photo gallery 1

Signed Portieux
Chimeras Epergne

This beautiful blue epergne stands 13 inches tall and was made by the French Glass Company, Portieux. Chimeras (mythical serpent) was a popular French pattern. This piece was made around the turn of the century. It is unique because it has brass fittings so the epergne can be screwed into the base socket. Found in 1998 at the Burlington, Kentucky monthly antique show and flea market.

"SV" Sugar

A beautiful sugar bowl in caramel. Has the initials "S V" on the base. This lovely piece stands five and a half inches tall and four and a half inches wide. The mysterious part is the SV markings. This pattern appears in a Val St. Lambert -- the famous Belgium crystal maker -- 1898 catalog. Most collectors had assumed that "SV" and "PV France" markings indicated French origin.

Rose Tray

This beautiful tray is part of a complete dresser set. I have seen the entire set with the roses painted a beautiful red. The tray measures ten inches by seven and a quarter inches. The mold work is absolutely terrific! A basket weave pattern with a set of delicate roses and buds climb one side of the tray. The glass has an older look and feel.

Green Vase

A beautiful vase in soft opaque green with a flower motif. I found this piece at the Springfield, Ohio Antique Show & Sale in the summer of 1997. I am quite certain it is European -- almost certainly French. Stands 12 inches tall by 4½ inches wide.

French Yellow Milk Glass Covered Candy

This beautiful piece has all the classic signs of French manufacture. Opaque yellow is one of the most difficult colors to find. It stands 12 inches tall.

Ramses Puff Box

A highly detailed, green milk glass covered puff box made for a New York firm. Made by the Westite Glass Company prior to 1936. When the Westite Glass Company burned down it was not rebuilt. The surviving molds were sold to the Akro Agate Company. Unfortunately, this mold did not survive and was never made by Akro Agate.

Walnut Salt

This open salt depicts both halves of a walnut shell held together with a looping tree branch and leaves. The color is the rare carmel. It measures six inches long, two and a quarter inches wide, and three inches tall. A picture of this item in white milk glass can be seen Frank Chiarenza and Jim Slater's book, The Milk Glass Book, item 312.

Closed Lattice English Basket Weave Compotes

These attractive compotes are marked with the Sowerby "Peacock" trademark, but even if they were unmarked, one would readily know they are English milk glass, known as "Opal Vitro-Porcelain." The English opaque formula attempted to approximate fine porcelain china as much as possible. The compote bowls are separately formed, then cemented onto the stems with intricate open-work and three splayed feet. The smaller (left) measures 8 inches across the top and 4 1/4 inches high; the larger (right) is 9 1/2 inches across the top and 6 3/4" high. They date from the mid 1870s. Not easy to find in either size.

Cornucopia Covered Creamer and Sugar

We include this well-documented Westmoreland Specialty set to supplement the illustration in Newbound (p. 134) which shows only the sugar bowl. Here you can see the matching creamer as well. In addition, this set is shown in blue milk glass which is much harder to find, especially with the original gilt decoration still pretty much intact. They measure 5 5/8 inches high.

"Single Dice" Shakers

These mould blown shakers modeled as individual die are quite difficult to find, and perhaps even rare as a matched pair. Perhaps you can see that one of them (left) is a pale yellow while the other (right) is white, which may be intended to distinguish one as salt and the other as pepper. These are in all respects high quality pieces with heavy enameled hand painted flowers done in red, blue, and white. One example is shown in Lechner's The World of Salt Shakers, p. 112 who notes it was patented by Joseph Locke, December 3, 1889, and reprints the patent papers for the design No. 19,460, p. 269. The maker was the W. L. Libbey & Sons Company, Toledo, Ohio. The dice are 1 5/8 inches square. With the metal top removed, they measure 1 3/4" high.

Bread Tray in Waffle Pattern

Although not documented in any known catalog, this is almost certainly an early Challinor product. It is shown in white milk glass by Belknap (p. 60) who praises it as made in "quality glass, sharp detail...a collectors' piece." Ferson shows a covered compote in this pattern (p. 41) and states that other known table pieces include a bread tray. The fact that it is found in white, as well as the blue shown here, and most significantly a chartreuse green color as noted by Belknap lend further support to a Challinor attribution. In addition, the waffle design of this tray certainly recalls the documented Waffle Fish Pickle and Block Swan covered dish both of which are shown in the Challinor circa 1891 catalog (see Ferson, p. 139). It is a very impression tray, measuring 8 1/2 inches by 12 1/4 inches.

Mum, Jonquil, Loganberry, and Rose Vases

These Imperial vases form a very appealing group, obviously related in size (each being about 6 1/4" high) and in having a floral embossed motif, but look at the wonderful way the shapes have been varied to give the set a most interesting aspect of individuality. According to Garrison, Imperial's Vintage Milk Glass, p. 140, the dates of production differ, with Rose (far right) the most frequently found and dating '53-'70; '78-'79. Mum and Jonquil (first two in the row) date from '53-'69 and '55-'69, respectively. Loganberry (third in the row) also was introduced in '53 and was continued until '71. Here are examples of pieces that are relatively recent, relatively inexpensive, and relatively easy to find, but not as a complete set. The challenge after you've found one or two is to hunt for the remaining ones. Good luck!

