Tag Archives: Philip Chasen

A few French cameo glass results from recent auctions

Posted on by
Reply

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. Now that the weather is colder, I have gone back to publishing twice weekly, as often as possible.

Gallé Tulip vase, Treadway Toomey lot #113

Treadway Toomey Auctions of Chicago, IL, held their Art In Glass: Collection of Joan & Milton Baxt sale on Saturday, November 11, 2017. Included in the sale was one fine lot of Gallé glass, with provenance from Minna Rosenblatt Ltd., New York City, August 2, 1986. With four layers of colored glass on a salmon background, great detail, and a nice 15″ size, it was much better than most Gallé vases that have come up for auction recently. The multiple layers allowed for an unusual effect, with tulips on the back looking like the negative of those on the front. Couple fine quality, market freshness and a low estimate of $2,000 – $4,000 and you’ve got the recipe for a great result. The vase sold for $15,000, including buyer’s premium. I tried to buy it, but it flew past my price to a full retail price.

Gallé Moth vase, Humler & Nolan lot #0572

Humler & Nolan of Cincinnati, OH, held a pottery, glass and Rookwood auction on November 4-5, 2017. Included in the glass section of the sale were a few good items, along with more than a few ordinary items. Lot #0572 was a small (3¾” tall x 4½” long), but very high quality, Gallé vase with wheel-carved moths. Wheel-carving by hand yields a level of detail that is not attainable with acid-etching only. When done by a skilled craftsman, the result can be wonderful. This example was no exception, with great artistry, on a very rare shape. Collectors were willing to overlook the small size and bid the vase to $13,310, against an estimate of $2,500 – $3,000. I, on the other hand, was unable to buy it at a price where I thought I could resell it.

Daum Nancy Cornflower pitcher, Humler & Nolan lot #0622

Lot #0622 was a nice, but unspectacular, Daum Nancy pitcher with Cornflower decoration. Estimated near retail value, $5,000 – $7,000, it sold for the low estimate, $6,050, including buyer’s premium. I had no interest in this item and did not bid.

For the complete results of the Treadway Toomey sale, click here. For the complete results of the Humler & Nolan sale, click here.

No more shows until February 2, 2018, when we’ll exhibit at the Miami Airport show. That gives us time to beat the bushes to find new treasures and take some time to smell the figurative roses. November is usually a good month for business. Then business dies in December because most people are looking for less expensive Christmas gifts than we offer. Occasionally we make a Christmas sale, but that’s the exception, not the rule. Cold weather and the New Year bring a new wave of enthusiasm.

I will update my site 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 Antiques + Modernism Winnetka show, November 3-5, 2017

Posted on by
Reply

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. The weather is getting colder and my show schedule is picking up, so I have gone back to publishing twice weekly.

We sold this fabulous Tiffany Dragonfly lamp at the show

After two disappointing shows in a row, we finished our show circuit with a big success in Winnetka, IL. We didn’t make many sales, but they were all good, including three Tiffany lamps.

Saturday afternoon in our booth. We sold the Poinsettia (back right), but the Crocus (front left) is for sale.

The show started off on Thursday evening with the usual excruciating preview party, with no sales, of course. Attendance was light throughout most of the show, but that wasn’t important to us, as the right people showed up. All of our sales were to existing clients, to whom we are eternally grateful. Not one single sale to a new client, which is unfortunate.

A selection of fine Daum Nancy glass from our show

No more shows until February 2, 2018, when we’ll exhibit at the Miami Airport show. That gives us time to beat the bushes to find new treasures and take some time to smell the figurative roses. November is usually a good month for business. Then business dies in December because most people are looking for less expensive Christmas gifts than we offer. Occasionally we make a Christmas sale, but that’s the exception, not the rule. Cold weather and the New Year bring a new wave of enthusiasm.

I will update my site 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 view from the preview party at the Antiques + Modernism Winnetka show, November 2, 2017

Posted on by
Reply

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. The weather is getting colder and my show schedule is picking up, so I have gone back to publishing twice weekly.

