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Antique Questions Forum / Re: Unsigned pewter figural vase

« on: June 26, 2013, 12:03:27 pm »

The disc doesn't look as if it would be easily removed, and I'm pretty sure that I can see directly onto the other side of it from the inside so nothing hidden there. I will try and get better pics up later tonight ( hubby has me roped into some decorating at the mo! )
I have learnt a new word today - putti, thanks

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Antique Questions Forum / Re: Unsigned pewter figural vase

« on: June 26, 2013, 07:53:33 am »

Thanks again for the replies and links. I will see what the pewter society can tell me, thanks bigwull.
Ipcress, believe me, I have scoured every bit of the vase for marks, but nothing that I can see. The whole thing seems as one, so I don't believe I could remove the lower edge. Mine is definitely more detailed than those others, with the cherubs, fish, birds, reeds, and it's a mermaid caught in the net. I must admit, when I first saw it, I actually thought it was a bit ugly, but it has grown on me so much. One of my favourite possessions

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Antique Questions Forum / Re: Unsigned pewter figural vase

« on: June 26, 2013, 03:58:51 am »

Thanks bigwull
There is currently a similar bronze vase on eBay priced at £22,000!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/L-Coustaury-19C-French-Gilt-Bronze-Vase-Figurine-/160946198178?pt=Antiques_Decorative_Arts&hash=item25792416a2

I'm under no illusions that my vase is worth anything like that. I've also seen a similar pewter vase that was worth I think between £1000-£1500. But both had the signature. Although, it's nice to know, the price isn't my main interest as like I said, it's a keeper. I've just never felt that the info I was given via the valuation was correct.

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Antique Questions Forum / Re: Unsigned pewter figural vase

« on: June 26, 2013, 03:29:02 am »

Ohhhh dear, my images are all skew-if again, sorry. Again they will be larger and the right way round if you click on them. Sorry they're not very highly defined. I can try and get a better picture of the markings on the base later, but you may be able to get the idea anyway. The MW is really just a zigzag squiggle.
Been trying to find out about Louis Coustaury, but all I can find is a date of death at 1897. Would it be usual for a sculpter to leave a piece unsigned?

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Antique Questions Forum / Re: Unsigned pewter figural vase

« on: June 26, 2013, 03:21:11 am »

Some more images, taken on my iPad, have no idea if they will come out the right way up or not!
I agree it does seem odd as a golf trophy.

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Antique Questions Forum / Re: Unsigned pewter figural vase

« on: June 25, 2013, 07:57:32 pm »

Thanks for the replies, the vase belonged to an aunt that passed away. Sorry about the sideways image, that happened in the upload from my iPad, but it is around the right way and much larger if you click on it. I can add a photo of the bottom tomorrow, bit too late for me now in the UK

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Antique Questions Forum / Unsigned pewter figural vase

« on: June 25, 2013, 06:50:01 pm »

Hi, I'm wondering if anyone can help me with a pewter vase that I have in my possession. I did get it valued via a well known site back in 2009, and was told that it was a pewter vase possibly by WMF. It is 14.5" tall complete with it's liner and has an engraving on the base as it was given as a golfing bogey prize in 1898. I was told that the engraving had lost it some of it's value and that it was worth £120-£180. As the vase is so unusual and I like it so much (am not planning on selling it ever!) I have over the years often searched online to see if I could find out anything about it. It had seemed pretty unique, but I have recently discovered that it is just about identical to a couple of pieces online that are by Louis Coustaury. The signature on them is quite prominent, but mine has no signature at all. There is a XVII etched on the bottom and a zigzag mark which could be an MW or WM?  Is it possible that it could be by L.C. or does the lack of a signature totally discount that?  It's such a lovely item that I often study as there is such a story to be read in the figures all around it. I've added a photo, hope it works.
Would really appreciate any comments on it