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.

The Denver World Wide Antique Show opens this Friday, July 14, 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.


Our booth in Denver in 2016

The Denver World Wide Antique Show opens to the public this Friday, July 14th, at 10 AM, and continues until Sunday 4 PM. The show is held three times per year, but we only exhibit in Denver in the summer.

We’re bringing this incredible Gallé Seagull vase to the show

The show is medium-size — just right for the Denver market. The quality is better than you might expect for a local show. Don’t expect a flea market with a lot of junk. If you’re anywhere in greater Denver area, you should visit, as you won’t be disappointed. My display will be top-notch and many others will be too.

This wonderful B&S internally decorated vase is one of several fine examples we’ll have at the show

We’ll have a great selection of Tiffany Studios, Handel and Pairpoint lamps. Our French glass collection will be second to none and will include truly superior examples by Daum Nancy, Gallé, Burgun & Schverer, Walter and Argy-Rousseau. Our American glass collection will include outstanding examples of Tiffany Favrile glass. In addition, we’ll have great bronzes, American and European art pottery and many miscellaneous examples, too numerous to mention.

Tune in Monday for the results of the show.


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 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.

Let’s examine a reproduction Gallé marquetry vase

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Collecting French cameo glass by subject matter

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.


Most of the French cameo glass companies of the Art Nouveau period repeated subject matter on vases and lamps of different sizes and shapes. Some collectors like to create groupings, usually odd numbers of at least three. I recall one Florida collector who collected only Daum Winter vases and lamps. I think she had over 70 examples by the time she stopped collecting in the 1980s.

A rare Daum Nancy Rain lamp

A lovely Daum Nancy Rain vase

Rain is one of the rarest and most highly sought after subjects for Daum glass. It can be found on many shapes from as small as miniature vases, all the way up to large vases and lamps.

Two lovely example of Galle dragonfly and water lily decoration

Gallé liked dragonflies, which were usually depicted flying over water lilies. Gallé produced very few miniature vases, but dragonflies can be found on small to monumental vases. The addition of a dragonfly to the decoration of a vase can double its value.

There are as many ways to collect glass as there are collectors. Everyone’s idea of what makes a nice collection varies, but collecting groupings can be a nice way to add a little variety.


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.

The Miami Antiques + Art + Design Show opens this Friday, February 3, 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.


The Miami Antiques + Art + Design Show opens to the public this Friday at 11 AM and closes on Sunday at 5 PM. It will feature over 200 premier exhibitors from the U.S., Canada, Europe and South America, offering fine antiques and decorative arts.

Our booth at a previous Miami Airport show

This year the show has grown to 200 dealers from only 60 last year as many of the dealers from the Original Miami Beach Antique Show have jumped ship due to the uncertainty surrounding the relocation of the Original Miami Beach Antique Show. The Miami Beach Convention Center is undergoing extensive renovation which forced the Original Miami Beach Antique Show to move to the Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition Center. We’ve decided to exhibit at both shows and let the chips fall where they may.

We’ll have this just-purchased, incredible Daum Nancy Blackbird vase at the show.

We always bring a strong inventory to Miami, but this year is exceptional. You won’t believe the quantity and quality of the French and American glass and lamps we’ll have at the show. We had to rent an additional showcase beyond the eight we already bring just to fit it all. Come and visit the show. It’s always good but this year it will be great!

The Original Miami Antique Show follows the Miami Airport Show, moving from Miami Beach to a new venue. If you can’t make both shows, make sure you visit this one.


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.