If they are real skrimshaw they could be quite valuable. They look like they were done by someone with a lot of skill, you didn't get hurt at a buck or two.
Nice score on the Dorothy Thorpe. I would have paid $5.00 for that set in a heartbeat. 6 Roly poly glasses alone can go for $100. Looks like the silver bands are in good shape.
Wrought iron bound or twisted gothic medieval fairy wall sconce, something of that nature is what I would list them as.
Dorothy Thorpe can be marked with a sticker that says Dorothy Thorpe made in California. If the sticker is not on it then the only way you can tell is by the silver band on the glasses. The silver band will tarnish like real silver. It is made in 1" silver ( or gold )band and the allegro pattern which is 1/2 inch. Dorothy Thorpe designed a lot of other glassware but these are the ones that I focus on. The Roly Poly glasses are hot right now. If you want to do some vintage cocktail research I suggest getting madmen on Netflix. Pay attention to the glasses they drink out of, and the decor on the set.
Dorothy Thorpe can be marked with a sticker that says Dorothy Thorpe made in California. If the sticker is not on it then the only way you can tell is by the silver band on the glasses. The silver band will tarnish like real silver. It is made in 1" silver ( or gold )band and the allegro pattern which is 1/2 inch. Dorothy Thorpe designed a lot of other glassware but these are the ones that I focus on. The Roly Poly glasses are hot right now. If you want to do some vintage cocktail research I suggest getting madmen on Netflix. Pay attention to the glasses they drink out of, and the decor on the set.
Thanks for the info. I've seen a good amount of DT looking glasses, but don't believe I've actual found any yet. I usually buy them anyways. I'll keep looking for the real thing.
DT is crystal so look for quality glasses that have a 1" or 1/2" band that is tarnished, or looks like sterling silver.
I am not sure how the silver is applied, but it a super thin film of silver, and it will flake off fairly easy. I find pieces that have some of the silver missing quite often, but if the silver is flaking it isn't going to be worth anything.
If you find the glasses with a silver band that has a mirror finish, that isn't Dorothy Thorpe, but it can be from the same era.
If they are real skrimshaw they could be quite valuable. They look like they were done by someone with a lot of skill, you didn't get hurt at a buck or two.
Yeah, that's what I was going to say...if real ivory/hand carved...could be big $$$'s.
GT
=========================================
"Saving History" Your Online Adventure SavingHistory.net
=========================================
If they are real skrimshaw they could be quite valuable. They look like they were done by someone with a lot of skill, you didn't get hurt at a buck or two.
Yeah, that's what I was going to say...if real ivory/hand carved...could be big $$$'s.
GT
Here is a pic of one of the backs. Should I put a hot pin to the back to see if it is some kind of plastic?
I have never tried the hot pin method, I'd be too afraid I would ruin it. I don't know what part of the country you are in but there must be someone around that you could show it to for an opinion. Personally I would try to get 2 or 3 opinions. good luck and let us know what you find out.
The back doesn't look like ivory. The hot pin is much better than a cigarette lighter!
Next time you are in an antique store look at some of their ivory, that will give you a good idea of what to look for.
sometimes even the real stuff is hard to tell!
Randyd
I feel the hot pin is a destructive test. Read up on the qualities of ivory and you can tell for yourself if it is or isn't. Here is one place I used for a piece of jewelry: http://blog.rubylane.com/node/1028
I like the "scrimshaw" in any case. Just don't use eBay to sell it, they are strict on their "no ivory" policy.