The Week Of Mysteries

My work usually involves a lot of research and fair bit of frustration when trying to identify things correctly. I don't like to just guess. That is the way to end up with egg on your face and no-one likes that do they.

This week I've had some failures and a very satisfying success. I've had the below bronze for at least three years but simply could not find out anything about her. She is signed and is very distinctive, yet still I had no luck. In those instances I just keep the thing until I DO know. Drum roll......This week I finally solved the mystery! The signature bears no resemblance to the name of the artist and the bronze itself was a very limited edition. I have to say I felt triumphant after the three years of looking at her and scratching my chin.

Masquerade by Charlotte Atkinson

Next up is a rare oil lamp base whose proper identification has eluded me. Its marked to the underside but the mark must be an obscure maker. There is also only one other similar piece on the internet and their attribution is pretty sketchy too so no help there.

Wolf from Little Red Riding Hood Oil Lamp Base

The next mystery is a more modern drink set. The infuriating thing about this particular set is that I actually did identify it when I bought it and was pleasantly surprised by its worth. Now I cant remember who made it, its origin or its worth. I will get there.....eventually.

Unknown Drinking Set

Lastly I thought I would share one of my favourite past bits of sleuthing. The glasses below really piqued my interest particulary because they were definitely art deco (my favourite) It took a while but I eventually discovered that they were a rare Whitefriars pattern No. 9000 dating to 1938. I think the rarity is due to the fact that we were at war the following year and these glasses would have been considered a bit too flippant.

The best thing about the identification wasnt so much that they sold well, but that the person who bought them, was absolutely overjoyed. I really love what I do.

Rare Whitefriars Pattern No. 9000 Circa 1938

Now for another mystery.......Beef, Pork or Lamb?

Happy Sunday!

Tracy Skeates