Topic: What Is So Special About This Cut Goblet?

[flying free]

why not?
I've seen coloured cut glass pieces (vases) sell far in excess of that in auctions such as Bonham's and Christie's.  It depends who made it, when made and how rare, as well as the condition ...as well as on at least two buyers wanting it badly enough I guess. (I'd like to be the seller of a piece that sold so well  )
m

[Ohio]

I agree M. If it turns out to be a legit ABP rarity over here (U.S.)thats simply not out there...the skys the limit. 

[chopin-liszt]

It had a starting price, it wasn't a "buy it now" at that price.
I presume it sold off-site to an offer. Or had an accident!

[Paul S.]

Thinking of the assumed origin of this goblet, and in view of the lady's knowledge of States cut glass, I mentioned this to Jane Spillman and included the link in my communication, and although we're not really any further forward, thought it would be of interest to members to see her reply.

A very big thanks to Jane Spilman for taking the time to reply, and for giving us permission to reproduce her comments here.

""I was able to get a very small picture of the goblet and all I can say is that I've never seen anything like it in terms of cut glass, which is what the site says it is.  The fact that it is cut in such an elaborate pattern, and that it is colored, make it of interest to cut glass collectors, even though it is not identified.  I would agree that it dates from 1880-1910, but that's just guesswork on my part. I doubt if it's American since it's not like any American cut glass I've seen; I would guess it's European, but I'm not positive.
So I'm afraid that I really can't help you.  It's certainly an interesting piece, though.
Regards,
Jane Shadel Spillman""

[Ohio]

I sent this auction to two ACGA advanced members Friday. They got together & formed an opinion. Its entirely possible (and probable) this piece is from a commissioned set from the early 1900s cut in the Corning area. Commissioned custom ordered sets were extremely expensive made exclusively for wealthy individuals/families & could well be something akin to one-of-a-kind pieces in designs/colors/cuttings never to be seen again. Many of them were split apart during the Depression & sold by the piece during difficult times & truely advanced collectors do recognize some of items from the sets that are documented but its a bit of knowledge that is generally not available to your average collectors & when even a piece of one of these commissioned sets appears on the market it generates a free-for-all in the market resulting in some very hefty price realizations.

I can attest to this because 4-5 years ago a consignment firm just 5 miles away from me had a specially commissioned luncheon set consisting of 8 lunch plates, 8 bread plates, 8 waters & 8 wines on Steuben blanks cut by Hawkes. This was during the period when Hawkes started Steuben to furnish their blanks. Each piece had 6 panels & each panel had astonishing engraving depicting a different scene from Cleveland & Lake Erie, buildings, Lighthouse, ships, etc. The set was intact & this was the first time it had ever been placed on the block & it was well known & well documented.

I know the lady that owns the business very well & was stunned that each piece was priced individually & each piece was in the neighborhood of $500-$750 depending on piece. I was of the opinion (and we discussed) that this was a bit of a gamble to say the least, however she had been advised by a ABP specialist that this was the way to market this. I fully expected this strategy to fail...I was sadly mistaken as within 4 days the set was gone & sold by the piece although a couple of buyers bought one of each piece so they has the complete luncheon set.