Glass Figurines (1975) - Part one.

This scarce privately published booklet by Mary Van Pelt, is one of the few American books on figurines to make a serious attempt to also catalogue non-US items. As she clearly states the contents can be reproduced and I have been unable to make contact with her or her family I have decided to reproduce it here. I am sure she would be pleased that her words will persist and reach a wider audience. The text is unchanged and annotations may be added in a different colour and between {annotation} to help bring it up to date. If anyone can expand on any item, please post in the Zoo Café. Thank you.

n.b. There are incorrect attributions - each image will be researched and an annotation confirming or correcting will be made. A number of images are clipped... as in original.

References used for annotations.

Glass Animals & Figurines, by Debby & Randy Coe. isbn 0764317075

Glass Animals of the depression era. by Lee Garmon & Dick Spence. isbn 0891455221.

Original copyright applies.

  Figurines in Crystal by Mary Van Pelt
Cover  

FIGURINES IN CRYSTAL

©2008 Glass-Study.com
{Silverbrook Art Glass, Co., New York. circa mid 40's. Glass Animals Garmon & Spencer, confirm this and give height as 8½" (216mm)}
  Figurines in Crystal by Mary Van Pelt
Title Page  
 
 
 

FIGURINES IN CRYSTAL

 

by

 

Mary Van Pelt


This book is dedicated to my husband and family.

 

 

Photography by Main Photography of Santa Ana and by the author.

 

Copyright Mary Van Pelt 1975
Contents may be used provided proper credit is given.

  Figurines in Crystal by Mary Van Pelt
Foreword  

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
©2008 Glass-Study.com
 
  Figurines in Crystal by Mary Van Pelt
Page 1  
 
 
 
 

The Lancaster figurines are in the miniature classification. Pictures have been blown up in order for detail to be seen clearly. Size is given when known. The Turkey, Bulldog and Eagle are pretty nearly all the same size in height, I would assume the Bear, Lion, Owl and Alligator would be within the same range. The Elephant Bank probably is larger, but these would all be classified in the average miniature sizes.

©2008 Glass-Study.com
Lancaster Glass Co., circa 1915 called “Toby” the French Bulldog. Frosted, amber with rhinestone eyes, Original model made by Swiss artist direct from life, faithfully reproduced. 2¾" high.
{Cannot confirm text yet, but see the larger Westmoreland example in the Zoo here and the smaller assumed Czech example here. }
 
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Lancaster Glass Co., circa 1915. Frosted, rhinestone eyes. Approx. 3" high.
{No trace of this in other books, so far, but neither is Lancaster listed in them?}
 
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Lancaster Glass Co., circa 1918. Gen. John J. Pershing glass paperweight.
Figurines in Crystal by Mary Van Pelt
Page 2
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Jumbo Elephant Bank with slot in back. Lancaster Glass Co., circa 1915.
 
 
 
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British Lion by Lancaster Glass Co., circa 1916.
 
 
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Glass Slipper by Lancaster Glass Co., circa 1916.
Figurines in Crystal by Mary Van Pelt
Page 3
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Russian Bear - Lancaster Glass Co., circa 1916.
 
 
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Eagle - Lancaster Glass Co., circa 1916.
4" high to tip of wing and 5½" from wing tip to wing tip.
 
 
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Alligator - Lancaster Glass Co., circa 1916.
Figurines in Crystal by Mary Van Pelt
Page 4
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Glass Parrot in glass ring by Lancaster Glass Co., circa 1916. Came in decorated colors, used as hanging decor or on window shades.
 
 
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Turkey place card holder by the Lancaster Glass Co., circa 1916. Frosted or brightly colored in many colors. 2¾" high to tip of tail.
 
 
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Pig by Lancaster Glass Co., circa 1917.
Figurines in Crystal by Mary Van Pelt
Page 5
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“Little Pickaninny” eating a piece of watermelon.
Lancaster Glass Co., circa 1917.
 
 
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Vase with dancing Nymphs by Jablonec. Circa 1956.
{Made by Heinrich Hoffmann fron 1930s}
 
 
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Trout flower frog and bowl by Rosice Glassworks, Czech., circa 1956.
Figurines in Crystal by Mary Van Pelt
Page 6
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Fish by U.S. Glass Co., circa 1943. Clear solid crystal.
{Garmon and Spencer show a drawing of this fish, attribution Tiffin (=U.S. Glass) date 1935, size 8¾"high, 9" long (222x216mm)}
 
 
©2008 Glass-Study.com
In 1929, Royal Brierly glassware line of Stevens & Williams was imported by John Davison, Inc. These Reptile vases came in 12 sizesand shapes.
 
