Scandinavian glassworks mystery solved
Q. This is a picture of a heavy glass bowl that was passed on to me. The markings on the base are "KOSTA - 58509 - SINNEMARK." The overall bowl is about 4 inches tall and 8 inches wide. The glass is clear with frosted "V" shapes, and it is in mint condition. I kind of struck out trying to find information. I've contacted Kosta Boda in Sweden, but it didn't respond. Also, I tried the Scandinavian Design Center in Kalmar, Sweden. Its response was that it didn't have it or a similar bowl in stock.
I hope you can shed some light on my mystery bowl.
A. Kosta Glassworks made your bowl. The company was founded by Generals Anders Koskull and Georg Bogislaus Stael von Holstein in 1742 in the Swedish province Smaland. Kosta glass is known for its design excellence and reflecting the natural beauty of Scandinavia. Kosta Glassworks merged with glassworks in Kosta, Boda and Afors in 1964, but it wasn't until 1976 that it changed the name to Kosta Boda AB. In 1989, it merged with Orrefors Kosta Boda AB. It continues to use the name Kosta Boda. Each piece of glass is handled by artisans including glassblowers, cutters, designers and engravers. "Sinnemark" is the last name of the Swedish artist and designer Rolf Sinnemark, who created your bowl. He was born in 1941 and educated in Stockholm, and he was with Kosta from 1967 to 1985. His work can be seen in museums in Paris and Japan, and the Corning Museum of Glass in New York. He is known for his monumental glass walls. The number "58509" is the design number.
Your vase is circa 1964 and would probably be worth $50 to $150.
Q. Enclosed is the mark that is on a set of china that belonged to my grandmother. I know the set is very old, but other than that I don't know anything. It is a service for 12 and includes serving pieces. Each dish is decorated with small bouquets of pink and blue flowers against a white background.
Can you tell me an approximate time frame in which the set was made and any other information you might be able to find?
A. The mark you provided was used by Porzellanfabrik Victoria Schmidt and Company from 1918 to 1939. The factory was established by Frank Schmidt and Company, in Bohemia, Austria, in 1885. Bohemia became part of Czechoslovakia in 1918. By 1945, the company closed.
Your set of dinnerware was made in the early 1900s, and its value would probably be $250 to $325.
• Address your questions to Anne McCollam, P.O. Box 247, Notre Dame, IN 46556. Items of a general interest will be answered in this column. Due to the volume of inquiries, she cannot answer individual letters.
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