Anique experts / Late 1800's fishbowl from Berlin / Copper and Brass

[fintheman]

I know this is a first post, but it would be nice to have an idea of what I have here. This is a pretty cool piece.

The person who gave it to me said his grandparents brought it over in 1908 to the US. There are markings of Berlin in german and a stamp number (on the picture below) The anique guys I usually go to don't have a clue. This is brass and copper and a nice thick glass on both sides.

I hope I'm not being a troublesome newb, but any ideas of this would be great.

 

[fintheman]

 

[sumthin fishy]

Not sure where it is from. Berlin is "Bern" auf Deutsch, not "burlin" so you might re-think that theory. Unless it was manufactured to be imported in the US, then it would be bErlin. However, trade laws did not require a "made in" stamp to be written in english, untill the early 20th century, I believe after 1920? So I would wander if Burlin is in fact the makers name, more common to be marked on something like this.

I'm no expert, I just watch antiques roadshow!!! But it is a very nice piece nonetheless. I'm sure you will get more kudos than bad reviews for showing us something like this. It is marvolous!!! Any plans on using it for fish?

 

[sumthin fishy]

Try posting the pics here http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/roadshow/
Keep us posted if you find anything, oh and welcome to the site!!

 

[Onikun]

Too bad they didn't know copper was poisonous to fish back then and would eventually kill them.

 

[aknif]

Man, that's really beautiful!! Could it be sealed with something to be able to hold fish, I wonder?

If not, I'd still put gravel and a little plant in it.... just to pretend...

I'm jealous!

 

[willy:-)]

Is the top part brass or copper? And is brass also deadly to fish? Pretty bowl BTW

 

[sardesign]

I think brass is poisonous to fish because brass is partially made up of copper. close to 50% i believe.

 

[M.A.G.]

you could try doing the inside with acrylic and then it should hold fish safely

 

[Hannys_Papa]

Sumthing fishy is right when it comes to the burlin thing - even though i have to add that "Berlin" is also "Berlin" in german. Bern is a city in switzerland.
I am sorry if i appear to be a PITA about it but i am after all german.

I wouldnt put fish in it as mentioned before. I agree however that it is a beautiful piece and could probably make a nice chunck of change - after all nowhere in the world do people pay more $$$ for old junk. LOL Just kidding...