An American Beauty

by Janice Boyd

When we think of brule parfums or perfume burners, the word “FRENCH” usually comes to mind. However, the burner pictured is attributed to the American company Steuben Glass Works, Division of Corning Glass Works, Corning, New York. It is a beauty! The color is Green Jade; it was probably produced between 1929 and 1932.

In his book Frederick Carder and Steuben Glass, Thomas P. Dimitroff, pictures this shape and describes it as “a possible special order for Benson & Hedges, New York.” These items were called “smoke consumers.” The container would have been filled with a scented alcohol. When the special wick was lit, it would emit a fragrant smoke.

Many people think of Steuben glass as a high quality colorless crystal, but in its early years, prior to 1932-34, the company was known for its colored art glass and was a competitor of Tiffany. These early years are referred to as the Carder years, during the leadership Frederick Carder. Carder came to Corning, NY, from Stevens & Williams in England in 1903, and, together with Thomas G. Hawkes, founded The Steuben Glass Works. It was sold to Corning Glass Works in 1918 becoming the Steuben Glass Works Division of Corning Glass Works. The Steuben Division closed in 2011 after 108 years of operation.

Steuben Perfume Burner, 6.75H x 3.5W inches

Steuben Perfume Burner, 6.75H x 3.5W inches

Source: Fall 2017 Perfume Bottle Quarterly, page 24

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Thanks to all of you who renewed your membership already! We have had great response so far. For those that have not yet renewed, the renewal notices for the upcoming year went out 2 weeks ago. Each and every one of you is essential to maintaining the vitality of our organization. Renewal is easy , you can pay via PayPalfrom our website, or send your check, made out to the Carder Steuben Club ($35 for one person, $55 for two person household), to our treasurer, Steve Skalsky, at the address below. If you are unsure of your current status, please email Janet Ziffer (janetandgareth@verizon.net).

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Steve Skalsky

12431 East Cloud Road

Chandler, AZ 85249