Sowerby UK Pinwheel a.k.a. Derby Amethyst Vase

Here’s a vase that you won’t run into every day. This gorgeous imported amethyst example was made by Sowerby of England. Josef Inwald of Czechoslovakia also made similar ones, albeit only in marigold and in a different size. The bases are not similar, so that is an easy way to differentiate between Sowerby and Inwald.

Also known as Pinwheel, Derby is actually the original name for this pattern and was featured as such in Sowerby’s ads. This rare beauty really captivated us, so we were quite happy to add this delightful unswung vase to our collection in the summer of 2015 through a Seeck auction.

This lovely gem stands 6 ½” in height, is 2 5/8” in diameter at the top rim and stands on a circular 2 5/8” base. These Sowerby Derby vases were made in three sizes, 6”– 7”, 8”- 9” and 10”-12”. This is the small one; it was made in a three part mould and sports nice amethyst base glass and thick multi-colored iridescence.

The Kate & Bill Lavelle Collection