Glass collectors will tell you they collect for aesthetic reasons, to own a piece of history, and for the thrill of finding the perfect piece in an unexpected place. Collecting the elegant glass of the early 20th century from makers like Imperial, Tiffin, Fostoria, Cambridge and Heisey (all founded in Ohio) is especially rewarding. Pieces from these makers are beautiful, beautifully made and completely functional for use. Elegant glass pieces are like artwork and can often be found hiding amidst a flock of modern florist vases or 1960s Anchor Hocking punch bowls at thrift stores and yard sales. The Imperial marigold glass bowl featured in this week’s fresh to market vintage is a perfect example of elegant glass. It’s a well made bowl for all seasons. Imagine using it for fresh apples in fall or adding fairy lights and ornaments for the holidays.
The rest of this week’s fresh to market vintage is pretty awesome as well, but we will admit we are biased. You be the judge.
Black Marquis Rhinestone Bar Brooch
This brooch reminds me of the 1940s although I don’t believe it’s quite as old as that. More likely it was made in the 1960s. The tilted style and black and clear rhinestones set on a silver metal closed backing all hint at a look older than what it truly is. That for me just proves that good vintage is always in style. When designers make an effort to recreate the past you know it’s a good look.
Black Marquis Rhinestone Bar Brooch, $ 24.95
-Pam, Vintage Renude
Imperial Glass Marigold Bowl c 1930s
The story of the Imperial Glass, which began in 1899 with Edward Muhleman, a riverboat captain, and ended in 1984, is interesting enough that it boasts an Imperial Glass Collectors Society dedicated to preserving its history. Known for a wide range of both practical and decorative glass items, Imperial’s colored glass lines were the forerunner of what was known as depression glass in the 20s and 30s. If you’re ever in Bellaire, Ohio, I imagine their museum is a thing of beauty.
Vintage Imperial Glass Bowl, $ 43
-Linda, Selective Salvage
Revere Beach, MA Antique Souvenirs
Souvenir view china is very much part of my stock and trade. I love being at the ocean and will always procure any items that reference things such as islands, lighthouses, amusement parks, etc. These two items were originally purchased by Revere Beach visitors decades ago. I love that the Oriental Ride as part of its midway dish is in the shape of a fish. These were made before WWI and bear a stamp necessary for imports into Britain showing country of manufacture. Learn more about this historic landmark here.
Revere Beach souvenir view china, $ 64.99
-Mary Ellen, AuntHattiesAttic
Antique Gorham Egyptian Revival Sugar Sifter
There are all sorts of delightful Victorian serving pieces that take some research to suss out. The bonbon spoon, oyster fork, ice cream knife, cheese spoon and baked potato fork are among my favorites. Pieces are usually highly decorated, so it’s easy to see how they could be come a collection, arrayed in frames in a dining room perhaps. But this large sugar sifter is something special. Made about 1870 in sterling by Gorham, the delicacy of the Egyptian Revival pattern is really something to see. By the way, we think this is a large sugar sifter because we can’t imagine what else it could be, but if you can identify it as something else, we won’t be offended. Those pesky Victorians had all kinds of serving pieces that are hard to figure out now.
Gorham Egyptian Revival Sugar Sifting Spoon, $1200.
-Laurie, NextStage Vintage
And with that, we end this week’s fresh to market vintage. Range and diversity as always.
We write about a wide range of vintage subjects here on Vintage Unscripted. You’ll never miss a post if you subscribe to our once a week email newsletter.
If you like Egyptian Revival, you might enjoy our post on vintage scarabs, such beauties inspired by iridescent beetles who specialize in rolling dung.
