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Unveiling the Artistry of Carved Meerschaum Pipes

If you’re an antique collector who is looking to add a unique and beautiful item to your collection, then carved Meerschaum pipes are an excellent choice. These pipes have a long and storied history that dates back centuries, and they have been prized for their beauty and craftsmanship from the very beginning. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these amazing pipes, from their rich history to their characteristics, maintenance, and value.

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Guide to Collecting Antique Majolica

Are you looking to start a collection of antique majolica? If so, you have come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will cover all the basics you should know about collecting antique majolica, from its origins to how to spot authentic pieces. Read on to learn more about this unique and beautiful art form.

What is Antique Majolica?

Antique majolica is a type of decorative pottery that was popular in Europe and the United States in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The term “majolica” refers to Majolica pottery that has its origins in the Italian city of Faenza. It was first developed by the Italian potter Nicola da Urbino in the mid-15th century. Da Urbino was inspired by the traditional pottery of the Spanish island of Majorca, which is where the term “majolica” comes from.

Majolica became popular in Europe and the United States in the 19th century, and it was often used to produce a wide range of decorative items. Antique majolica is now highly prized by collectors for its decorative appeal and historical significance. It is often sought after for its intricate designs, bright colors, and unique glaze, and it can be found in a variety of forms, including vases, plates, figurines, and other decorative items.

Types & Makers of Antique Majolica

Antique majolica pottery can be divided into three main types: English, Continental, and American. Each type of majolica has its own distinct characteristics and designs.

English Majolica Makers: Minton & Co, Wedgwood, George Jones

American Majolica Makers: Griffin Hill Smith & Co

Continental Majolica

Continental majolica is a term used to refer to decorative pottery that was produced on the European continent in the 19th and early 20th centuries

France: Luneville, Sarreguemines, Longchamp, Massier, Palissy
(Palissy majolica is a type of decorative pottery that was produced in France in the 19th century. It is named after the French potter Bernard Palissy, who is credited with creating the first examples of this type of pottery in the mid-19th century)

Germany: Villeroy & Boch, Schramberg, 

Sweden: Rorstrand, Gustafsberg

Czechoslovakia: Eichwald

How to Spot Authentic Antique Majolica

When it comes to collecting antique majolica, it’s important to be able to spot authentic pieces. Authentic majolica is typically marked with the maker’s name, as well as a date. It is also important to look for signs of aging, such as crazing, or a dulling of the glaze. It is also important to look for signs of damage, such as chips or cracks. 

Top Tips for identifying genuine antique majolica:

  1. Check the glaze carefully as antique authentic majolica is very colorful, glazes will have a rich, lustrous color hue as opposed to modern reproductions that will be much more garish in colour. Genuine old majolica glazes are exceptional whereas newer replicas will have signs of glaze runs, drips or just look amateur. 
  2. Antique majolica will have a certain weight to it. They are heavy pieces
  3. The most usual ground colours of antique majolica were a dark underglaze blue and a brighter, overglaze ; also used were turquoise blue, yellow, green, and rose Pompadour. More modern pieces will most likely have a white underglaze.
  4. Check the bases for signs of wear and age. Antique majolica pieces will show there use o the rim of the bases where they have been moved over the years. Some will have makers marks but some wont so checking the wear is the best option.

Famous Majolica Pieces & Artists

There are many well-known pieces of majolica and many famous artists who have created unique and beautiful pieces. Here are some of the most famous pieces and artists:

·         The “Majolica Vase” by French artist Charles-Henri-Joseph Cordier.

·         The “Majolica Plate” by English artist William Greatbatch.

·         The “Majolica Phoenixville” by American artist Charles Fenton Mercer.

·         The “Majolica Frog” by German artist Paul Scheurich.

·         The “Majolica Fruit Bowl” by Austrian artist Carl Thieme.

Collectors of Antique Majolica

Collecting antique majolica is a popular hobby among many ceramic art enthusiasts. There are many collectors who specialise in majolica, and there are even clubs, societies and organizations dedicated to finding and preserving pieces of majolica.

