For years, the MET has displayed a work of art, thought to be by “The Workshop of Velázquez”.  The painting was donated to the museum in 1949.

The painting was darker than those painted at the hand of Diego Rodriguez de Silva y Velázquez.  Therefore, the lead authority on Velázquez’s work in the 1960s downgraded the painting to be “The Workshop of” instead of by the master himself.  In 1979, the museum downgraded the painting as well.

The painting had been heavily restored and cleaned in the 1920s. It had be revarnished in 1953 and again in 1965 (hence its darkened color).

Recently, the museum began to catalog its Spanish works.  The chairman of European paintings, Mr. Christiansen, asked the chief conservator at the museum, Michael Gallagher, to take another look at it.

As Gallagher observed the painting closer, and began to slowly clean some of the older yellowed tarnish away, there were signs that this painting would have been painted at the hand of Velázquez, not a generic workshop.

After spending more time restoring the work, they became convinced the work was by Velázquez.    They took the work to the leading expert, Jonathan Brown, who agreed.

Velázquez was a master painter; however he created very few works during his time (1599-1660).  It is estimate there are only 110-120 known paintings by this artist.

What is interesting about this story is the provenance that came with the painting when it was donated to the MET.  It was left to the museum by one of its major donors, Jules Bache.  Bache acquired the painting from Joseph Duveen, a very recognized dealer in the 1920s. Before Duveen, the painting was owned by Count Johann Ludwig von Wallmoden-Gimborn.   It was sold to Bache as a self portrait of Velázquez.   Bache paid $1.125 million dollars for the painting at the time.   The painting is thought to be worth approx. $40 million today.

Recognized 20th Century Decorative Arts Expert and Appraiser.  As seen on CBS “The Early Show” and NBC’s “The Art of Collecting”. Haines has written numerous articles and books on collecting. Her most recent pubication is “Collecting Wristwatches” for Krause Publications which comes out April 2010.  Reyne is a frequent appraiser on PBS Antiques Roadshow.

Cocktail hour has been a favorite pastime for many years—long before HBO’s Sex and the City made the Cosmopolitan chic, again. Martinis first came into fashion in the 1920s, and though the shaken martini is the signature of 007, the martini shaker was in fact invented in America (and perhaps the martini, too). Shakers not only came in numerous mediums, but they also began to take fanciful shapes beyond the standard shaker concept. Before long, cocktail shakers appeared in the form of bowling pins, penguins, airplanes, skyscrapers and other icons from the era.

Of course, you can’t have shakers without accoutrements: swizzle sticks, corkscrews, cocktail trays, ice buckets, martini glasses…

There are national collectors clubs for bar ware enthusiasts, online discussion groups and dealers that specialize in nothing else. You can find examples from years-gone-by in private collections, and also in important museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art. There are books dedicated to the subject and auction houses offering some of the rarest pieces.

Should you decide this collectible is for you, a few things to consider:

Look for mint condition pieces only. If the chrome has tarnished, leave it behind. Don’t accept chipped plastic handles or knobs… and certainly walk past cracked glassware.

If a piece is missing a lid, a knob, or a partner piece, you should wait for a complete set. Finding the missing part is often hopeless.

These items are usually not dishwasher or microwave safe. Washing by hand and towel drying is the best way to maintain your vintage barware.

There are numerous reference books on collecting barware at our local bookstore. I highly suggest buying one. This will give you an idea of who made it and when—and if there are reproductions that can fool you, and how to spot them. Most books come with price guides to give you an idea of what to pay.

Collectible barware also makes a great gift for that special someone in your life, or a soon-to-be bride and groom. Not only do they make great conversation pieces, but they also offer function.

Cheers!