Rose and Poppy Pattern Pin Tray

The embossed flowers of this small tray have given the design its name. The pattern is attributed to the Fostoria Glass Company, and goes back to the early 1900s. Most collectors are familiar the eight piece dresser set made with the same border design but having the embossed profile medallion in the center of a lady often referred to as Actress Head. The pieces include a Covered Pomade Jar, a Handkerchief Box, a Cologne Flask, a Jewel Box, a Pin Box, Glove Box, and two trays, a large Comb & Brush tray (11 1/2") and a small Pin tray (6"). These were produced in milk glass mainly in the 1950s. The pin tray shown here is early 1900s and differs from the later products by a "picture-under-glass" inside the beaded frame. Moreover, the newer pieces are solid, and do not have the open areas in the border which you see at the top and bottom of the tray.

Leaf Pattern Arched Twin Candleholders

When these candleholders were originally put into this photo gallery, we were unable to find them illustrated in any reference sources familiar to us, but the leaf pattern itself appeared to be identical with that used on a vase illustrated in a circa 1950s catalog of Duncan Glass. (See Fred Bickenheuser, Tiffin Glassmasters, Bk. III, p. 132). We have since been informed by Ken Hartwell that they are Indiana Glass products called "Calla Lily," originally made in 1930- 1945. Tiara Exclusives sold them in 1991 in Sage Mist as “Desert Blossoms Candleholder,” together with other items as well as in different colors. Maximum dimensions 8 1/2 inches long and 4 inches wide. 

Beaded Panels Miniature Oil Lamp

This is one of the lesser known products of the Westmoreland Specialty Company, designated as its #100 - Decorated Night Lamp, from the late 1800s to about 1904. The blue milk glass appears somewhat washed out because of a slight overexposure, but it is in fact a rich deep blue. As you will find with a number of these miniature oil lamps when you decide to collect them, the bases were often issued by the same manufacturer and fitted with screw tops to be sold as salt shakers. This is a wonderful area for collecting, but one should be warned that finding any of these early miniature lamps for less than $100 is not easy. Many of them are difficult to attribute to their makers, but the lamp shown here is documented by an illustration in a Westmoreland Specialty catalog (undated), which is reprinted by Ferson (p. 165). It measures 7" high. The Acorn burner is marked "The P. & A. Mfg. Co. Acorn."

Loop Open Compote

Regal in the extreme, this is a true classic worthy of the finest collections, and an excellent example of the products that emerged from the famed Boston and Sandwich Glass Company. A similar one is shown by Ferson, fig. 326, noting that it probably dates from the 1860s, and listing other table pieces made in this same design. The compote shown here is 9 3/4" high. Notice that the bowl is attached to the stem by what looks like a round "wafer" connecting the two parts together. This is quite characteristic of many Sandwich pieces, including crucifix candlesticks where the stems are attached by a separate piece of molten glass to the candle sockets above.

Cupid and Psyche Novelty Plate

One of the famed Westmoreland "Baker's Dozen" plates that dates back to 1900-1904, and was continued in production with others into the 1950s. See Charles Wilson, Westmoreland Glass, p. 210 for fuller discussion. We include this mainly because the original application of brilliant red paint on the border and the lavish gilt on the embossed figures are so very well preserved. It measures 7 inches in diameter.

Wooden Crate

Frank Chiarenza and Jim Slater show this wooden crate in the new Milk Glass book in white. Made by Vallerysthal the covered dish is very simple in design. The French glass manufactures, Vallerysthal and sister company Portieux, were best known for the wonderful detail and design work on their pieces. This terrific piece is a perfect example of a wooden crate complete with the rope handles on the sides, all the simulated wooden slats and the nail head marks that you would expect to find in a wooden crate. It measures 4 inches in length, 3 ½ inches in width and the height is 2 3/8 inches.

Holland or Dutch Scene Mustard Jar and Lid

Westmoreland Specialty Glass Company made this mustard container. The Dutch scene container has a scalloped top rim and six panels, each with a different scene. The example shown here still has some of the original paint remaining, which makes it even more desirable. It measures 4 inches tall and 3 ¼ inches wide.

 
Family of Dogs

Three sizes of the Scottie dogs that were made by L. E. Smith Glass Company of Mt. Pleasant, PA. The large dog measures 5 inches high, the medium dog is 3 inches high and the tiny dog is only 1 ½ inches high.

Mortar and Pestle

A very tiny mortar and pestle made by U.S. Glass Company around 1910. The mortar is a mere 1 ¼ inches high by 1 ½ inches wide. The pestle is almost 2 inches long.

