Dick Weerts shared a picture of a Cire Perdue Piece on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 (Gazette #2684)

Terry Smith asked:

Alan,

I know that it is not really important, or “on-subject,” but does Mr. Weerts know who the gentleman depicted on the plaque was, and why the stands contain images of “horse heads”?

Alan: In response to Mr Smiths question…..

The gentlemen on the plaque is Thomas Edison. This plaque is similar in design to a plaque shown in “Frederick Carder and Steuben Glass” by Dimitroff on page 89, Fig. 4.114 of Eugene Sullivan which is on display at CMOG. Also in the same picture is an example of a plaque of Thomas Edison with a metal luminor base which were made for as favors for a grand opening at the Henry Ford museum in 1929. These plaques were not fumed.

My piece is not dated, and so I can only assume it was made around the same time. I also believe my plaque is a little larger. It is fumed and has a stylized monogram, which Carder used on some of his cast glass pieces and paintings, sculpted on the face of the piece which Carder which I do not believe the other piece has. I also remember the “luminor” example is stamped with a Corning Class Works trademark signature.

With regards to the stand, I am not sure why the horse heads. The “Sullivan” plaque has a different head on the stand. I have seen several example of use of this horse head in his plaques as well as on some Diatreta pieces. See Fig. 4.176, page 114 in the Dimitroff book.

Dick Weerts

A Few Questions Mr. Donaldson

Mr. Donaldson,

What a fabulous piece! Amazing details and colors. Would you mind giving the dimensions of the piece? Thank you for sharing.

Janice Boyd