Loetz Crystal Glatt "Schwan", PN II-6984/0, ca. 1918

These crystal swans by Loetz have appeared on the market several times over the years, and some have even made their way to CW - and now, I have finally added one to my own glass menagerie. I wanted to use this opportunity to discuss the Marie Kirschner attribution that usually accompanies them. While it is true that there is a drawing matching this shape in the Marie Kirschner commissioned pattern archives, not all swans of this type may truly be considered "Kirschner" swans. The relationship between Kirschner and the von Spauns was in some ways symbiotic; in return for executing her designs at the Loetz factory for use in her own boutiques, she allowed Loetz to use some of her designs in their regular production. That was not the totality of the relationship - their families were friends. At any rate, the pieces made for Kirschner will not be marked as Loetz - they will always have her unique MK cypher inscribed on the bottom. Likewise, any piece marked as Loetz, including the oval "Czecho-Slovakia" mark were made for Loetz's use, as Marie Kirschner did not allow the pieces she sold in her boutiques to be marked as Loetz. The production notes for the Kirscher Production Number (PN) 1090-264 are pretty specific, listing "kristall martele" as the decor, and the size of the pattern at just under 6" tall. To further complicate things, kristall martele was also used in the factory's regular production (but it is assumed those will not be marked with the MK cypher). Some of the regular production pieces were made for the French distributor J. Jouve - others were made for unidentified customers. This one, in kristall glatt (smooth crystal) is one of those pieces. Height and length are both about 7". The oval "Czecho-Slovakia" mark is clearly visible on the base, indicating production after 1918.