redondo Beach show, including a Tiffany 12-light lily floor lamp. Tiffany lily lamps are not rare, but lily floor lamps are. It’s only the second one that I’ve had for sale in the last 35 years. I’ve got another six Tiffany floor lamps, as well as a superb collection of table lamps that I’ve recently acquired. In addition, I’m bringing a wonderful selection of Tiffany, Galle and Daum Nancy glass, and American art pottery, including some great examples of Grueby, Newcomb College, Marblehead, and George Ohr.

Please come and visit me at the Redondo Beach Antiques Show and introduce yourself.

I recently added over 10 Galle vases to my website, 7 Tiffany lamps, 1 Grueby vase, 1 Newcomb vase, Daum Nancy glass and a fabulous Burgun & Schverer internally decorated vase. This coming week, I’ll be adding many new items. Please take a look. Click on this link chasenantiques.com.

Please send me your comments or questions about art glass, lamps, Louis Icart, shows, auctions, etc. If it’s interesting, I’ll answer you in a future blog.

The summer antique show season is about to begin in Denver, July 16-18, 2010

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Spring is always a slow time for antiques and antique shows. There just aren’t any good shows, so I redirect my attention elsewhere, but not too far astray. Mainly I spend the time trying to acquire wonderful new items for my summer show schedule of five shows — Denver, Redondo Beach, Pasadena, Chicago and finally Baltimore.

A rare Tiffany Studios tripod 10 inch Linenfold floor lamp

A rare Tiffany Studios tripod 10 inch Linenfold floor lamp

I’ve really succeeded this time. I’ve been lucky to find several fine Tiffany Studios floor lamps, including rare examples with unusual bases and fine Linenfold or Favrile glass shades. And how about a superb 18″ Tiffany Studios Belted Dogwood table lamp?

A rare and very desirable Daum Nancy Blackbird vase

A rare and very desirable Daum Nancy Blackbird vase

I always try to carry a large selection of the finest French cameo glass, which I’ve been able to add to with some recently acquired beauties. You can view photos on my website of much of the great Gallé, Daum Nancy, and pate-de-verre glass.

The Denver Antiques Show, July 16-18, 2010

The Denver Antiques Show, July 16-18, 2010

My first show this summer will be in Denver, July 16-18. I hope everyone comes out to support the show. I exhibited there last summer for the first time and had a pretty good show — good enough to return in the fall. Unfortunately that didn’t go well. This third Denver show will be the test — best of three. Two good shows and I’ll be back. Two bad shows and goodbye to Denver. Over the years, I’ve had to eliminate many good cities from my schedule because I couldn’t do enough business to make them worth my while. Gone from my schedule are San Francisco, Indianapolis, Detroit, Philadelphia, Boston, New Haven, Hartford, Sarasota, Houston and others. Too bad, because I really like some of those cities, especially San Francisco and Houston.

The week after Denver, we’ll be at the Redondo Beach Antiques Show, just south of LA. One week off and then back to the same general area — Pasadena. A couple of weeks off and then on to Chicago and finally Baltimore over the Labor Day weekend. Try to make the time to come and see us when we get to or near your city. Some of the shows are worth a trip from anywhere. For a complete list of my shows, please click on the following link. Philip Chasen Antiques show schedule.

I just added over 10 Galle vases to my website, 7 Tiffany lamps, 1 Grueby vase, 1 Newcomb vase, Daum Nancy glass and a fabulous Burgun & Schverer internally decorated vase. This coming week, I’ll be adding many new items. Please take a look. Click on this link chasenantiques.com.

Please send me your comments or questions about art glass, lamps, Louis Icart, shows, auctions, etc. If it’s interesting, I’ll answer you in a future blog.