A view of our booth looking down from the stage

Thursday, 6:30 PM. The preview party has started and as many of you know, I’m not a fan. I suffer through, although good food and drink make them more palatable. The food and drink at this preview party are good, so I’m suffering slightly less, but suffering nonetheless.

The setup went reasonably well, except we were constantly stepping over one another in our small booth. Additionally we had to wait several hours to get electricity. Annoying, but it didn’t prevent us from finishing with plenty of time left over. If I say so myself, the final product is a beautiful booth.

Thursday, 9:30 PM. The party is over and I can’t wait to get to the room and watch Thursday night football. I’m rooting for the Jets.

The hallway was full of people at the party

Attendance was fairly good and there were a few questions, but of course, no sales. As I sit here, the booth is empty and the hallway is filled with people having a grand old time. I’m sorry, but I’m here to do business, not to entertain the local socialites.

Here’s hoping the show goes better than the preview party.

I’ll try to add a few items to my website this weekend. The busier it is, the less time I’ll have, but I should be able. Check my website to see if I was successful.

I will update my site 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 Southfield Pavilion Antiques, Art, & Modernism Show, October 27-29, 2017

Posted on by
Reply

I’ll write Thursday’s post during the preview party on Thursday night, so you can read it on Friday.

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. The weather is getting colder and my show schedule is picking up, so I have gone back to publishing twice weekly.

Friday, 3:15 PM. It’s not a good sign when I have the time to start writing my blog at a show. The show has been open for over an hour with a couple of serious inquiries, but no sales yet.

Friday, 6:00 PM. The day was dreadfully slow, with a couple of seemingly serious inquiries, but no sales. I’m not optimistic the show will go well, but hopefully business will improve over the weekend.

Looking down the aisle from my booth at 2 PM on Saturday

Saturday, 2:00 PM. The show has been open for four hours. Attendance has been very light and there have been no serious inquiries. I hope this doesn’t turn out to be our first show ever with no sales, but that remains a distinct possibility.

Saturday, 6:00 PM. The show is closed today and so far it’s been a bust. There have been very few people in attendance and very little interest from those that were here. One lady is interested in a couple of paintings and promised to return tomorrow with her husband, so we’ll see if anything materializes.

Sunday, 2:00 PM. We actually made one sale for $225, so this will not be our first show with no sales.

We’ll have this incredible Gallé Seagull vase at the Winnetka show

Sunday, 4:00 PM. The show is over and the news is in. We will not be returning to Southfield, Michigan. That makes two shows in a row that we’re dropping. We have very few shows left.

We made a decent sale in the afternoon, so now we’re losing less money, but the show was still a loss. Attendance at the show was poor, as were interest and sales. I wish the show promoter, Bob Bockius, the best, but I just don’t see how the show has much of a future. With such low attendance, there isn’t much chance for the dealers to do well, forcing them to drop out. Without enough dealers, there can’t be a show. I hope I’m wrong.

Friday – 10:00am – 6:00pm, Saturday – 10:00am – 5:00pm, Sunday – 11:00am – 4:00pm

Now we’re off to Winnetka, Illinois for the Antiques + Modernism Winnetka show this week. We have great friends and clients in the greater Chicago area, so we’re happy to be returning.

I hope to be able to add a number of wonderful examples of recent purchases to my website, but I’ve been busy, so it’s been hard to find the time. If you’re looking for something, send me an email. I’ll make the time to respond to your request.

I will update my site 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 Southfield Pavilion Antiques, Art, & Modernism Show, October 26, 2017

Posted on by
Reply

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. The weather is getting colder and my show schedule is picking up, so I have gone back to publishing twice weekly.

Print the coupon above for a $2 discount on admission

Our selection of Tiffany Favrile glass is almost set up

We didn’t start setup on the right foot. Our truck broke down en route from Denver to Southfield. $1,800 later we worked hard and got the show set up in one day. The result is a great booth.

Alan & Adele Grodsky will be displaying a selection of Handel and Pairpoint lamps

There’s still a half day left today, Friday, to finish setting up, but we’re finished. The show opens to the public at 2 PM today and closes at 5 PM on Sunday. We have our fingers crossed the show will go well, but we have no illusions. Just like Denver, if the show doesn’t go well, we will not return.

