Several questions that need answers

Stuck Stoppers

I have a pair of perfume bottles with stuck stoppers (I bought them that way – I didn’t do it). Gently twisting and pulling hasn’t worked to release the stoppers nor has a few drops of water loosened them. I’ve been told I can apply heat to the neck of the bottles (probably with a warm, wet cloth compress since my kitchen crème Brule blow torch seems a bit extreme) and the heat will expand the neck and the stoppers will come out. With that method it seems difficult to gauge the amount of heat the bottle will tolerate without cracking. Before I reach for the pliers or WD-40, does anyone have any other suggestions?

Marble Lamp Bases

I was asked today if Steuben ever made table or boudoir lamps with marble bases.

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