 
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Typical use of subject by the Czech glassmakers. This peasant girl can either be used as a toothpick holder or match holder. Circa mid 30's.
Figurines in Crystal by Mary Van Pelt
Page 7
 
 
 
Co-Operative Flint came out with the animal covered dishes in 1928. There was also a covered Turtle, but as happened to so many glass companies over the years, molds were lost, sold or scrapped. The Bear and Whale was scrapped during World War II, the Turtle was lost years ago. When Erskine Glass Company brought out the covered Elephant and Frog a few years ago, the original lid of the Frog had been lost, a new lid was made.
 
 
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Cat covered dish. Co-Operative Flint Glass Co. Circa 1928.
{Garman and Spencer: circa 1927, 5¼" 133mm long, black, crystal and transparent colours.}
 
 
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Whale covered dish. Co-Operative Flint Glass Co. Circa 1928.
{Garman and Spencer: circa 1927, crystal and transparent colours. Mould scrapped during WWII.}
Figurines in Crystal by Mary Van Pelt
Page 8
©2008 Glass-Study.com
Bull-dog covered dish by Co-Operative Flint, circa 1928.
{Garman and Spencer: circa 1927, 5¼" 133mm long, crystal and transparent colours. Also hand decorataed.}
 
 
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Fish Bookends in clear crystal. From Czech/Slovakia, circa 1935.
 
 
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Bear covered dish, Co-Operative Flint, Circa 1928.
{Garman and Spencer: 1928, Amber.}
Figurines in Crystal by Mary Van Pelt
Page 9
 
 

The lovely figural lamps produced by U.S. Glass were 12 to 13 inches in height. The bases were of black glass, threaded to allow the figural top to screw into it. The bulb used for illumination was formed like a candle taper, and when lit, glowed beautifully, showing the superb and fine detail work. Not shown is the adorable “Santa Claus” lamp, but he was made later, in 1927. My sincere thanks to Ken R. Haley for his very generous contribution of information which led to the search and discovery of these lamps so they could be shown to the collector of today. These pictures have also been blown up so that you can see the detail more clearly.

 

©2008 Glass-Study.com
Parrot Lamp by U.S. Glass Co., circa 1923. Colors not known.
 
 
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Colonial Girl by U.S. Glass Co., circa 1923.
Soft shades of pastel pink, green and yellows.
 
 
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Owl Lamp by U.S. Glass Co., circa 1923.
Soft shades of brown with black glass base.

{Garman and Spencer: 1924-29, shows Cobalt blue with gold decoration.}
Figurines in Crystal by Mary Van Pelt
Page 10
©2008 Glass-Study.com
Love Bird lamp by U.S. Glass, circa 1923.
 
 
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Powder Jar and Perfume Bouquet lamp, circa 1923.
Soft tints of pastel colours. Also by U.S. Glass Co.
 
 
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Sailing Ship Bookends by U.S. Glass Co., circa 1925. Black or amber satin.
Figurines in Crystal by Mary Van Pelt
Page 11
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Crystal plate with sailing vessel embossed on bottom.
Duncan-Miller, circa 1925.
 
 
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Duncan-Miller produced this “Chanticleer” serving set, circa 1934. The set consisted of 16 and 32 oz. cocktail shakers with 7 oz. old fashion cocktail glasses. The pictured piece is the 3½ oz. fruit juice glass. There was also a 16 or 32 oz. Martini mixer, all with the same design of Roosters. They were made in amber, green, ruby or blue. Either brilliantly fire polished or with soft frost finish.
 
 
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Crystal Birds of the Czech/Slovakia area. Circa 1935.
Figurines in Crystal by Mary Van Pelt
Page 12
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Cat Perfume Bottle, 3" high. France, circa early 20's.
In clear crystal or soft frost.
 
 
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Swan in partial Venetian style. By Zlatno, Czech. circa 1947-49.
Designed and executed by Director Vitamva.
 
 
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Fish by Jablonec. Circa 1935, clear crystal or with various colors running through the inside body. 5" high, 5½" in length, base diam. 2 3/8".
 
Figurines in Crystal by Mary Van Pelt
Page 13
©2008 Glass-Study.com
From the Jablonec area. Many small glassmakers of the 40's specialized in figural ashtrays, and as was the custom of that era, presented them to Jablonec for market. Circa 1949.
 