Global Tiger Estate Services of St. Charles, MO has set up a nice booth

The show is small, but the quality of the dealers is very good. If you’re anywhere in the greater Detroit area, I suggest you pay a visit. I think you’ll be very pleased.

Friday – 10:00am – 6:00pm, Saturday – 10:00am – 5:00pm, Sunday – 11:00am – 4:00pm

Next week we’ll travel to Winnetka, Illinois for the Antiques + Modernism Winnetka show. That’s one show we don’t have to worry about. We have great clients in the greater Chicago area, so we really look forward to it.

I hope to be able to add a number of wonderful examples of recent purchases to my website, but I’ve been busy, so it’s been hard to find the time. If you’re looking for something, send me an email. I’ll make the time to respond to your request.

I will update my site 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 Denver World Wide Antique Show, October 20-22, 2017

Posted on by
Reply

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. The weather is getting colder and my show schedule is picking up, so I will try to publish twice weekly again. If readership picks up, I will continue to publish twice weekly, as often as possible.

I’m starting on Friday to write a contemporaneous account for Monday’s blog.

There were a fair number of people in my booth on Friday morning

Friday, 3 PM: The show is off to a very slow start. There have been a fair number of people, but only a few inquiries, mostly not serious. No sales yet, not even close.

One of the dealers told me that important clients will be coming to the show. I know them, since they bought from us the first time we exhibited in Denver several years ago. Hopefully they’ll come.

Friday, 6 PM: The first day is over and I’m hopeful. We made one small sale, but we also have a client who is contemplating a major Tiffany lamp purchase. Got my fingers crossed that’s going to happen.

Part of the Gallé glass we had on exhibit at the show

Saturday, 3:30 PM: Interesting day. The wealthy couple who was going to come to the show are here, but so far have completely ignored my booth. Didn’t think it would go that way. Another client is here who is also seriously interested in the same Tiffany lamp as yesterday, but neither has pulled the trigger. We did make one decent sale earlier, but that’s it. The total thus far is two sales, not nearly enough for a decent show. That could turn around in an instant. I’m still cautiously optimistic.

Sunday, 12:00 PM: We made another sale yesterday afternoon, so we’re up to three. The problem is that the totals are insufficient to make it worthwhile to travel from New York. At this point, we might be close to breaking even. Whoop dee do.

My best prospect for selling an important Tiffany lamp has demurred. My second best prospect is highly unlikely to purchase it. And the wealthy couple who came to the show never even said hello, let alone step foot into our booth. So as of this moment, we’re finished with Denver. But that’s subject to change. We’ll see what happens by the end of the day.

We sold this lovely Amphora portrait vase at the show

Sunday, 4:00 PM: The show is over and the verdict is in. We made one additional small sale today, but the total was only good enough for a local show, not for a long-distance show. Oh well. We like the show and would have loved to return, but business is business. Hasta la vista, Denver.

Print the coupon above for a $2 discount on admission

Now we’re off to Southfield, Michigan, for the Southfield Pavilion Antiques, Art, & Modernism Show. That’s another show that has to go well for us to return. Then we’ll travel to Winnetka, Illinois the following week for the Antiques + Modernism Winnetka show. That’s one show we don’t have to worry about. We have great clients in the greater Chicago area, so we really look forward to it.

I hope to be able to add a number of wonderful examples of recent purchases to my website, but I’ve been busy, so it’s been hard to find the time. If you’re looking for something, send me an email. I’ll make the time to respond to your request.

I will update my site 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 Denver World Wide Antique Show, October 18, 2017

Posted on by
Reply

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. The weather is getting colder and my show schedule is picking up, so I will try to publish twice weekly again. If readership picks up, I will continue to publish twice weekly, as often as possible.

October 20-22, 2017

Yesterday was the first day of setting up at the Denver World Wide Antique Show. We have a nice large booth, in the center of the show, allowing the setup to go as smoothly as possible. We finished about three-quarters of the work and will finish the rest today.

