from Michael Krumme, Los Angeles

Gazelle Gazette #1799 contained a very interesting glass profile — the #3168 “goblet.” I realized immediately that I had seen what [I think] is the identical item shown in The Essence of Pairpoint by Marion & Sandra Frost. It is shown in a photograph on page 94, where it is described as “Ivy vase, # Unknown 39…”

I’d be curious to hear the opinions of minds more expert than mine as to why the authors attribute this vase to Pairpoint. I generally respect the veracity of the information presented in that reference work. However, I have noticed that the authors failed to recognize blanks that Pairpoint obviously must have purchased from A.H. Heisey and decorated (such as pieces of Heisey’s New Era line, shown with the Grecian pattern on pages 100, 112, and 138.)

In addition, two similarly shaped pieces are illustrated in H.P. Sinclaire, Jr. Glassmaker Volume II by Estelle Sinclaire Farrar. See the line drawings on page 97 (Flint Number Book), the #3198 12″ vase, second column, second item from the top (a close shape match) and page 111, the Color Number Book, shape #13022, first column, fifth item from the top (similar, but not as close.) I will say that the color of the piece shown in the photograph in GG #1799 does not resemble Sinclaire’s amethyst, or at least not the pieces of it that I have encountered.

I saw one of these rather striking pieces, also in amethyst, at an antique mall in Long Beach, California last year. Sadly, a prior owner of this piece had the bright idea of putting a candle in it. The bowl was filled with melted and solidified candle wax, and was cracked to boot. I declined to pay the very, very low asking price for it.

I’d love to hear anyone’s thoughts on the “whys” of this shape. It seems very ahead of its time to me.

Readership Keeps Commentary Flowing

from Mike Manginella, San Diego

Well a day behind but I noticed the 1800th gazette. Way to do your part.

Correction and then some

from Michael Krumme, Los Angeles

Thanks for posting my reply re: the gift book. I think in the editing something was partially left out. I wanted to give credit where credit is due. My friend Gene Murray, a longtime antique dealer here in Los Angeles who is quite fond of Carder-era Steuben, gave this to me recently. Given that this booklet was free for the asking at the time it was produced, surely I can’t be the only person to have one.

In addition, Gene gave me a 16-page booklet titled “MASTERPIECES IN GLASS – by Steuben” with the name of a (then) local gift store in the Westwood Village districint of L.A. on the cover, which is black with silver ink. It, too, is undated. The bulk of the pieces shown inside are cut or engraved crystal, but there are examples of alabaster with mirror black trim, color cut to clear, blue jade, aurene over alabaster, cluthra, and a crystal door stop with black spirals and bubbles inside. Most photos are black and white but there are two all-color pages in the center. I am guessing that Steuben provided these to merchants, and customized the front cover with the merchant’s name and address, as promotional materials both for Steuben and for the store which carried the line. Do any other members have this booklet, perhaps with another retailer’s name on the front?

2013 Carder Steuben Club annual Symposium will be held at The Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, NY from September 19-21, 2013. The festivities will begin with Frederick Carder’s 150th birthday celebration on the evening of September 18, 2013.

Any opinions expressed by participants to the Gazette e-mail newsletters are the opinions of the authors and are not endorsed by or the opinions of the Carder Steuben Club.