FOREWORD
It is my belief that knowledge is the only protection a collector can have to make his collecting worthwhile, interesting and enjoyable. Since everything, regardless of subject matter, must and does have a beginning, knowledge on our figurines is just beginning to unfold and come to light. Also, in each new beginning, there will be errors, misinterpretation of facts and omission of time periods in the overall correct and accurate continuity of history covering these figurines. No book has yet been written which is the ultimate authority of the theme it covers. The collecting field has become so popular that the need and desire for any and all information, however scant, is almost overwhelming. Information on these figurines has taken hundreds of hours of research. I do not think of myself as an author, for the word conveys the meaning of one who writes his material and which has not been presented in any manner before. I think of myself as a writer, for a writer will and does write about certain facts which have already been presented at a prior period of time in one manner or another. A writer also writes about facts already known, and then with newly discovered pertinent information, is able to update and present corrected and additional knowledge.
I wish to thank Mr. Raymond Chambon of Belgium for his generous and understanding help in furnishing certain information on the foreign figurines. He and I have had a very deeply rewarding exchange of information for several years. He has spent many years building not only a museum for the country of Belgium, but a fantastic research library for future generations to enjoy. I am grateful I have had the opportunity of being able to help and supply Mr. Chambon with knowledge and information on American glass for his library, and I now wish to thank him for his efforts on the behalf of the American collectors for his help.
I would like to thank the Library of Congress for furnishing requested material, and the United States Patent Division for their help. Mr. Erskine of Erskine Glass Company furnished the information which led to further research on the covered dishes of the old Co-Operative Flint Glass Company. Most important to all writers is learning of new areas to turn to for information. Such information was given by Mr. Ken R. Haley of Haley's Glassware, Greensburg, Pa. His knowledge of past eras of glass-making and glass companies has been invaluable. He supplied the information about the lovely figural lamps produced by U. S. Glass, which in turn led to the hunt which turned them up for you to enjoy. Many of our greatest glass companies such as U.S. Glass, Indiana Glass and others, found his designs and molds of such quality and beauty, as to use them for production of their famous glass for all of us to own and enjoy. Mr. Haley must be placed among the top artist-designers of our time for his contributions, as was his father, Reuben, and his grandfather, Jonathon. Today, the lovely designs of the Haley family grace our shelves and our homes. The dancing nude design which has been compared to the Lalique design, was only one of Ken Haley's designs, produced by our great glass companies. There can be no higher tribute to an artist!
All of the foreign material I have been able to acquire has had to be given to an interpretor for translation, and I am sure many of my own letters requesting information have not been answered due to the language barrier. I have found the foreign companies to be generous, courteous and most important of all, filled with sincere willingness to help. So a very special acknowledgement must be given my translator, Doris Huxtable of Whittier, California. Without her special talent in the languages, this material could not have been presented to you. Above all, the exchange of information and materials with Mr. Chambon could not have taken place.
Many people contributed to make this book a reality, I hope all of you who purchase and read it will enjoy and take pleasure in our efforts. I welcome all comments and questions. The cover figurine is by the Silverbrook Art Glass, Co., circa mid 40's.
I leave a closing thought with you, A man is truly wise only when he knows there is much yet to be learned.
Mary Van Pelt
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