Author Archives: d.b.

Fostoria Oyster/Fruit Cocktail in the Rambler Etch

01 Sunday Jun 2014

Posted by in Fostoria

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Fostoria RamblerI can’t imagine putting oysters in this little stem, but this is what it is called.  Also called a fruit cocktail, which makes more sense.

This is Fostoria’s #6012 line and plate etch #323.  Pretty little things.  I picked them up somewhere in Florida.  If I looked in my travel journal I could probably figure out where.  I keep track of the important things in my journal – what I ate (and where) and what glass I bought (and where)!Fostoria Rambler (3)

I am guessing that the name comes from the rambling habit of the flowers.

Cristal D`Arques Crystal Owl Paperweight

31 Saturday May 2014

Posted by in Cristal D`Arques

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001My guy decided awhile back that I had to have a mini collection of glass and crystal animals and acquired a dew pieces for me.   I have to admit that they are not really my `thing`, but I also have to admit that they are pretty, when dusted.  That doesn`t happen often I`m afraid.

This Snowy Owl paperweight was made by Cristal DÀrques of France.  No idea of the age.  You can see that it still has the label which tells me that it is 24% lead crystal.

I thought I`d include some definitions of lead from The Encyclopedia of Glass by Mark Pickvet.  This is a very informative book.002

“Lead crystal – Crystal or colorless glass made with a high lead content.  Most lead crystals are based on the European Standard Formula of 1865.“

`Full Lead Crystal –  Colorless glass containing a minimum of 30% lead content.

`Half Lead Crystal – Colorless glass containing a minimum of 24% lead content (lower lead content and hence, lower quality than full lead crystal).

My half lead crystal piece is quite striking piece.  Lots of lovely detailing.  The owl`s glance is quite piercing.  Maybe my guy is on to something.

Unknown Green Glass Swan Needs Identifying!

26 Monday May 2014

Posted by in Unknown Pressed

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Mere's Green SwanThis is the second piece I have ever posted that does not belong to me.  This lovely, green swan belongs to my mother.

Many vintage glass companies produced pretty swans.  My mom has quite a collection, including a pretty piece by Cambridge that I gave her for Christmas one year.  I have seen this piece online in the past, but not identified.  Haven’t been able to find it since.

I didn’t measure it when I took the photo, but it’s a bigger piece – likely 7-8 inches tall.  It has a very attractive shape and colour.

I know that she is not all that curious about its provenance, but I am.  So….if anyone knows this piece I would be grateful if you shared your information.