#MiddleburyCT #LampBases #HolidayGlass #Steuben
According to some traditions and a certain famous song, Christmas lasts for 12 days. And, at least in the song, with each day comes extravagant gifts; the first of which is repeated every verse: a partridge in a pear tree.
Today, most people would probably prefer a decorative glass pear with a gold partridge to a real-life partridge in a pear tree. (Kovels.com photo)
It’s clearly the inspiration for this glass pear figurine with a tiny 18k gold partridge perching in a tree inside, which sold for $2,520, passing its high estimate, at Rago Arts & Auction Center. The figure was made for Steuben Glass Works of Corning, New York.
While their early iridescent and colored glass is sought by collectors, they were making mostly colorless crystal by the 1930s. Designer Lloyd Atkins joined the staff in 1948. He is known for his figurines, often animals; like this pear and partridge, which was first made in 1968. Steuben, now owned by the Corning Museum of Glass, still makes and sells pieces based on designs by Atkins, as well as some holiday-themed figures, but this is not one of them.
Q: I have three similar lamps. They are figurines minted on bases which were made to match. They are at least 70 years old. Can you tell who might have made them?
A: Unfortunately, we would need to see a mark to identify the maker. It is difficult to tell from a picture, but the figurines on your lamp base look like they are made of painted metal, probably spelter. Spelter is a zinc alloy that has been used in decorative arts since the 1860s. It can resemble bronze, but is softer and scratches more easily. It was often used for smaller, inexpensive replicas of bronze sculptures. Not many makers are known. Lamps with human figures on the bases were popular as late as the 1950s, which fits with your estimate of “at least 70 years old.” Lamp bases with similar human figures have sold for about $100 to $150.
TIP: Clean a clock face as seldom as possible. The brass trim may be coated with colored lacquer, and brass polish will remove the color.
Current Prices
Purse, handbag, painted, folk art, red ground, blue flowers, red heart on reverse, black trim, metal closure, chain strap, Hugo Porcaro, 2003, 5 1/4 x 7 inches, $90.
Advertising, egg crate, Surety Cushion, hinged lid, latch closure, stenciled front and sides, holds four dozen eggs, 7 x 15 1/2 x 12 inches, $150.
Toy, scooter, Go-Boy, pedal, wood deck, painted yellow, decals, metal frame, painted red, three wheels, The Go-Boy Corporation, Cleveland, Ohio, $360.
Gustavsberg, vase, Argenta, cup shape, mottled teal, outlined panels, ring foot, marked, Wilhelm Kage, 6 inches, $705.
Clock, shelf, Empire style, two-train movement, bronze, patinated, gilt, winged putto pushing wheelbarrow with cask, pendant with winged sphinx supports, oval base, four bun feet, early 1800s, 17 1/2 inches, $1,000.
Medical, sign, trade, optometrist’s, spectacles frame, metal, electrified, two-sided, 39 1/2 x 80 inches, $3,070.
For more collecting news, tips and resources, visit www.Kovels.com.
© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
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