Posted 12 years ago
Leasa
(5 items)
Hi, my mom recently passed away and she has some articles that I know nothing about. All I know is they are antique and or old. For example; does anyone know what this article is? All I can find is that it might be from the 1800's? I cannot find anything like it on the internet. I will post more pictures of some other things. I'm not looking to sell right now, just would like to know what they are. Thanks! Leasa (I'm guessing at the category...I have no idea where it belongs as I know nothing about this sort of stuff)
During the Victorian period, it was common to combine glass with silver plated holders. The glass insert on this small cream pitcher appears to fit it well and is likely original to the piece. The blue color is unusual on this tyipe of creamer. Because of the color of the glass and the Aesthetic designs on the holder, I would date it to the mid-1880s.
Wow! That is old! Yes it does fit the holder very well. There are no markings on it at all that I can see. Should I clean the silver or would that damage it? I was thinking if I clean it I may find some kind of mark? I have a friend who is extremely interested in this piece and she is frustrated that she cannot find it anywhere. I know my mom had this in her china cabinet for as long as I can remember but I don't know why she had it or where it was from. Thanks so much for your help. ~Leasa
Oh I should mention that no magnets will stick to it. Someone told me that is important?
Leasa, The frames on these items are made from a base metal and silver plated (usually quadruple or triple plate). Some people like the old patina. It wouldn't hurt if you used something mild like Wright's silver polish/foam. Never use Tarn-X, it will ruin it. I have one with Roman head medallions on the frame with a frosted and engraved insert that is clear glass.
Here is a set that shows the same concept. I'm only giving this link for the photos, not saying I agree with anything stated in the listing:
http://www.webstore.com/VICTORIAN-RARE-2-PCS-SPOONER-CREAMER-TREE-OF-LIFE-GLASS-INSERT-FIGURAL-DISHES-,name,18437464,auction_id,auction_details
You guys on this site are good! Yes, my friend found those (she dabbles a bit in this kind of stuff), but she said she didn't think mine was a creamer because of the high handle and she can't find this glass. So interesting! I do have a bottle of tarn-x and so glad I asked you first! I think this little pitcher is unique and it says something to me...if that makes any sense. I think someday if I can track this down completely, it will tell me why my mom has it, or why her family had it. Thanks again!!!!
I did find one with blue glass, but it is a clear glass. My pitcher has a matt type finish and is not 'see through'. Unfortunately, the one I found is on one of those sites where you have to become a member to learn about it. The holder on theirs seems to be a different material as well.