A DIVISION THREE ENGLISH BIMINI GLASS BUTTON

1 Large 1940's example of a female Swimmer by Lucie Rie. According the Victoria and Albert Museum in London this example is listed as a "Glass Button by Orplid Glassworks, London, 1940-1945." and designed by Dame Lucie Rie. For everyone's reference. Bimini Glass (1923-1938): Fritz Lampl started the Bimini glass workshop in Vienna, Austria, with his brothers-in-law. They made delicate, lightweight lampworked figures, animals, and fine drinking glasses. Orplid Glass (1938-1955): When Lampl fled the Nazis and moved to London, England, he re-established his business. He eventually changed the company name to Orplid Glass (registering it formally in 1948), shifting focus for a time to handmade glass buttons, brooches, and tailored studio glassware. Attached is a photo from the V & A of the same button in a different color than the example you are bidding on, as you can see the V and A recognizes this example as one by Lucie Rie. Further reading in the V & A description reveals this notation, (Acquisition details: Given by the Potter). Although there has been some controversy over the Bimini GLASS buttons being specifically being made by Lucie, the word from the V & A is that the buttons were designed by her and attributed to her, not that she made them herself. There is no documentation that she ever made glass, but that she indeed designed some for Fritz Lampl, like the example of this lot. Dimensions: SM=Less than 3/4", Medium=3/4" to 1 1/4". Large=1 1/4" and above, extra large=1 3/4" and above Date or Era: DIVISION 1=PRE 1918 AND DIVISION 3 IS AFTER 1918 Condition Request Condition Report PLEASE NOTE: These buttons for the most part are antique and may have age related wear. We make every effort to point out any significant condition related concerns, but again they are antique and not new. We also cannot be responsible for replaced shanks or issues related to the backs of any buttons on multiple button cards as we do not remove these buttons to re-card them. Please contact us if you would like any further condition reports on any lot.

Estimate:$50

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