Hello from south Texas

[TxSilver]

I wanted to drop a line to introduce myself. I am Anita from San Marcos. I haven't been collecting Murano for long, but the house is beginning to look like a glass museum and I spend quite a lot of time trying to attribute the mystery pieces that I bring home. My particular interest is in Fratelli Toso, particularly their heavier pieces and those with latticino and zanfirico. I love the graceful lines of the F. Toso pieces.

I am also into cut glass of the brilliant period, Swarovski crystal, and coins. I sell coins and some glass on eBay, but alas, I buy a lot more than I sell :o It is hard to resist a beautiful work of glass art.

It is good to meet everyone.

[fossilfly]

Welcome to the forums!
My own personal favorites also run towards filigrana, latticino and zanfirico, so I'm in good company.:) I am still amazed at how something so fine and delicate can be created from molten glass. Im sure that many of the forum members would be would be interested in seeing some of your glass from your collection if you have time to post. I am more knowledgable about Murano glass, but I have always enjoyed cut glass also.



Charlie

[TxSilver]

Thanks for the welcome. I posted a picture of the Fratelli Toso bowl that got me interested in Murano. Unfortunately, I sold it before I knew what I had. I wish I had it back now. It was a gorgeous bowl that was almost unflawed. I still enjoy its picture.

[fossilfly]

That is a nice bowl! Its listed in the Italian Glass Century 20 as being worth between $300-$400... Toso has made some wild looking bowls, but yours is definintely one of the nicer ones. You can probably find another on ebay for sale if you keep an eye out.

[TxSilver]

I wish that I had been able to sell it for that much. I have to admit that I rarely buy or sell Murano at anywhere near the appraised values. I guess that eBay has spoiled us when it comes to prices. I get tempted to buy a lot of the things on eBay, mainly because I know that the price is so far below what one would pay in a store.

The other night I bought a F. Toso Starry Night 8-point plate for only $25 on eBay. I felt guilty when the plate arrived and it was as perfect as one could expect. I feel bad when I suspect that a seller has taken a loss.

[spartina]

I wish that I had been able to sell it for that much. I have to admit that I rarely buy or sell Murano at anywhere near the appraised values. I guess that eBay has spoiled us when it comes to prices. I get tempted to buy a lot of the things on eBay, mainly because I know that the price is so far below what one would pay in a store.


Very true, ebay has really made it easier for collectors to find what they want, rather than searching antique shops or auctions each weekend. Also, a lot of people may not really know what they are selling, and let it go for a much lower price than it could have gotten. Even so, most MG Ive bought has been for much less than book value....