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This month, our team of antiques specialists pore over a German apostle mug, a curious cat and a colourful perfume bottle, among other unusual items...
holy spices. However, they could also be domestic, perhaps for holding dry goods such as tea, sugar or salt. Spices for domestic use were expensive and so were generally stored in containers or boxes smaller than these. In the domestic sphere, the birds could represent happiness and long life. Your idea of polishing them and using them for seeds is great, thereby protecting your seeds from birds and insects while decorating the garden shed. The price you paid seems about right, though the unusual shape and purpose could give them a wider appeal than much Indian brasswork, and thus a slightly higher value. PA
Blooming lovely
I have had this pair of li! le posy vases, which measure 7cm tall, for over 30 years. I have always wondered if they are rare, as I have never seen any like them at any antiques centres or auctions that I have visited over the years. Could you please advise me? They sit pre! ily on the mantelpiece and are o"en admired by visitors. I like to display tiny forget-me-nots in them when they are in #ower. Thank you in advance for your help.
Adrianne McMahon, by email
Describing something as rare is always open to interpretation – I personally wouldn’t consider them rare, but perhaps it is unusual that they have survived as a pair. They were made for exactly the same purpose that you use them for – small posies snipped from the garden to be displayed and enjoyed on the mantelpiece. It is likely that they were made in Germany towards the end of the 19th century. The bisque bodies look like they have either been chipped quite badly or have picked up kiln debris during !ring. The value is modest, perhaps just a few pounds, but their decorative appeal is certainly worth much more! AS
On the scent
I recently purchased this perfume bo! le at a local antiques fair. There is a barely legible signature on the base, which I have struggled in vain to decipher. There is a # ag-like logo on both sides. I would be very grateful if one of your experts might be able to identify the maker and put me out of my misery!
Andy Wood, by email
Like you, I would be drawn to the "uidity and vibrancy of this piece. We’re ! rmly on home ground with your perfume bo#le – it is by the now-retired glassmaker Chris Comins, whose inspirational pieces emerged from his studio in Gloucestershire. Born in Australia in 1954, he was apprenticed to one of Britain’s studio-glass greats, Sam Herman. Comins set up his own studio in London in 1987 and, from 1991, worked in Gloucestershire, before retiring a few years ago. I ! rst discovered his creativity through the Cra $s Council. Perfume bo#les similar to yours have sold at auction for between £70 and £140. Clearly, you have
a very good eye! KH