LUMINORS

BY Bob Mueller

In the late 1920’s Mr. Carder would found another use for glass for lighting purposes. In many homes at this time, you might have seen the use of lighting in many ways. For example, you might see hanging wall light fixtures with two, maybe three shades attached to the fixtures. But down the street in a “finer” home you might see a three piece wall sconce with the two main pieces (lower and back) more than likely to be a gold Aurene, maybe decorated, then a piece like the diving lady used in the center of these beautiful pieces.

Mr. Carder still had a few more ideas. He would take his table decorations, such as the cut eagle, pigeon or pineapple. These pieces, because they are small enough, he could place them on mirror black light boxes as shown in the link with a crystal gazelle on it.

http://www.kddk.com/alans/Luminors.pdf

Another way Mr. Carder was able to create a luminor was by using a stand that would have a slanted metal fitting at the top, where the plaque with the kneeling lady would fit into the fitting, Then by placing a light behind the plaque it would give a soft light to the glass.

In addition many glass objects were sold to third party vendors who, in turn, created luminors.

There are countless third party created Luminors that haven’t been indexed with a Carder Steuben Glass in them. It would be wonderful if they could be shared by sending images to the Gazette.

As collectors of Carder Steuben Glass, there are so many surprises yet to be discovered. Luminors are one of those categories where a large part of them haven’t been seen, photographed or shared. This is particularly so because of third party applications. Even the Carder Steuben items done at the factory, they aren’t seen that often.

His Luminors offer us yet one more way to collect and share enjoyment.

Bob Mueller
Osseo, Minnesota
May 21, 2010