Part of the enormous amount of furniture offered at the show

In asking around, I was told that the October Denver show was the best of the three Denver shows, so there will be no excuses. If we can’t do well in Denver in October, then Denver is not a city for us. Tune in Monday for the results.

One of the fine dealers at the show

The show is larger than the summer version and looks like it will be enjoyable for the public. There’s a large variety of dealers and merchandise from jewelry to paintings to furniture to glass and lamps. (I’m not the only glass dealer in the show, even though I have the most and the best.)

Part of our huge selection of Daum and Gallé at the show

We have a great selection of American and French glass and lamps, including Tiffany, Handel, Daum Nancy and Gallé, to mention a few. Come visit the show and consider making a purchase, especially if you would like us to return.

Print the coupon above for a $2 discount on admission

Next week we’ll travel to Southfield, Michigan, for the Southfield Pavilion Antiques, Art, & Modernism Show. That’s another show that has to go well for us to return. Then we’ll travel to Winnetka, Illinois the following week for the Antiques + Modernism Winnetka show. That’s one show we don’t have to worry about. We have great clients in the greater Chicago area, so we really look forward to it.

I hope to be able to add a number of wonderful examples of recent purchases to my website, but I’ve been busy, so it’s been hard to find the time. If you’re looking for something, send me an email. I’ll make the time to respond to your request.

I will update my site 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 Antiques Show will open to the public this Friday, October 20, 2017

Posted on by
1

Thursday’s post will be up by noon.

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. The weather is getting colder and my show schedule is picking up, so I will try to publish twice weekly again. If readership picks up, I will continue to publish twice weekly, as often as possible.

October 20-22, 2017

The Denver World Wide Antique Show opens to the public this Friday, October 20th, at 10 AM, and closes on Sunday, October 22nd at 4 PM. This will be the first time we’ll exhibit there in October. We’re finished with the Denver July show, so this is a test for the fall show. Very simply, if we don’t do well this week, it’s bye bye Denver.

We’ll have this really great Daum Nancy Mushroom vase at the show

We’re bringing a fantastic collection of American and French glass and lamps, so if you’re a buyer in the greater Denver area, we’ll have what you’re looking for. Come visit the show and consider making a purchase, especially if you would like us to return.

Print the coupon above for a $2 discount on admission

The following week we’ll be in Southfield, Michigan, for the Southfield Pavilion Antiques, Art, & Modernism Show. That’s another show that has to go well for us to return. Then we’ll travel to Winnetka, Illinois the following week for the Antiques + Modernism Winnetka show. That’s one show we don’t have to worry about. We have great clients in the greater Chicago area, so we really look forward to it.

I hope to be able to add a number of wonderful examples of recent purchases to my website, but I’ve been busy, so it’s been hard to find the time. If you’re looking for something, send me an email. I’ll make the time to respond to your request.

I will update my site 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 recent Daum Nancy French cameo glass purchases and sales

Posted on by
1

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.

The French cameo glass market has been strong for many years. Daum Nancy glass, in particular, has excelled. Recently I’ve had the opportunity to both buy and sell some exceptional examples. Following are a few.

Daum Nancy scenic tumbler with exceptional color and detail

Daum Nancy tumblers come in three sizes, miniature (about 2″), mini (about 3½”), and standard (about 4¾”). They also vary in shape from round to square to pinched diamond. All of them are quite popular among collectors. In the largest size, floral examples are the most common, with scenic examples moderately rare. So it was especially nice when I was presented with the opportunity to buy a fairly rare, and exceptionally pretty scenic example. I sold it before I could even list it in inventory or on my website. A client sent me an email inquiring about what I had that was small, new and pretty. This tumbler fit the bill, so out the door it went.

Daum Nancy vase with applied moth

By the 1920s, Daum was changing its style to the new Art Deco movement. They started producing some vases with no acid-etching, but rather with applications that were hand-engraved by wheel-carving. The example pictured above is exceptional, with an applied moth whose body looks like a seashell, and elaborately carved wings and martelé background in the body of the vase. This vase was also sold immediately when I sent photos to my best client. No surprise there.

