posted 02-17-2005 08:14 AM            

I was told that this was by Alvin but find it difficult to believe.

The vase itself is a kind of modified Art Nouveau style, very plain, with flowing curves. Judging stylistically it would have been made around 1900-1918.

I have a different 1890's item with an original Alvin trademark, which is quite detailed, and have also seen it in books. So I am familiar with how it should look.

The trademark on the vase in question has the central A, but the cartouche is very plain ... My first thought was: Hmmm, possibly a Russian reproduction. On close examination the maker's mark looks like a hammer and sickle on one side of the A and a Russian eagle on the other... also, it has none of the artistic aspect of the old Alvin trademark. Now maybe I am reading too much into this, or maybe what I am seeing is just a maker's mark that was cooked up to look like an Old Alvin mark with a very cursory glance.

Of course, the best news would be that I am incorrect in my suppositions...

posted 02-17-2005 09:43 AM            

To post photos see: How to Post Photos

posted 02-17-2005 03:02 PM            

The trademark symbol that I am trying to ascertain as to originality is actually similar, but much simpler. The central "A" is in a less ornate cartouche, and the two items shown in the trademark on each side of the "A" are actually reversed, and drawn in a much simpler way. In a way, there is an analog to some of the old Gorham Marks... some of the older Gorham items that I have seen actually have a kind of "stick character" feel to the lion, and the G and anchor are less articulated -- they look very basic, rather than fully drawn and embellished. This mark has that feel..much simpler, possibly they used an old stamp?

I am trying to get a photo of this particular Alvin? trademark, but the mark is recessed deep within the base, and does not photograph easily. I get "tunnel vision" when I look at the mark with a magnifying glass...perceiving it as large and easy to photograph...but it is actually quite tiny. A flash would be of no use due to the glare. Perhaps I should search the site and see if anyone has hints on photographing silver marks.. Are there possibly any earlier Alvin marks that one might know and may compare with this one?