I just spent a most pleasant day in Pasadena, California. Like all collectors I “hit” the many antique shops. One in particular, Novotny’s at 2552 E. Colorado St. struck my fancy. Why? Because I saw about ½ dozen Carder Steuben pieces. More than is typically found in most antique shops. Novotny’s has a particularly nice mix of quality inventory and an appreciation for Carder’s glass. The other, and very important reason for me is that she had emblazoned over the front door a cloth sign announcing that Montano’s Antique Glass Repair, in the persons of Jan & Wayne Montano, were present today and tomorrow for glass repairs. Well, it was time to renew old acquaintances. Many years ago I met Wayne and Jan through the late dealer, Neil Kohut, who served as my mentor and taught me so much of what I know about Carder Steuben and gave me my immense love and respect for Frederick Carder. Neil always raved at length about the quality of Wayne’s repair work, and his unique abilities with glass. I learned from Wayne that not only does he continue to do shows, like the upcoming Hillsborough show, but also is spending a day or two at local antique shops to not only provide a personal outlet for his business, but to team up to bring in customers to some of these antique shops. Makes for a great partnership. Wayne told me that good glass repairers are hard to find now a days, and more and more of his business is coming from the east coast (by way of the internet) , even though he is based in Idaho. Take a look at
http://www.montanosglassrepair.com/

Novotny’s can be found at
www.novotnysAntiques.com