De Vez: French Cameo Glass by Cristallerie de Pantin
De Vez is a trade name used on cameo glass produced by the Cristallerie de Pantin (also known as Stumpf, Touvier, Viollet & Cie) in Pantin, near Paris, France, from approximately 1900 to 1930. The De Vez line features acid-etched cameo decoration in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles, with landscapes and natural subjects being the most common motifs. De Vez glass is collected alongside other French cameo glass by Galle, Daum, and Muller Freres.
History and Production
- Cristallerie de Pantin: Established in 1851 in Pantin, a suburb of Paris
- c. 1900-1930: De Vez cameo glass line produced during the peak of French art glass
- The factory also produced cameo glass under the name "Degue" (a separate line with different characteristics)
- De Vez pieces use acid-etching to create the cameo relief, typically in two or three layers of colored glass
- The factory employed skilled decorators who created detailed scenic and botanical designs
- Production ceased in the 1930s as Art Deco styles fell from fashion
Identification and Marks
- Signed "de Vez" in cameo script within the decoration, usually near the base
- Some pieces may also carry "Pantin" or the full factory designation
- The glass features layered colors with acid-etched decoration revealing the underlying layer
- Common color combinations: brown over amber/yellow, blue over frost, purple over pink, green over yellow
- Decoration typically depicts mountain landscapes, lakeside scenes, sailing ships, and woodland views
- The etching quality varies from commercial-grade to quite fine, depending on the piece
Types and Decorative Subjects
- Mountain landscapes: Alpine scenes with peaks, valleys, and atmospheric effects
- Lake and river scenes: Waterside views with trees, buildings, and reflections
- Sailing vessels: Ships on water with coastal backgrounds
- Woodland scenes: Forest interiors with trees and paths
- Floral subjects: Less common than landscapes but produced in limited quantities
- Night scenes: Moonlit views, among the more sought-after subjects
Auction Price Ranges
| Item Type | Typical Range | Premium Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Small vase (4-6 in.) | $150 - $400 | Fine subject: $500 - $900 |
| Medium vase (7-10 in.) | $300 - $800 | Exceptional landscape: $1,000 - $2,000 |
| Large vase (12+ in.) | $600 - $2,000 | Museum quality: $2,500 - $5,000 |
| Bowl or dish | $150 - $500 | Elaborate scene: $600 - $1,200 |
| Lamp with shade | $1,500 - $5,000 | Matched, exceptional: $6,000 - $12,000 |
| Night scene piece | $400 - $1,200 | Large: $1,500 - $3,500 |
Condition Factors
- Cameo layers must be intact; chips or losses in the etched decoration reduce value substantially
- The acid-etched surface should be even and well-executed; rough or poorly finished etching diminishes value
- Internal cracks or fractures are serious defects that substantially reduce value
- Color should be vibrant and consistent; faded or washed-out pieces are less desirable
- The signature must be clearly legible and authentic
Collecting Tips
- De Vez offers an excellent entry point into French cameo glass at prices generally below Galle and Daum
- Landscape scenes with strong atmospheric perspective and depth are the most desirable
- Night scenes and sailing vessel subjects command premiums over standard mountain views
- Multi-layered pieces with three or more colors are rarer and more valuable
- Compare with d'Argental, Muller Freres, and Le Verre Francais for similar quality and price points
- Reproductions of French cameo glass exist; study the etching technique, glass weight, and mark placement for authentication