A reader of the Original Prop Blog directed my attention to a current eBay auction offered by Auction Depot LA with a Global Antiques COA titled: “ORIGINAL PAIR OF GLASS CANDLESTICKS OWNED BY MARK TWAIN”
This seller and consignor/authenticator have already been topics of past articles:
“Gone With The Wind, Global Antiques, and Auction Depot LA“
“Global Antiques, Auction Depot LA – Reader Experience With “Original” Casablanca Prop”
“I Love Lucy, Global Antiques, and Auction Depot LA”
“Thomas Edison, Global Antiques, and Auction Depot LA”
As discussed in the previous articles, “Auction Depot LA” (auctiondepotla1 on eBay) offers a large number of items on a regular basis (over 100 items are currently live on eBay in the “Collectibles” category of their eBay store, as of the writing of this article).
These collectibles, attributed to film/television use and/or ownership by Hollywood stars and public/historic figures, are apparently consigned and authenticated by “Global Antiques” (also referred to as “City of Los Angeles Global Antiques”).
For example, many of these items are described as “original” and “authentic” props from “Gone With The Wind”, “The Wizard of Oz”, “Casablanca”, “I Love Lucy”, “Star Trek”, “James Bond”, “Lord of the Rings”, and other films and television programs, as well as many collectibles and antiques marketed as owned by John Wayne, Marilyn Monroe, Lucille Ball, and other classic and iconic Hollywood stars as well as objects previously owned by public figures such as Sigmund Freud, Mark Twain, Thomas Edison, Al Capone, Andy Warhol, and others.
While the following auction is not a movie or television prop, it is another piece offered for sale to the public by Auction Depot LA with a Certificate of Authenticity from the same source/authenticator, also described as “curator” in the listings, “City of Los Angeles Global Antiques”.
Glass Candlesticks Owned By Mark Twain
“ORIGINAL PAIR OF GLASS CANDLESTICKS OWNED BY MARK TWAIN” (eBay Item #310043985148)
High Resolution Full Auction Archive: eBay Listing – auctiondepotla1 “ORIGINAL PAIR OF GLASS CANDLESTICKS OWNED BY MARK TWAIN”
This is the marketing description for the item:
DESCRIPTION
You are looking at an ORIGINAL PAIR OF GLASS CANDLESTICKS OWNED BY MARK TWAIN + COA.
Now is your chance to own a piece of Celebrity history!!
Product Details:
- Owned by Author, Mark Twain
- Pair of Candlesticks
- Glass Material
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Do you have any more information about this item?
A: Since this item was pulled from a large vault of celebrity property, exact details are not available. It may be recognized as something personally worn by the celebrity or it may be personal property never seen by the public.
Q: How do I know this prop is authentic?
A: Global Antiques is the curator of all of the props available for auction through Auction Depot LA. They acquire these props from collectors and studio personnel. The item is authenticated by Global Antiques after its provenance has been validated and certified. Every prop we sell is accompanied by a Silver or Gold Certificate of Authenticity. No other documents are included with the auction.Q: How can I contact Global Antiques or the original owner?
A: We act as an agent for Global Antiques and would be happy to answer any other questions you have. We cannot disclose contact info for our private sellers but you are welcome to call us toll free at (877) 337-6852INCLUDED IN THIS AUCTION
- ORIGINAL PAIR OF GLASS CANDLESTICKS OWNED BY MARK TWAIN
- Certificate of Authenticity Global Antiques, Los Angeles)
CONDITION
Appearance: Used as personal property of Thomas Edison. Signs of use.
DIMENSIONS
Width: 4.5″
Height: 3″
These are the details of the “Certificate of Authenticity (City of Los Angeles, Global Antiques)”:
The COA cites “Mark Twain / S. Clemens”, “Philosopher / Author”, with an “AM Approval Date” of “1889 to 1903″.
Per Wikipedia (LINK):
Samuel Langhorne Clemens (November 30, 1835 – April 21, 1910), better known by the pen name Mark Twain, was an American humorist, satirist, lecturer and writer.
It is a matter of record that Mr. Mark Twain passed in 1910.
The item offered for sale on eBay is a “Pair of Candlesticks”, with no manufacturer or date of manufacture noted.
However, in reviewing the photos provided in the auction, the candlesticks appear to be the “Berwick” or “Boopie” pattern, first produced by Anchor Hocking from the 1950s to 1970s.
If one performs a Google search on these terms, there is a wealth of information about this style of candlesticks: Google Results
The oft-cited history of these candlesticks on a variety of websites is as follows (see HillHousewares.com):
Anchor Hocking Company was born of a merger of the Hocking Glass Company and Anchor Cap & Closure Corporation in 1937. The company is still in production today as a divison of Global Home Products with its headquarters located in Lancaster, Ohio.
The Berwick pattern, commonly referred to as “Boopie” was manufactured from the 1950s to the 1970s. It came in Forest Green, Royal Ruby, Amber and Crystal.
Here is a comparison between photos from the Auction Depot LA listing the the Anchor Hocking Berwick (Boopie) candlesticks offered for $5 each:
If the candlesticks offered for sale by Auction Depot LA are indeed of the same “Berwick” or “Boopie” pattern produced by Anchor Hocking from the 1950s to 1970s, that would conflict with Mr. Twain’s passing in 1910.
Per the Anchor Hocking Glass Museum (LINK):
Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation came into existence on December 31, 1937 when the Anchor Cap and Closure Corporation and its subsidiaries merged with the Hocking Glass Company.
Jason De Bord