A year ago Bonhams & Butterfield had an auction sale in Los Angeles of items from the Estate of late Steuben dealer, Joan Miller. One of the items was a silver overlay vase thought to have been designed by Frederick Carder while he was at Stevens and Williams, c. 1895. The Piece was signed with the name “Frederick C. Carder”, atypical of the way Mr. Carder signed his pieces. This led to a considerable discussion in this e-mail list as to whether Mr. Carder had a middle initial “C”. Some stepped forward by saying, “of course, everyone knows that.” Ed Bush of Painted Post, NY said, “no, he didn’t have, nor use a middle initial. Some said, “who cares?”. Well, out of this Ed went on a mission of research. Much at the Rakow Library at CMoG in Corning, and some on the internet searching birth and other records in England. From this Ed wrote a scholarly piece, “The Wayward ‘k’ of Frederick Carder’s Signature” for the Glass Club Bulletin of The National American Glass Club that appeared six months ago. We now have permission to reproduce it and if you haven’t already seen the article I think you’ll enjoy the read and appreciate the in depth work and thoughtfulness of Ed Bush’s research.

Yesterday we shared the article written by Ed Bush on the missing middle name.
A couple of responses.

First, from Carol Kalinich. Carol knew Mr. Carder as a five year old. She visited
with her father, who was then the CMoG photographer and good friend of Mr. Carder.
I sincerely commend Mr. Ed Bush of Painted Post, NY for his fabulous and ambitious
research done on “The Wayward ‘k’ of Frederick Carder’s Signature”. It was so very
well researched, written and documented! I learned so very much from the interest,
time and effort he spent on this project!
Thank You Mr. Bush, Carol E. Kalinich

Next, Gordon Hancock of Patchogue, NY states his sentiments, which we all share.
Since there is obviously an error in the signature on the vase: perhaps I could
pick it up for a song? What a beautiful and wonderful piece of glass history to own!