So this popped up on eBay this morning, and the launching price is EUR 100.

Experienced collectors among you, please tell me: What are the odds that a vintage piece would be in such pristine shape?

Pyrogene

They are quite durable so they are usualy in good shape.

It's genuine, but common.

There's a few nice ones here, if yer rich....
http://ab.antiquites.free.fr/AB2.htm

Oh baby.
Nice collection.

I have lame criteria for deciding whether or not to bid on an object, namely: Would it make me happy to look at it? I certainly don't have money to burn, and I know I should be giving more thought as to what these objects are worth as collectibles.

So I appreciate the input, guys, and thanks. Truth is, I'm a sitting duck for eBay sellers.

Wow, those are beautiful.

Now, see.......how did you find that site? This confirms my suspicion that the good stuff never makes it to eBay.

If you watch eBay, you can pick up a few repros cheap.
Some repros are sold as originals, so beware and ask question before buying.

I found this locally for ten dollars.

If you are not a dealer , paying a higher price
for a genuine piece that you love is still a good deal.
Actual market prices always vary.

I got this repro for $15.00

Just don't strike your match too hard.

Absinthe 1900,

I picked up one of those cassis quenot ones a year or so ago. I assumed it was a repo. The base of mine appears to be a little wider. Mine is relatively heavy. Maybe about 3 lbs and has a pretty heavy glaze. Is that what yours is like?

The base of mine is quite tight, though it didn't come glazed, you have to supply your own.

Mine is likely the same, I'm sure the one I have is a repro.

What do you make of this, kids? (Hope it uploads.)

I'm not very knowledgeable, but I've never seen it before. It's kinda neat looking, and I'm tempted to get it even if it's bogus.

Made up xit, from J. Cormenier.


Avoid like the plague.

REALLY? No kidding. How interesting.

I just got an unsolicited e-mail from a French guy who tracked me down through eBay (I didn't buy anything from him). He's got a bunch of spoons and grilles for sale. The usual suspects, most of them, and most of them look legit.

I have no way of judging whether or not his prices are unreasonable, although they seem pretty high.

Speak of the devil. THIS JUST IN:

In response to my question, "What is this spoon?", the French guy writes back (my translation):

"This spoon is far from current. It was distributed in 1895 by the establishment PREMIER for very good customers. It is considered an Ouvragée."

And I would be considered an asshole if I bought it, wouldn't I?

Spoons.....Who needs em?

I thank you all for your help.

What user name is he going by these days? He changes them quite a often.

I imagine if this item is a fake, then all of them are. Is that an dickheadlosershitforbrainsgoatsuckerripoffartist! special?

Nope.

'Less it's soup, knife and fork.

If it's the same guy, he's going by the name "Christian." He claims to lives next to "...musée à absinthe d'AUVERS SUR OISE, ou est mort et enterré VAN GOGH."

New question, different seller:

Is the term "non repertoriée" French for "cheap Christmas trash?" I haven't bought any non repertoriée items. But I'd assumed the term meant (roughly) "not classified by Delahaye." Can a non repertoriée item be legit?

Here is one such item:

Semblable à la Trèfle 17**, mais, marquée : BARRAUD A SABLE.

one was selling for over 530. . .

...but I ended up paying over $600, with the shipping and money wire charges.

What a deal.
Send me one too.

Very nice -- but not THAT nice!

Maybe, if it was gold...

Well, whatever this "non repertoriée" thing is, I was eBay's triumphant winner for approximately $40.00.

If I got boned, well.....it coulda been worse.

I guess I just don't get into antiques. I never got the fascination.

Yeah, you could not get boned.

OK, it's a repro, but it sure is shiny and purty...

Very nice. I'm currently using the spoons I recieved in the big closeout (thanks). I might just have to pick up one of those gold repros.

Note to self: must hide credit card when drinking...must hide credit card when drinking...must hide credit card when drinking.

Very classy, absinthespoon!

*gasp*

Just gorgeous!