The following two examples haven’t yet been listed on my website, but I am sending photos to a good client. They may be available by the time you read this blog or they may be sold. Please inquire if you have any interest.

Beautiful Daum Nancy scenic vase

The first is a particularly beautiful scenic vase, in a rare shape, with a square mouth, 5″ tall. The color and detail are extraordinary, especially the red in the foreground.

Dazzling Daum Nancy Fall scenic pillow vase

The second example is a Fall scenic, one of my favorite seasons, both in real life and as pictured on Daum Nancy vases. This is the second example I have of this vase, with the same season, size and shape. I’m partial to this example. The colors and detail are quite beautiful and different than usual. The greenish arc in the background is internal, giving the vase great depth. It’s also more transparent than usual, adding to the effect. It’s a stunning example.

I hope to be able to add a number of wonderful examples of recent purchases to my website, but I’ve been so busy, it’s been hard to find the time. If you’re looking for something, send me an email. I’ll make the time to respond to your request.

October 20-22, 2017

Our next show, in Denver, October 20-22, 2017, is fast approaching. We’re giving Denver one last shot to prove it’s worthwhile traveling all the way from New York. If the show doesn’t go well, goodbye Denver. The following week we’ll be in Southfield, Michigan, for the Southfield Pavilion Antiques, Art, & Modernism Show. That’s another show that has to go well for us to return. Then we’ll be in Winnetka, Illinois, the following week for the Antiques + Modernism Winnetka show. That’s one show we don’t have to worry about. We have great clients in the greater Chicago area, so we really look forward to seeing our old friends.

Click Philip Chasen’s new items 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 please take a look.

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.

A hastily planned buying trip to Europe

Posted on by
3

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.

The Divi Resort on St. Maarten before the hurricane

The Divi Resort post hurricane

Our vacation to St. Maarten in September was planned months in advance. Of course September is a risky month to plan a trip to the Caribbean, but the odds were with us that nothing would happen the exact week we planned. However, this is one of those times that we hit the unfortunate jackpot and so did the poor people of St. Maarten. The island was devastated by Hurricane Irma, forcing us to change plans. So we decided to change the trip to a business trip to Europe. There are worse places to visit than London and Paris.

Apparently travel to Europe in September is quite brisk. Makes sense. The summer crowds are gone and the weather is nearly perfect. It just makes for expensive tickets. We needed to start our trip in London, but the only way we could get there at a reasonable price was to fly to Orly in Paris, then take a bus to Charles De Gaulle Airport, then take a flight to Gatwick Airport outside of London, then take a train into London, then take an Uber to our hotel. So after 21½ hours of travel to London, we were wiped out. It would have taken less time to fly to Japan.

We found these incredible windows in Paris that we are considering purchasing

But we managed to buy well in London and then after a couple of days, we flew to Paris, where we spent a little more time and bought well there too. We sent photos from Europe to our best clients who bought quite a few things. Additionally we bought still more that will be shipped to us in time for our upcoming shows in Denver, Detroit and Winnetka.

My lovely wife, Lia, is shielding her eyes from the sun in the Marché Paul Bert

The flea markets in the north of Paris are a good place to find a large concentration of antique dealers. There isn’t any type of French antique that you can’t find there. Head to an area called St. Ouen (pronounced almost like San Juan) in the north of Paris. You can take the #4 Metro to the last station, Porte de Clignancourt, and then it’s a short walk. Weekends are the time to go.

October 20-22, 2017

Our next show will be in Denver, October 20-22, 2017. We’re giving Denver one last shot to prove it’s worthwhile traveling all the way from New York. If the show doesn’t go well, goodbye Denver. The following week we’ll be in Southfield, Michigan, for the Southfield Pavilion Antiques, Art, & Modernism Show. That’s another show that has to go well for us to return. Then we’ll be in Winnetka, Illinois, the following week for the Antiques + Modernism Winnetka show. That’s one show we don’t have to worry about. We have great clients in the greater Chicago area, so we really look forward to seeing our old friends.

Click Philip Chasen’s new items 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 please take a look.

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.