What are different Murano swan dishes worth???

[purplebell]

Hi!
I'm new to this site and new to Murano glass. I admit I only got interested after browsing eBay and spotting a Murano green swan dish the same as my grandmothers listed that ended up selling for over $200! I've been looking at eBay's Murano Art Glass section regularly since and have noticed a wide variety of swan dishes for auction, some at very low starting prices. Can anyone sum up what the different varities are worth or if you know of a helpful website that can answer my query for me?
Any info would be greatly appreciated as like the majority of people I don't like getting ripped off/cheated.
Regards. :confused:

[madcat]

I think the old adage applies on ebay as it does in life....if it's too good to be true, it probably is.

So if the starting price is very low and the shipping is very high with lots of other hidden handling, restocking fees, etc., then it's probably not a real Murano.

Usually, they will try and use "Murano Style" or "Murano-like" somewhere in the fine print of the description as a disclaimer, knowing that you likely won't read all that until later. When you're disappointed.

Think about it. If you had something of real value that you wanted a fair price for, would you start it at a penny or .99, with no reserve price? I sure wouldn't.

[drabkin]

Madcat, you are spot on! Ebay is great, but "buyer beware" is very much the theme of the day. There is so much junk out there mislabeled--I would venture to gess that at least 50% of the glass labeled Murano is not.

[glassman]

Purplebell, can you post a photo of the swan dish? I would be interested in seeing it.

Ebay can be tricky, you really have to know what you are getting into. For a while I was getting sick of seeing so much junk listed as Murano, I gave it up..for about a week :eek: If you know what you are looking for you can still find great deals. Eventally, everyone will take a hit and purchase a fake, just dont bet the farm and take it as a "life experience"! LOL

[madcat]

I agree. Ebay can be pretty addictive. There are unbelievable deals to be had and that's why we keep going back.

Where else can a buyer browse through flea market items, estate sale and retail inventory all at the same time?

[fossilfly]

As a rule of thumb, if a piece can be specifically attributed to a specific artist or manufacturer, it has more value than something that is not immediately identifiable or generic. Besides attribution, different objects are worth more than others, art glass is worth more than tableware in most instances.
So if you are buying on ebay, I would try to buy something that is immediately identifiable to a specific mfr and then research the piece to verify. Then again, if its not too expensive, just take a shot! you may be happy with what you bought, even though it may not be worth all that much. Good luck!