ardalt capodimonte left handed mustache cup/saucer

[gcmx]

hello, i'm new to this site and would appreciate some help on a specific item i have.

it is a matching ardalt capodimonte left handed mustache cup/saucer #4617 made in italy.

if anyone can provide some info and value on this item, it would be greatly appreciated.

my email address is gcmx@me.com

thank you . . .

[KC]

Does this have a swan neck?

[ironlord1963]

     Wow what a beautiful Cup  .  I thought I seen what is considered extra fancy cup but this is the height of that.  Is it hand painted art, or decal.  Looks very hand done from my perspective.  Welcome gcmx and thanks for sharing such a wonderful cup.  I poke around a bit, and hopefully we can establish the info you seek.

[wendy177]

 your piece is not  of the original capodimonte factory which began production in 1759. This is a wonderful site that explains the history & makers marks of the original Capodimonte ( The Royal factory in Naples)   http://www.onlinecollectibles.com/faq/capodimonte2.htm   This does not mean your piece is not made by a one of the best factories in Italy.  ( ARDALT) Inc. Corp., 95 Madison AVE., New York and first used in 1945,Ardalt was an import export business that rebranded pieces and sold them as their own brand,  this mark has been  used on Japanese pieces and occurs also on pieces from other countries.

[KC]

Wendy, great information and the same that I came up with.  Ardalt typically had the double A mark.  They used foil and paper tags as well. 

This is an exquisite cup and unique in that it is for a left handed person.

Typically imported cups of this type sell for $9 to $15.  Due to the left handed novelty and beauty of the cup (only if there are no cracks, chips, paint defects and crazing) $25 - $35.

[wendy177]

gcmx I have found your exact mustache cup & saucer, and it is very rare, Capodimonte type, Left handed footed cup with what is called a fat serpentine handle, star design with cherubs in relief pulling garlands of leaves with colored ornaments- valued at $175.00 - $225.00  this is documented in cups & saucers book II by Jim & Susan Harran page 316 second from top. The most sought after are left handed mustache cups. According to legend they were supposed to have been made to order for wives and sweethearts to give to men returning from the Civil War who had lost the use of their right arms in battle. If anyone else finds one of these left handed mustache cups grab it quick (ironlord)!!!!! caution with reproductions they are  marked Brandenburg or JP1200 also R.S. Prussia and Nippon.  This is the one and only left handed example I have found in hours of research.

[sapphire]

Way to go Wendy !!  Awesome investigating!!

[ironlord1963]

Ditto Wendy, I'm sure to keep my eyes out for one for myself 

[luxetveritas]

That's really excellent! It's been ages since I've seen a nice left-handed cup! Kudos, Wendy!

[talesofthesevenseas]

VERY interesting about the Civil War injuries. That is something that wouldn't have occurred to me when looking at a mustache cup. It really makes you look at it in a different way. Thanks for that info.

[wendy177]

Well everyone gcmx just sold this wonderful mustache cup on ebay for a  price of $315.00 to an 85 year old doctor from Ohio who bought it for his wife and he has forwarded all our info on this piece to the buyer. she will love it as she collects them!!

[talesofthesevenseas]

How cool!    This forum has such good karma!

[gcmx]

hello wendy,

thank you very much again for ALL your help, it's most appreciated.

as i mentioned, there is another item that i would love to know more about.

i will present this item in a separate post shortly, with the hope that i will get a positive response.

all my best, gcmx