Saucer owner filled with doubt about authenticity
Q. Enclosed you will find a picture of a Sandwich Glass alabaster saucer. I recently went to a Sandwich Glass Antique Center in Sandwich, Massachusetts, and came across an alabaster saucer. It measures 4 inches in diameter and 1 inch in depth and is decorated with the plume and acorn pattern. I was not familiar with that pattern even though the tag said “Boston and Sandwich.” I went home and looked in all my Sandwich glass books and could not find the pattern.
Is it still possible that my saucer is Sandwich glass? I paid $65 for it and now wonder if I got “stung.” What can you tell me about my saucer?
A. The Sandwich Glass Co. was founded in Sandwich, Massachusetts, in 1825. It was incorporated in 1826 and became the Boston and Sandwich Glass Co. They made clear and colored glass that was free blown, blown with three molds and also pressed, in a variety of colors that included alabaster, clambroth, amethyst and amber. Plume and acorn was one of their pressed glass patterns. The glass company closed in 1881.
Your saucer was made between 1840 and 1860. In 2002, similar Boston and Sandwich saucers in amethyst and amber could be found selling in the range of $200 to $250. Prices have fallen dramatically since then. Your saucer would probably be worth $75 to $200.
Q. This mark is on the bottom of a porcelain cup and saucer that was a gift to me earlier this year. After abundant research and effort trying to learn more about it, I've discovered that there are countless Paragon patterns, but I could not find another one that is as vibrantly colored and detailed as this one. Recently I ran across an online reference to it as a “Vintage Paragon Blue Rococo and Cornflowers” cup and saucer that was made between 1957 and 1963. However, I've still had no success identifying it with an actual pattern name nor have I been able to find information on what appears to be a pattern code that is on the bottom of the cup.
All that being said, I'd especially love to find out if there is a pattern name that can be used to search for the existence of other matching pieces, such as a teapot. If you have any insight to offer, it would be tremendously appreciated.
A. Paragon China Co. was founded in Staffordshire, England, in 1919. Paragon China is now part of Royal Doulton. If a pattern name is not included with the mark, it can be difficult to identify. The gold handwritten letter and number on the bottom of the cup refer to a shape that could be decorated with different designs. Your search can be expanded to all the china and glass replacement Internet sites. Send a detailed description along with a clear photo to each one.
Your teacup is circa 1953 and would probably be worth $50 to $125.
• 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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