Category Archives: French cameo glass

Excellent results at Christie’s New York Design sale, June 7, 2017

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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.

Christie’s New York held its Design sale on June 7, 2017, a day after Sotheby’s similar sales. Sales totaled $7,162,375, for a very impressive average of $87,346 for the 82 sold lots. 20 lots failed to sell.

Gallé Wisteria table lamp, Christie’s lot #16

The sale began with the Joel Schur collection of Emile Gallé glass, including superb examples of vases and lamps from the 1920s. Lot #16, a huge, 30″ tall, beautiful Gallé Wisteria table lamp led the group with a price of $331,500, including buyer’s premium, above its pre-sale high estimate of $250,000.

Galle Rhododendron table lamp, Christie’s lot #12

Lot #s 12 and 13, identical Gallé blownout Rhododendron table lamps, tied for second and third places in the Joel Schur group. They each sold for $295,500, including buyer’s premium, well above their high estimates of $180,000.

Tiffany Studios Laburnum table lamp, Christie’s lot #24

The top lot of the Tiffany lamp section of the sale was #24, a full-sized Laburnum table lamp on a tree-trunk base. It exceeded its high estimate of $200,000, realizing $259,500, including buyer’s premium.

I won’t concern myself with the more modern items in the sale, but suffice it to say they did very well including $631,500 for a carpet and $907,500 for a bronze. See for yourself by clicking here for the complete results of the 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 mid-July, so we’ll take some time to smell the roses. I’ll be buying and selling in the meantime, so be in touch if you’re doing either.

I recently listed some 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 results of the Chicago Antiques + Art + Design Show, May 19-21, 2017

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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.

The Chicago Antiques + Art + Design Show ended yesterday after a three-day run from May 19-21, 2017. Most dealers were pleased enough with the show that they will be returning for next year’s edition. A few exhibitors did poorly, but that always happens at any show.

We sold this rare and beautiful Daum Bee vase at the preview party

The show started off with a dud of a preview party on Thursday night. The sponsor of the party, the Illinois Executive Mansion, failed to turn out enough people, so the party was very lightly attended. Additionally there was only cheese and crackers, bad wine and no liquor. Ugh! We were able to make a nice sale to one of our best clients, but that had nothing to do with the party. I already spoke to the promoter who said she will have a new sponsor for next year’s preview party.

Saturday afternoon in our booth

Attendance was moderate for most of the show and business was more or less steady. Each day started out very slowly, and picked up as the day went on. We made sales every day, so we’re pleased. French glass sold best (so what else is new?).

We sold this special Tiffany Studios Pine Needle double frame on Saturday

We’re looking forward to next year’s edition of the show. Surely there will be some changes in the exhibitors, with a few dropping out and a few replacements, but the overall quality will continue to be very high. The city of Chicago can be proud of the show.

Our next show is the Denver World Wide Antique Show in mid-July, so we’ll take some time to smell the roses. I’ll be buying and selling in the meantime, so be in touch if you’re doing either.

I recently listed some 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.

Let’s examine a reproduction Gallé marquetry vase

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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.

Reproduction Gallé marquetry vase

In my duties as a consultant to various auction houses, I was asked to authenticate a “Gallé” marquetry vase. Following are some photos of it and an authentic Gallé marquetry vase.

The marquetry technique involved applying molten glass to a vase and then pressing the applications into the vase. After the vase cooled, the applied glass was detailed by wheel-carving, except for some Gallé study vases marked Étude. The marquetry technique also refers to wood, where a veneer was cut into shapes and glued to the surface to create a design. Marquetry decoration in both glass and wood is neither raised nor depressed, but flat. The term inlaid is appropriate.

Gallé marquetry table

The reproduction vase signature

Let’s examine some of the details of the reproduction vase (first photo above). Observe the primary colors. Authentic Gallé colors are more refined and subtle. Then notice the acid-etched leaves on the vase. Authentic marquetry vases do not have any acid-etched design. The fancy Oriental signature (above) is just a trick to throw a potential buyer off the track. After all, how can a reproduction vase have such an impressive signature? Then examine the photo below of the real McCoy. Notice the beautiful colors and the fine detail from wheel-carving. To the trained eye, the differences are huge. This lesson should help the untrained eye.

Authentic Gallé marquetry vase

The contemporary glass market is alive and well, which is where the maker of this vase should have used his/her talent.