 
©2008 Glass-Study.com©2008 Glass-Study.com
Amber - ©2009 F AndrewsClear frosted ©2009 F AndrewsGreen ©2009 F AndrewsOlive ©2009 F AndrewsPurple ©2009 F AndrewsPurple frosted ©2009 F Andrews
 
The nude flower frog and statuette produced around 1965 in Czech., clearly shows the desire of these artists to adhere to the natural and unusual “motion” creativity they applied to so many of their figurines. To capture a natural pose or stance and produce it in crystal was the goal they strived for.
{2008: Actual examples with additional views to be found in the Zoo here . N.B. This was designed by Jitka Foveytová - based on a ceramic sculpture exhibited in 1958 and produced at Rudolfova Hut from 1963. Frosted and crystal versions in various colours.}
 
 
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The figurine for the bowl has a round “stopper” applied on the bottom to allow it to slip into the flower holder. Thus the flower holder and figurine could be used in other round bowls.
Figurines in Crystal by Mary Van Pelt
Page 14
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Libochovice Glassworks. Circa 1937-39.
 
 
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Frosted Bears designed by Prof. Brychta of Zelezney Brod, Czech.
Circa 1948.
 
 
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Rabbits by Jablonec, Czech. Has frosted matt finish, also made in clear crystal. Circa on clear crystal prior 1950. Satinized, 1950 and still being produced today.
Figurines in Crystal by Mary Van Pelt
Page 15
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Libochovice Glassworks. Circa 1937-39. The Ram bookends were designed by Pavel Panek and the sister works of Libochovice, Rudelfova Hut, produced them.
 
 
©2008 Glass-Study.com
Libochovice Glassworks. Circa 1937-39. Clear crystal on black glass base.
 
 
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Another example of how the Czech glassmakers borrowed ideas from all walks of life. Peasant woman bookends. Circa 1937-39 by Libochovice Glassworks.
Figurines in Crystal by Mary Van Pelt
Page 16
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Libochovice Glassworks Circa 1937-39. The Rearing Horse bookends were designed by Karel Centner. Cambridge produced similar “legs up” bookends. Frosted head of Horse mounted on clear crystal bookends.
{2008: Spelling Karel Zentner. 
Legs-up bookends are Heinrich Hoffmann.}
 
 
©2008 Glass-Study.com
Dog head bookends by Libochovice Glassworks. Circa 1937-39. The heads were frosted and mounted on clear crystal bookends.
 
 
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This lovely Egret flower frog with exquisite bowl was also made by Libochovice. Circa 1937-39.
Figurines in Crystal by Mary Van Pelt
Page 17
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Ashtray with a glassblower on corner. Libochovice Glassworks, circa 1937-39. Designed by Prof. of many years, Drahonovsky.
 
 
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Penguin Flower Frog and bowl. Circa 1937-39 by Libochovice. Also designed by Prof. Drahonovsky.
 
 
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Another view of the Ram bookends. Circa 1937-39. Blown up for better detail. Designed by Pavel Panek. Produced by Rudelfova Hut, sister works of Libochovice.
Figurines in Crystal by Mary Van Pelt
Page 18
MvP75_p18a500.jpg
Bear by Hermanova Hut, Czech. Circa 1947.
 
 
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Rearing Horse ashtray. Produced by Jablonec, Czech. Circa 1948.
 
 
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Dog salt and pepper shakers. Produced in Japan late 20's and early 30's. Germany also produced similar figural shakers. Mouth and clasp on collar red, eyes black, top hat back and front has short dip, also black.
Figurines in Crystal by Mary Van Pelt
Page 19
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Paden City Glass Co. Base 5¼" x 3 7/8" Height 8¼" to tail and 10" from beak to tip of tail. Prior 1950.
 
 
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Paden City Glass Co. Base 5" x 3 7/8" Height 9" and 7½" from beak to tail. Prior 50's.
 
 
 
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Paden City Glass Co. Base 5" x 3" and 11¼" high. I wish to thank Mr. Cornelia Roetteis of Paducah Farm, New Martinsville for identification of these Roosters. The bottom Rooster may have been produced by New Martinsville years ago, as Mr. Miller wrote it looked like one they had produced. Paden City and New Martinsville made the same figurines on several occasions, such as the standing Pony.
Figurines in Crystal by Mary Van Pelt
Page 20
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Christ and Madonna Candleholders by Baccarat, circa very early 1900's. Base 4 7/8" diam., 9¼" high, the figures are soft frost, base and candleholder are of clear crystal.
 
©2008 Glass-Study.com
 
Troubadour, popular in the 11th century in Provence. Provence was a distinct sphere of action assigned to a Roman magistrate, and later the term was applied to a conquered territory outside Italy. Identification still pending, but would attribute them to Italy, Spain or Czech. Delicate peach satin, early 20's. Base is 4" x 3" and 6" high.
 
 

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