Elfinware / Mossware "Tall" Basket Trinket Toothpick Cotton Swabs Antique

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Seller: floribunda.cottage ✉️ (5,478) 100%, Location: Dallas, Texas, US, Ships to: US & many other countries, Item: 234309059659 Elfinware / Mossware "Tall" Basket Trinket Toothpick Cotton Swabs Antique.

Details about this piece: Small sized vertical basket for trinkets or pins.  Could also be used for toothpicks or cotton swabs, too.  Covered in moss with ring of forget-me-nots around the top rim, with a scattered pink roses in the body.  Large white rose and inset flower painting panel on the sides.  No Hallmarks.   

Dimensions:  1 7/8" Top Diameter x 2" Tall.  Base diameter = 1 5/8"

Unpacked weight: 2.4 ounces

Condition:    Excellent giftable condition. I do not see any broken petals. Cracks in "moss" not considered condition issues -- intentionally decorated.

Dating note:  Since no hallmark (excluding words "Germany" or "Made In" as required by the McKinley Tariff Act), this theoretically would date to period 1891 - 1914.  Since Elfinware was popular later, I'm assuming this piece was not for import and purchased locally in Germany.  Since most of the items from the estate stylistically looked like this and were of a similar date, I opted for a c. 1910 estimate. 

I recently acquired an entire personal collection from the estate of a well-known, high-end Dallas antiques dealer.   Please see my other items (store category "Antiques - Antiques - Porcelain & Ceramic". ).  Combined shipping at actual costs always applied!

Elfinware pieces are miniature Dresden-like porcelain decorative objects covered with 3-dimensional applied flowers and leaves.  The tiny porcelains are treasured by collectors world-wide for their delicate, feminine shapes and profusion of garden flower. Sometimes called Mossware, as many of the Elfinware pieces are encrusted with little hand formed clusters of porcelain “moss.”. Typically, the pieces are decorated with blue forget-me-nots, green leafy "spinach" or "moss" and stamped in red on the bottom with "ELFINWARE / GERMANY" or simply "GERMANY". Many of the pieces are unmarked. The Elfinware  mark on the bottom of pieces is registered to Breslauer-Underberg of New York City. Pieces marked  Elfinware Made in Germany  had been sold since 1945 by this importer. Other elfinware pieces were made during the 1920s and 1930s (between world wars).

Elfinware is avidly collected for many reasons. The boxes, baskets, little shoes and other designs are charmingly decorative, and somehow speak to our imagination. Each one was made and painted by hand, so collectors consider each an original work of art. The value depends on the quality of the flowers, the quality of the hand painting, how little or much damage there is, and how rare or desired a certain shape is. Originally sold as little souvenirs or gifts in dime stores and gift shops.

Note that blue forget-me-knots appear frequently on these items.  In the language of flowers, these are popular souvenir gift motifs (in other words, "I saw this and thought of you -- please don't forget me too")

Always happy to pass through discounts on combined shipping.  Please ask me for specific quote if you feel shipping cost is too high.  On certain large / heavy packages, I see EBAY's calculator grossly overcalculates actual shipping costs.   I only charge actual postage, and always use recycled packing materials. 

Note some photos appear redundant because I take photos from all possible angles.  On symmetrical items, these photos may appear redundant when there are no distinguishing differences or condition issues between side views.

The item listed is being sold as is, as pictured and as described to the best of my knowledge.  If you have a question on an item prior to purchase, please ask. Remember, when buying vintage expect imperfections as these items have a history and have been in the possession of others. I try to list EVERY flaw which would be commented on something in an antique or vintage condition – this does not mean all imperfections resulting from normal wear & use require comment. My goal is to have no rude surprises upon receipt.

  • Condition: Used
  • Condition: Excellent giftable condition. I do not see any broken petals. Cracks in "moss" not considered condition issues -- intentionally decorated.
  • Size: Small
  • Shape: Cylinder
  • Handmade: Yes
  • Artist: Unknown
  • Production Technique: Art Pottery
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: Germany
  • Department: Baby, Girls, Boys, Kids, Teens, Adults
  • Custom Bundle: No
  • Style: Elfinware
  • Item Height: 2 In
  • Item Width: 1 7/8 In
  • Additional Parts Required: No
  • Material: Soft Paste Porcelain, Porcelain, Ceramic & Porcelain
  • Theme: Floral
  • Original/Reproduction: Original
  • Pattern: Mossware
  • Type: Miniature Vase
  • Number in Pack: 1
  • Features: Hand Painted, Hand Made
  • Customized: No
  • Antique: Yes
  • Color: Multicolor
  • Year Manufactured: 1910
  • Subject: Flower Petals
  • Finish: Textured
  • Item Length: 2 in
  • Care Instructions: Clean with Warm Water
  • Glassmaking Technique: NA
  • Room: Any Room, Bathroom, Bedroom, Dining Room, Entryway
  • Signed: No
  • Packaging: Unboxed
  • Occasion: All Occasions
  • Engraved: No
  • Brand: Unknown
  • Time Period Manufactured: 1900-1919
  • Suitable For: Display
  • Era: Edwardian (1901-1910)

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  •  Popularity - 3 watchers, 0.0 new watchers per day, 851 days for sale on eBay. High amount watching. 0 sold, 1 available.
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  •  Seller - 5,478+ items sold. 0% negative feedback. Great seller with very good positive feedback and over 50 ratings.

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