Galle Cameo Glass

So I bought two pieces of Galle at an auction recently. No other bidders so I took them for I think $20 each. I knew nothing about them at the time. Don’t know much more now. Estimate was $100-$200 I believe. Seems like they can go for $30 or $900 or more. I have no idea where these pieces lie on the scale. Can anyone point me in the right direction. The large purple one looks to have been cut down. I assume there was a break and this was the best option. The smaller one has no chips or breaks. Figured they were worth a shot. They are pretty if no one buys them I’ll gift them.

 

Probably go on Ebay under sold listings and see if you can find one similar in style.

 

99% sure these are modern copies from China.

 

You need to read the attached article!

https://www.realorrepro.com/article/New-Galle-Cameo

 

I agree. Simply not the quality of the real thing.

 

Another vote for reproductions. The first one with a G that looks more like a Y is typical of one maker. The second with the asterisk should be a sure tip off …. LOL!

 

Yes that was the first thing I did and always do. Still a massive discrepancy and I wanted to learn more in general so I came here.

 

I saw that there was a plethora of obviously modern ones all over ebay. It would not surprise me if you were right and this was a fake but it seems to have many more years of patina than an item made in the 90s would have. Maybe an older imitation? What does surprise me is that this auction house would allow what seems to be an obvious fake to you guys into their auction. They have a good reputation and listed these as circa 1900. It was part of a pretty high end collection of glass and ceramics. There were quite a few definitely real and valuable items that didn’t get much attention just because there was a small attendance that day and a large catalog. I figured they would be worth a shot at that price. I guess this is a good example of what can happen when you don’t attend the preview and don’t know anything about what you’re bidding on. Anyone know about earlier fakes of Gallé glass?

Edit spelling. Maybe the owners knew they were fake and left them sitting in a barn to collect dust and thats where the accelerated “patina” comes from.

 

You would likely be surprised how often patina is faked on all manner of objects. The pieces are soaked in coffee or tea, buried in coffee grounds or dirt, rubbed with stain, etc, etc., etc.

No having the piece in hand this may not apply to these pieces, but the difference between the real deal & the fakes is the feel of the glass. Fakers don't want to take the time to finish pieces, so they usually don't bother with the polishing.

Really good glass usually has a very smooth surface & feels like satin when you run your fingers across the surface.

If you handle enough of it you can spot it quite easily.

 

Just beware, no one polices eBay listings. I can list my Aunt Fanny’s old grilled cheese sandwich as an antique sculpture. Do not use eBay as an ID source!!!

 

The star before Gallé signature was in use only for 2 years after his death, from 1904 to 1906.
http://www.mikeweedonantiques.co.uk/galle/galle-sign/g-signature.htm
The first one has been cut at top, I agree, surely because of a damage.
Both are after his death IMHO, but seems legit, not Romanian or Chinese knock off, just not the high quality range.

Same as your first one, Hortensias, cut top too:
https://www.osenat.com/lot/26461/6134461

 

Did not know that about the star but am still not convinced these are legit. The star on the OP's piece looks larger a than any of the examples shown. I could be wrong but the quality seems too sub-par for legitimate Galle'.