My vase is sick ... How to cure? - plus other questions

I sure do love this type of engraved crystal with fine gray-cut leaves and small cut, polished details- even though it's next to impossible to ID the maker/engraver.

This vase measures about 4" high, 6" across, with a 2 3/8" opening ... weighs only 6.5oz ... rings beautifully. But it is sick ... milky rainbow tinted waterstains - mainly on the bottom inside. I've tried denture tablets with no improvement.

Any suggestions?

Do you think this an odd shape for a vase? Could it have been a bottle/decanter when it was born ... but had its neck removed?



here's the worst of the sickness


This piece reminded me of a tumbler I showed on the old P & G board at "the other place" ... never could ID that one either - and am still looking for a mate to it.

 

Hi,
It is possible that it started out as a decanter. If you just want to show it off pour mineral oil into the "vase" and swirl it around. Turn it upside down to drain. The mineral oil will coat the inside and hide the "waterstains". You will have to do it everytime you wash it, but it will show marvelous. I have several old decanters one over 200 yrs old and they look fabulous with the oil coat. Since they have their tops they do not need "inside" cleaning except every few years. I got them cheap since they were so "sick". I feel sorry for the person who dumpster dives after I'm gone. They will wash them and then when they dry they will look like hell. I am sure the person will think "what did I do?".
greg

 

WOW! and............HAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAaaaaaa*

 

Thanks for the tip Greg. All that can be done is to mask it? I cannot make it go away?

 

The only thing that makes it go away is treatment with muriatic acid. Not worth doing unless it's of some value.

 

Hi,
There are people who will clean and restore the inside with dremels and acid. The only trouble is it is very expensive to have done. On mine the 15 cent treatment is better then the 250 dollar price tag.
greg

 

Thank you Ownedbybear and Greg ... good information ... guess I'm off to buy some mineral oil!

 

You might try some limescale remover gel. That can sometimes take the worse of it off. I do think it's a decanter base.

 

CLR? I totally forgot about that stuff ... even think we have some hanging around here ... somewhere. I'll try it.

 

Greg's suggestion is excellent for that item. However, if you have a "sick" decanter that has its top, keeping it filled up with Johnny Walker Blue disguises that problem in a useful way.

I, too, have a fondness for similarly designed glass. I just bought a pair of beautifully patterned water glasses with an elegant lady leg. Not "good" ones...the ring is "riing," rather than riiiing." But they sure are pretty!