Authentic Daum Nancy Marks
A lot of people get really caught up on worrying about the mark on their Daum Nancy vase. On some types of decorative arts the mark is important to date and authenticate an item. Marks aren’t as important with Daum. There are essentially just four different types of Daum Nancy marks that you are likely to encounter on a Daum vase. The marks below aren’t inclusive of everything that is out there, but they do cover the majority of marks I see on a daily basis.
Daum Nancy Cameo Signature
The most commonly encountered mark is a cameo signature raised off the side of the vase (or lamp, etc). We are showing just one type of cameo signature. There are lots of different varieties out there. Another commonly used mark uses the initials DN with The Cross of Lorraine. It is worth noting that the majority of reproduction vases tend to have a cameo signature. So the fact that a cameo mark is present does definitely not guarantee authenticity. A quick tip would be that if the signature is a completely different color from the surrounding glass, then you might have a fake. We have more about fake marks on our real vs. fake page. Most authentic vases with cameo signatures have a mark that is the same color as the glass.
Daum Nancy Gilt Signature
A lot of authentic daum nancy vases have a hand written signature. It is clear that a single person did all of the marking. The text is always cursive and neatly written in a fairly small font. I have never seen the signature in other color besides gold or black. I also don’t recall ever seeing a gilt signature anywhere but on the bottom of a vase or bowl. Some lamps do have a gilt signature showing on the top of the base. Keep in mind that these marks can easily get removed from shelf wear or from cleaning. If you ever encounter a vase that is clearly authentic, but not marked, then it probably had a gilt signature that has faded away. Gilt signatures are usually encountered on acid-etched and enameled vases, as well as virtually all early Daum.
Engraved Daum Nancy Signature
Far less than 5% of Daum Nancy vases have an engraved signatures. I usually see these on large padded and wheel carved vases. The signature is either engraved directly into the side of the vase. If the vase is footed then the same mark will typically be on the foot written horizontally instead of stacked. My only word of caution would be that some scammers will take an antique French art glass vase from another maker and add an fraudulent engraved signature. It doesn’t happen often, but I have seen them.
Incised Daum Nancy Signature
I don’t see this signature very often, but it is out there. It is difficult to see here, but these signatures are cut into the bottom of some vases. I occasionally see them on martele style vases and on some very high end marquetry vases. I don’t recall ever seeing a fake vase with an incised signature. The mark to the right it is just one type. Others aren’t quite as flamboyant or stylized. There is no color in the mark, it is just cut directly into the glass.
Got Questions?
I would be happy to answer any questions regarding marks on Daum Nancy vases. Just send some pictures and I can tell you if the vase is authentic and what the vase is worth.