Child's Mug

Westmoreland Specialty Glass Company made a series of small mugs such as the one shown. This particular one shows a robed gentleman or monk drinking a tankard of ale. The mug measures 2 ½ inches high and is 1 ½ inches wide.

Baseball Paperweight

This is a very heavy solid piece of glass. It is a baseball paperweight. The detail shows the stitching around the ball and on the base there is scrollwork. Overall measurements are 3 ½ inches high by 2 ¾ inches wide.

Chick in Vertical Egg

This baby chick is emerging from the end of a vertical egg. The egg stands on three legs and has the old gold paint still existing that really brings out the detail of the chick. The covered dish measures 3 ¾ inches high by 2 inches wide.

Porcelain Lady on Cold Cream Jar

You often find the cold cream or medicine jars that were widely used in the 1950's. What you don't very often find is one that has the porcelain lady on the top. It held Ingram's Milk Weed Cream. It measures 2 ½ inches in diameter and is 6 inches to the top of the ladies head.

Orange Covered Dish

This 3 inch high covered dish is an orange with orange leaves on the top and orange leaves forming a pedestal base.

Guernsey Rabbit Covered Dish

This piece has a combination of ancestry. It was made by Harold Bennett of Guernsey Glass probably in the 1960s. Mr. Bennett used Akro Agate's number 654 base and developed a Westmoreland "look-alike" rabbit top. Shown here because of the unusual coloring. Also shown in black in The Milk Glass Book by Frank Chiarenza and James Slater, item 134. Measures six inches across and five and a half inches tall.

Guernsey Slag Bird Compote

This beautiful compote measures seven and a quarters inches tall and just short of four inches across. It was made by Harold Bennett owner of Guernsey Glass in Cambridge, Ohio (Guernsey County). If you look closely at these pieces you can see the letter "B" embossed on the bottom of the pedestal (near the bird's tail). This is not a Boyd logo -- it's for Harold Bennett. This pieces comes in a multitude of slag colors, as well as all white and amber. I have seen a blue slag, an orange slag, and a blue / brown / white slag. More information on this piece can be seen in the June 1990 issue of the Opaque News.

Acme Dosage Reminder and Tumbler

This clock faced dosage reminder sits atop a tumbler. There is a removable metal arrow that indicates when the next dosage should be taken. Embossed on the face of the clock are the hours with markings for the quarter hour. The back of the reminder is embossed ACME TUMBLER COVER AND DOSE INDICATOR, SHARON MFG. CO. PHILADA PA. PAT. APPL'D FOR. The base of the tumbler has ACME embossed in script. The lid measures 4 inches in diameter. The tumbler is 3 inches wide by 2 ½ inches high.

Photo on Milk Glass

Here we have a photo of a World War I gentleman on milk glass. The picture measures 3 ¼ inches by 4 ¼ inches and is 1/8 inch thick. Not exactly a picture you would carry around in your wallet.

Vallerysthal Squirrel

This 5 inch by 5 inch Squirrel sits atop what is called a fancy dish and was made by Vallerysthal in the early 1900's. The color shown here is opaline yellow. The dish can be found in blue and white.

Cow on Tub Base

This is an English made cow covered dish. Although the picture does not show it, the base has vertical slats and resembles a wooden tub. It measures 6 inches wide by 4 inches high. The mould work is excellent from the grass mound the cow is resting on to her tail laying across her back.

Ye Old Oaken Bucket

Simulated wood panels and the metal hoops make this candy container look very realistic. The closure is embossed with YE OLDE OAKEN BUCKET. It measures 2 ¾ inches wide by 2 inches high.

Billiken Bottle

This wonderful little statue is named Billiken. Embossed around the sides of the base are the words - THE GOD OF / THINGS AS THEY / OUGHT TO BE / BILLIKEN. It stands 4 ¼ inches high and is 2 ½ inches wide at the base.

Toothache Lady

This is a really neat little paperweight that is the head of a woman that is obviously in pain from a toothache. The one side of her face is all swollen and she has a bandage wrapped around here head. Overall dimensions, she is 3 ½ inches wide by 2 ½ inches high.

Rapunzel Bubble Lady Powder Dish

A powder (puff) box most likely from the 1950's. She has been named Rapunzel and has what appears to be bubbles cascading through her hands. She is 4 ¼ inches in diameter and 6 inches to the top of her back.

Indian Hanging Match

An Indian Chief in full headdress adorns this hanging match. Striker areas are on both sides of the match and a hole is in the back for hanging. It measures 3 ½ inches by 2 ¾ inches.

Leprechaun Hanging Match

A terrific example of the attention to detail that those wonderful artisans did when they made the moulds for the pieces we all love to collect today. From the fine detail of his hair to the two warts on his nose and cheek, you can't help but love this character. Just looking at him makes you chuckle. He measures 3 ¾ inches by 2 ¼ inch.

Westmoreland Glass Resting Camel Covered Dish

The regal looking resting camel covered dish designed by Westmoreland Glass Company beginning in the 1950's. It measures 5 ½ inches tall by 5 ¾ inches long.