Posted 5 years ago
IronLace
(928 items)
This has got to be my best op shop find ever!
I found this fabulous goblet today for $2 in a local op shop. I literally couldn't believe my eyes...in fact, I know I let out a gasp of joy when I saw it & another customer gave me a funny look (I dare say I had an expression of complete bliss on my face at the time as well).
It was super dirty (I've given it a quick clean but will do a more detailed one) & just on the shelves with random odds & ends - not even in the display cabinets where they tend to put the "better" items. All the better for me!
The even more amazing thing is that I once owned an identical goblet (except with a blue snake) which I sold a few years ago, & ended up sorely regretting. I've sold off loads of stuff over the years & 9 times out 10 there's no regrets, but this time was different. I was a bit low on funds & low in my spirit too, when I sold it. It was a mistake...
And so the wheel of fortune turns & I get it back in a slightly different form. What a perfect thrill!
Anyway, it measures 19.5 cm tall, 9 cm across the top rim, & 8.5 cm across the base. The goblet is made from clear glass with a heavily textured crackle finish, & has an applied red snake twisted around the stem. There are gilded accents on the top rim & on the join between stem & bowl. There's also some gilding on the snake although it is a tad worn. Otherwise it is in perfect condition with no chips or cracks.
Bohemian origin I believe & mid - late 19th century.
Update - big thanks to inky for letting me know it is Harrach Eisglas circa 1860!
I love pretty glassware, I love snakes, and I love red -- how could I *not* love this?? CONGRATS IronLace, for a spectacular find to re-fill a niche in your own life!!
:-) :-) :-) :-) :-)
Thanks so much, AnythingObscure - & I'm pleased to think that it's brightened your day as much as mine!
IronLace..it’s by Harrach and is c1860..what a fantastic!!! find, I’ve seen these go for quite a bit..well done!.. I can just see you when you first clapped eyes on it...:-))...here’s are my two and will tell you a bit about it..
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/156963-1860s-harrach-eisglas-comports-with-sna
Many thanks, inky! Wow, your pair of comports are fantastic & it's so great to know the manufacturer & name of the decor as well. In one of my old reference books it said these items were English & made by Richardson's but it never rang true to me. They look so European! Anyway, I am over the moon about this one & it's already a favourite for so many reasons - needless to say, I'll never sell it either!
My pleasure IronLace...it’s not often I can help and like to when I can...I still have mine although still packed away after moving, we are slowly getting there with places to put all my glass, just ordered some glass for my new cabinet hubby built, really excited about filling that!..
Well caught, mate !!!! Love it !!!!
Looking forward to seeing your new acquistions, inky - always good to have a new cabinet to fill! :-)
Yes, I can relate to moving having done it just over a year ago...took me months to pack all the glass. Still have some packed away as well!
Many thanks, vetraio50 - it certainly was a top day out in Katoomba! Good pickings up here...
I bought a piece of Harrach the other day identical to another one of yours. I’ll put it up too !!!
Sounds fab!
Your goblet is among those I'm dreaming of.Congrats!4 years ago I posted a piece of glass I still have anonymous, however ,as I live close to Czech rather than Portland,I think that might be Bohemian.
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/179516-frosted-glass-compote-with-a-red-serpent
Many thanks Ivonne! Your comport is wonderful & definitely looks like another example of Harrach Eisglas... :-)
I dream of finding something as beautiful as this at a thrift store. I loved your description of your gasp of joy! It is a wonderful piece and I am so glad you found it!
Amazingly beautiful goblet, amazing to find it in an op shop. I think everyone loves to hear such stories as it keeps a little flame of hope alive in all of us.
Happy for you!
Thanks so much Michelle, & wishing you lots of fabulous thrift finds for the new year!
Big thanks, Peggy, & you have brilliant finds yourself in the charity shops...like Peloton glass if I recall rightly! :-)
Oh yes, the flame burns strong, & makes every op shop jaunt a magical adventure...
I have just bought one with a blue snake….my face lit up too….glad for your info as there is another one listed saying Bacarrat 1960. If you have learned any more about it in the intervening years I would love to hear. I think Moser when I saw it….
Best of wishes,
Val xx
Well done on your purchase of one of these goblets, Val. They are pretty fabulous!
I did used to have one with a blue snake but I sold it, & then lived to regret it. Then I found this one with the red snake & it was the perfect replacement.
These are pretty well documented as being made by Harrach, the decor is called Eisglas.