Expert: Barbara K. Acchino - 5/21/2006

Question
I have a pair of china, light blue background with a dark blue willow pattern - egg shaped & differant sizes. They are very pretty & I have had for many years butI can find no makers name or any marking of any kind.     I am looking for any information you may have.    Regards    Chris Owe

Answer
Hello Chris.  I've consulted DARN IT! The History and Romance of Darners by Wayne Muller.  He does not show your specific darner.  However, he does show an array of glass eggs.  The eggs you have were used as darners, as well as hand coolers, which were popular during Victorian times.  Unfortunately, without markings there's no way to tell if your darners date from that time or are a contemporary re-issue.  Wayne Muller's book is quite interesting and filled with lots of information on darners as well as many pictures.  Perhaps your local library has it or could find you a copy.  Good luck with your search for more information.  Barb