Tiffany Pen Wipe – Grapevine

This Tiffany Studios pen wipe features their iconic “Grapevine” pattern.

Detailed Description

• The Metalwork: The piece consists of a cylindrical bronze frame with an acid-etched overlay. The “Grapevine” design is rendered in intricate fretwork, depicting stylized vine leaves and clusters of grapes. The metal has developed a deep, authentic verdigris patina, particularly visible on the upper rim and interior.
• The Glass: Behind the metal overlay is a liner of green and white opalescent Favrile glass. When viewed from above or through the fretwork, the glass shows a mottled, “slag” appearance that creates a luminous background for the grapevine motif.
• The Brush: The piece contains a thick bundle of stiff black bristles used for cleaning ink from the nibs of dip pens. This brush is a modern replacement, as the original natural-fiber brushes often degraded over time from repeated exposure to acidic inks.

Marks and Authentication

The underside of the base provides critical information for authentication:

• Maker’s Mark: It is clearly stamped with the impressed signature “TIFFANY STUDIOS / NEW YORK” in all-capital serif letters.
• Model Number: The number “981” corresponds exactly to the official Tiffany Studios catalog number for a cylindrical pen wipe in the Grapevine or Pine Needle patterns.
• Scratch Mark: The hand-etched number “4854” under the pattern number is a common find on authentic Tiffany pieces. These were often internal inventory or “shop numbers” added during the manufacturing or retail process.

Age and Origin

• Origin: New York City, USA.
• Estimated Age: Circa 1900–1915.
• The “Grapevine” pattern was one of Tiffany’s most enduringly popular desk set designs, produced primarily during the first two decades of the 20th century.