The revived Chicago Antiques + Art + Design Show at the Chicago Merchandise Mart opens to the public next Friday, May 19th. I was quite sad when the original show 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 19-21, 2017, with a preview party the night of the 18th.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

Some interesting results at Brunk Auctions, March 24-25, 2017

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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.

Brunk Auctions, Asheville, NC, held a diversified sale on March 24th and 25th, 2017. Included in the sale were a Tiffany Studios chandelier, a Colinet bronze and three French cameo glass vases among the 910 lots offered for sale. The results varied greatly.

Tiffany Studios Turtleback chandelier, Brunk lot #65

The unsigned, 24″ diameter, Tiffany Studios Turtleback chandelier sold well, even with a few problems, such as three new sockets, a replaced ceiling cap, and seven cracked panels. In its favor were reddish turtleback tiles and nice mottled glass. It sold for $36,000, including buyer’s premium, against a pre-sale estimate of $15,000 – $25,000.

Claire Colinet bronze, Brunk lot #327

Lot #327, a Claire Colinet French bronze of dancing children, 23″ tall, was featured on the inside cover of the catalog. It sold for $3,360, including buyer’s premium, above its high estimate of $2,500. I was busy during the sale, so I never bid, but I think I would have bought it if I had participated.

The three French cameo glass lots, #s 10-12, were two acid-etched-only Daum vases and one low quality Gallé vase. They all sold at or below their low estimates. I wouldn’t have bought them at any price.

For the complete results, click here. There were glitches with the website, so it was difficult to use, but you can try.

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 next week with a preview party on Friday, April 21st and continues until Sunday, April 23rd at 5 PM. I hope you can make it.

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

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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.

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.

John McInnis Auctioneers sold a beautiful Gallé marquetry vase at their Three Day Spring Estates Auction, Sunday, March 26, 2017

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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.

Gallé marquetry vase, McInnis lot #954

John McInnis Auctioneers held a Three Day Spring Estates Auction, March 24-26, 2017. Included in the Sunday portion of the sale was a rare and beautiful Gallé marquetry vase, lot #954.

Marquetry vases are quite sophisticated. The technique required pressing colored glass into the design when the glass was molten. On cooling, the finish work was hand-engraved to give the flowers realistic details. The quality was superb.

The original Gilman Collamore & Co. sticker affixed to the underside.

Additionally the vase had a sticker underneath from the original high-end retailer in New York City, Gilman Collamore & Co., which opened on 5th Avenue and 30th St. in 1890. I’m sure the vase’s provenance, provided by the sticker, gave a boost to its value.

The bidding began at $2,000 and immediately jumped to $11,000. By the time it was finished, the vase sold for $44,280, including buyer’s premium, many times the pre-sale estimate of $4,000 – $6,000. I was actively bidding until $30,000, when I had to drop out. There’s only so much a dealer can pay and still make a profit. Congratulations to the successful bidder for a superb purchase.

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 about 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.

Doyle New York held its Doyle at Home sale yesterday, March 8, 2017

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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 Doyle at Home sale yesterday, March 8, 2017. Included in the sale was a small selection of mostly mediocre French, Austrian and American art glass and lamps. Doyle used to include this type of merchandise in its 2-3 times yearly Belle Epoque sales, but all of the auction houses have moved to Design sales instead.

Loetz Phänomen vase, Doyle lot #229

Lot #229 was a standout Loetz 7¾” Phänomen vase with drip decoration, on a salmon-colored ground. Estimated to sell for $800 – $1,200, it realized $5,312, including buyer’s premium.

Gallé Crystallerie vase, Doyle lot #226

Lot #226 was a nice 19th century example of Gallé Crystallerie production, which was usually clear glass with enameling. This smallish 5½” example also had applied cabochon flower centers, improving its beauty and sophistication. It sold above its high estimate of $1,500, realizing $2,125, including buyer’s premium.

Tiffany Studios 3-light lily piano lamp, Doyle lot #526

The Tiffany Studios offerings were mostly low quality, reflected in their middling results. Lot #526, a Tiffany 3-light lily piano lamp, did OK, considering that one of the three shades was badly damaged and held together with tape. It sold for $4,375, against a pre-sale estimate of $1,500 – $2,500.

For the complete results of the sale, click here.

Next week we’ll be exhibiting at the Charleston Antique Show in Charleston, SC, March 17-19, 2017. I have no idea what to expect since I’ve never exhibited there, but I figure it’s worth a shot. I have low expectations and am hoping for a nice surprise.

I’ve been listing on my website many of the new items I’ve recently purchased 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.