Webb "Bronze" Glass Vase

Description:

Webb "Bronze" Glass Vase
Iridescent art glass
Stourbridge, England, c. 1885
Flared rim on cylindrical form with wide circular base, double handled, with applied prunts, iridescent metallic surface, polished pontil signed J Webb, imperfections in the making, roughness at base edge, ht. 12 1/8 in.

Note: Thomas Webb & Sons patent application, August 29, 1877, granted Feb 27, 1878. This treatment was to mimic Roman and other ancient glass, being excavated at the time, which had a natural iridescence due to soil contact. It is produced by exposure of the glass in a semi-molten state to fumes of chloride of tin, alone or mixed with the nitrates of barium and strontium. The following commentary by Her Majesty, Queen Victoria, with specific reference to Tho. Webb and Sons "Bronze Glass": "On a recent visit to Mr Goode's attractive galleries at Audley Street, we noticed a fine selection of the new Bronze Glass, discovered and made by Messrs. Thomas Webb and Sons, of Stourbridge. Its purple bronze surface shines with the hues of the rainbow, such as they appear on molten lead, or on pieces of steel which have been tempered in gradually diminishing degrees of heat. It has already attracted considerable attention at the Paris Exhibition." See pp. 247-248 in Nineteenth Century Glass, by A.C. Revi.
Estimate $800-1,200


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

Keywords