Paul Nicolas worked in the Galle glass-works for 20 years, starting out as a young 19-year-old protégé of Galle. After World War I, he formed his own company forming an arrangement with Cristalleries de Saint Louis. The glass pieces Paul Nicolas made for St Louis were signed with ‘D’Argental’ but Nicolas added a cross of Lorraine to indicate when he personally made a piece. When he made cameo vases for himself, his pieces were signed ‘P. Nicolas’ usually followed by ‘Nancy’. Nicolas won numerous awards including a gold medal at the 1937 International exhibition of arts and techniques. Of late, there has been a resurgence of interest in works by Paul Nicolas. The works he produced from the late 1920s into the late 1930s are the most artistically interesting in their originality, technical application and unique colors. I have seen “D’Argental’ pieces with the ‘cross of Lorraine’ but hardly any signed only with his signature. This piece is a ‘must-have’ for serious collectors. It is signed ‘P. Nicolas’ followed by ‘Nancy.’ It is fairly heavy with a deep cut-back. There are no nicks, cracks, or other damage. There is a small open bubble on one of the leaves and very small etch marks on the base. These occurred during the manufacturing process and do not detract from the beauty of this fantastic piece. It is 3½ inches tall, 5½ inches wide.