If you are looking to start a collection of antique majolica, there are many resources available to help you. There are websites and blogs dedicated to collecting and preserving antique majolica, as well as books and magazines about the subject.

Conclusion

If you are looking to start collecting antique majolica, visit Antiques Store Bournemouth to find a great selection of authentic pieces. With our wide selection and expert advice, you are sure to find the perfect piece for your collection

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Why Collect Antique African Tribal Masks

African tribal masks have become a popular choice for art collectors, with their unique and exotic designs that capture the essence of African culture. This article will delve into the history, types, and significance of African tribal masks, as well as how to find and purchase authentic African masks for sale.

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The Rare Treasures of Antique Pocket Watches

There are several reasons why someone might want to buy an antique pocket watch. For some, it is the beauty and craftsmanship of the watch itself that is appealing. Antique pocket watches can be works of art, with intricate engravings and delicate designs. For others, it is the history and nostalgia associated with antique pocket watches that is appealing. These watches often have a story to tell, and owning one can be a way of preserving a piece of history. Additionally, antique pocket watches can be valuable collectables, and some people enjoy the challenge of building a collection of rare and unique watches. In this article, we will uncover the secrets of antique pocket watches, from their types and value, to where to find them and how to care for them. Let’s get started.

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Uncovering the Most Valuable Antique Cameo Brooches

Caroline Bonaparte Cameo sells for a record price of $67000 at Bonhams auction in 2015

Cameo brooches are beautiful and intricate pieces of jewelry that have been crafted since the Renaissance era. They are a great way to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any outfit and have been sought after by antique jewelry collectors and enthusiasts for centuries. In this article, we will be exploring the history, types, and most valuable antique cameo brooches. We will also discuss the best places to find rare and most valuable cameos and how to determine their value.

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Discovering the Hidden Beauty of Antique Chinese Vases

The Yamanaka, identical to the famous “Bainbridge vase”, sold for $19 million at Sotheby’s Hong Kong

Chinese antique vases are renowned for their beauty, intricate designs, and rich history. They are often highly sought after by collectors and antique enthusiasts. In this article, we will explore the different types of antique Chinese vases, their history and artistry, and how to identify, care for, and find these treasures.

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Exploring the Fascinating World of Military Antiques

If you have a passion for military history, collecting military antiques and war memorabilia might be a great hobby for you. Military antiques are items that are associated with a particular branch of the armed forces or a particular war. These items can range from uniforms and weapons to medals, insignia, and other memorabilia. In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating world of military antiques, the types of antiques you can find, where to look for them, how to buy and sell them and how to appraise their value.

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Walker & Hall Silversmiths 1845 – 1963

One of the most mainstream collectable antique silver manufacturers that collectors race to buy is the company Walker & Hall. Established in 1845 by George Walker and joined by Henry Hall in 1853. Silver items made by Walker & Hall between 1853 and 1930s are the most collectable. This is when the company built a worldwide reputation for producing exquisitely designed silver objects d art, silverware and jewellery.

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1600s-1700s Antique Silver To Collect

Some of the rarest and most collectable silver ornaments and silverware were made in the 1600s through to the mid-1700s. We have picked one silversmith from this time period who stands head and shoulders above the rest, and if you come across a piece of silver with their hallmark – BUY IT!

Antique silver items are worth much more than their actual silver content and weight. The maker’s skill and rarity can add tremendous value to an antique piece of silverware. Pieces dating from the 1600s and 1700s are some of the most sought after.

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Top 5 Antique Glass Makers To Look Out For

Examples and marks of the top 5 collectable glass art makers of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Whether you are a dealer, collector or bargain hunter of antique glass objet d’art it’s easy to get lost when it comes to the various types of glass art, glass makers and glass types to choose from. Knowing what types of glass art are currently popular on the market is also essential if you are looking to find a bargain and make a quick profit. In this antique glass buying guide we can help ensure you don’t buy an unwanted item that has no value or is hard to re-sell.

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