Featured Majolica Trinket Box (Lobster/Crab): circa? ID maker's mark? Palissy? Portuguese?

Discussion in 'Pottery, Glass, and Porcelain' started by Jason Pferdeort, Jun 17, 2019.

  1. Jason Pferdeort

    Jason Pferdeort Active Member

    Hello everyone!

    I have been stumped on this item for 5 years now.
    It has become a sport of mine to pull out the 'ol lobster box and try to find information about it - I have found very little.
    A 90 year old antique dealer told me that she believed it to be done in the majolica style.
    Recently, I found majolica items that were also crustacean themed. Most of these were made in Portugal and some were called "Palissy Majolica".
    What is killing me is there is a maker's mark on the bottom and I cannot find this marking anywhere nor can other majolica enthusiasts. I have included photos of the top of the box (crab mixing in with lobster) and a photo of the marking which is a "C" boxed in with two "L" like swirls. There is also the number 8839 - I'm curious whether this is the number in the production sequence, the number of the mold used, or sometimes each number gives it's own piece of information. It is either early 19th (which I doubt); late 19th-early 20th century (there was a resurgence in majolica pottery), or it is contemporary. Does anyone recognize the "C" mark or know anything about the piece? Thank you! LOBSTER BOX 1.jpg DSC01024.jpg
     
  2. Ownedbybear

    Ownedbybear Well-Known Member

    LCT, whoever that might be. It isn't Pallissy in style or even majolica. Gut feel is relatively recent.
     
  3. clutteredcloset49

    clutteredcloset49 Well-Known Member

    I do Not think that is a Lobster.
    Looks more like a crab.

    It probably is not LCT for Louis Comfort Tiffany. But have you done any research to find out who might be copying?

    What does the full bottom look like? Can you add a picture please.
     
    Rec, cxgirl, Jason Pferdeort and 2 others like this.
  4. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    :)
    The central part is a crab, and I can see a lobster or related crustacean around the outside. The beady lobster(ish) eyes are on the lower left in the first pic.
     
  5. clutteredcloset49

    clutteredcloset49 Well-Known Member

    Had a hard time finding the lobster, but see it now. Thanks.
    All I saw was the crab.
     
  6. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    Maybe you prefer crab?;)
     
  7. Bronwen

    Bronwen Well-Known Member

    Can we see the inside?
     
  8. Bronwen

    Bronwen Well-Known Member

    Maybe LTC, since in monograms the surname is often the middle letter. Or is it LT Company? Copyright LT? Would like to see more sides, as well as inside & shot that shows all of the bottom.

    If @BoudiccaJones sees it, she's going to want it.
     
  9. Jason Pferdeort

    Jason Pferdeort Active Member

    I live -we have some of the best crabs and of course crab cakes there are to be had! Thank you so much for the LCT interpretation! It opened up some further successful research! Requested photos and research findings coming up shortly...
     
  10. Jason Pferdeort

    Jason Pferdeort Active Member

  11. Jason Pferdeort

    Jason Pferdeort Active Member

  12. Jason Pferdeort

    Jason Pferdeort Active Member

    LC Tiffany made pieces of a simiar style (alothough of superior quality and of extremely high value) that were enamel on copper. I'm thinking that is what the lobster/crab box - enamel on copper. Here is a photo of a far superior piece yet it reminds me of the color blending of my box.
    LCT - similar - copper enamle.jpg
    Here is the description belonging to this image:
    lobster box - tiffany - Example.jpg
    The SG and EL intrigued me - I thought the C might stand for copper - not certain at all.
     
  13. Jason Pferdeort

    Jason Pferdeort Active Member

    Oh - the brass hinge has flat head screws which from my experience with toys date the piece in the first half of the 20th C. Also the brass hinge is numbered: "590/23".
    When opned the piece makes no sense - it is very top/lid heavy. It has to be held when opened. THis was always curious to me.
     
    Bronwen and judy like this.
  14. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    Thank you for the additional photos, it is much more clear what we are looking at.
    That is certainly what it looks like. I love the colours, and it is a well-made and interesting item.
    That would be my guess for the date.
     
  15. BoudiccaJones

    BoudiccaJones Well-Known Member

    Sorry, no idea except I WANNIT
     
  16. BoudiccaJones

    BoudiccaJones Well-Known Member

    You know me so well Cuz xx
     
    Bronwen and Any Jewelry like this.
  17. Jason Pferdeort

    Jason Pferdeort Active Member

    Boudicca - you're first in line!
    Another clue: My mother informed me that this piece belonged to my Great-Grandma. That would put it at the correct time period. Then it dawned on me: Ocean City, NJ! She lived there many a year and I am thinking that she may have bought there (being ocean themed). I'm going to continue to search with the new clue. Thank you everyone for your help - it is much appreciated! If anyone has any new thoughts please share and I will do the same.
     
  18. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    I think we need @gregsglass ! If he doesn't know....
    Hi Greg.:)
     
    Bronwen and judy like this.
  19. cxgirl

    cxgirl Well-Known Member

    Jason, how big is your box?
    There are quite a few Tiffany boxes but I could only find one with a hinge and it is not the same as yours. I'm not saying yours is Tiffany, none of the marks are the same as yours, but it still might be worth getting it checked out:)
    here is a hinged Tiffany box, #8838 and is 11 1/4"L.
    https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/44328803_rare-tiffany-studios-enameled-jewel-box-1897-8838
    a covered box
    https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/13796808_146-tiffany-studios-beetle-covered-box
     
  20. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    Definitely worth checking out!
    Thanks to cx's reply I now find similar boxes as well, but no hinges. Which doesn't mean Tiffany never made hinged enameled boxes.
     
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