I really enjoyed the article from Brad Withers. It reminded me of the good old days when readers of the Gazette used to send pictures of their Steuben and spark input from a wide variety of participants. The discussions were far from boring and quickly got me to realize the collective expertise of the group far, far exceeded the knowledge of the best of the experts. The Gazette was on fire and alive with activity. It encouraged new blood. We need new blood now because we are all getting older each day. If we do not encourage new and young collectors to carry the torch the field of Steuben it will die with us. The research, the enthusiasm and the knowledge will flicker out like a flame on an expended candle. Then who will buy Rouge Flambé, Intarsia, Rose Bleu or Tyrian? Will anyone still care?

Brad my first Steuben purchase was a gorgeous set of Jade wines with Alabaster stem and foot adorned with bowls in Blue, Green, Rosaline, Amethyst, and Yellow Jade. Those of you that know exactly what I am describing you are right….they were made by Stevens and Williams. That did not detour me from owning more than two thousand pieces of Steuben in my life.

Brad even though your black candlestick is considered opaque it’s true color will provide a huge clue to it’s maker. Steuben, Sinclair, Pairpoint, Cambridge and others all have different colors hidden inside. Pick the thinnest spot on the rim of the foot and go outside and hold it directly to the ball of the sun. You will see the internal color. It will be either magenta, cobalt blue, reddish purple, or green. Steuben will be the color of potassium permanganate. This backyard trick will be a clue to help you for the rest of your life to aid in the identification of Steuben Mirror Black. Have fun with your research and enjoy the two new pieces that have taken the place of your beautiful candlestick!

Rande Bly from Alabama

Member Passing This Summer

This is sad news indeed. June Riccio has been a member of the club for more than 15 years and contributed to the Gazette more than 20 times. Her son, Guy Hoskins, is also a member of club and gave a Collector’s Choice presentation at the Symposium in 2006.