20th-Century Loetz Silver Overlay Vase
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GUEST:
I've brought a vase that we refer to as the Tiffany vase. It's been in my husband's family for a number of years. We're not exactly sure who had it. But it is reputed to be Tiffany. From what we've seen of some Tiffany things in books, these big drips seem sort of classic Tiffany to us. But as far as the glass, we just don't really know.
APPRAISER:
This would be very much a Loetz piece rather than a Tiffany. Now, the iridescence is very reminiscent of Tiffany glass. Loetz was a company started in the mid-19th century by Johann Loetz. And by the end of the 19th century into the beginning of the 20th century, it was perceived as the premier Bohemian art glass maker. And I would say that this was from the very early part of the 20th century. So Loetz would make the glass and then it would come to America, and then there would be an American silversmith that would apply the silver. The glass in this is very simple, very straightforward. Nicely colored, iridescent green. The silver is outstanding. I looked very carefully over the silver and I didn't see any mark, but it is sterling silver. And the glass is unmarked.
GUEST:
How do you know that the glass is made by the Loetz?
APPRAISER:
It's very typical of a Loetz form and the coloration.
GUEST:
Okay, yeah.
APPRAISER:
My colleagues and I at the glass table were just in awe at the quality of the silver.
GUEST:
Oh, really?
APPRAISER:
The floral work on this is just gorgeous. And these big drops are just outstanding.
GUEST:
I love those.
APPRAISER:
This just is a gorgeous vase.
GUEST:
Thank you.
APPRAISER:
I think an easy, conservative auction estimate would be $3,000 to $5,000.
GUEST:
Wow. (chuckling) I had no idea.
Appraisal Details
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