Category Archives: West Virginia Glass Specialities

West Virginia Specialty Blendo Parfaits

25 Wednesday Jun 2014

Posted by in West Virginia Glass Specialities

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Blendo GlassesI picked up these colourful parfaits in Florida last month.  I saw quite a number of pieces in the U.S., but they aren’t something i’ve come across frequently here in Ontario.

The Blendo line was produced by the West Virginia Specialty Company during the ’50s and ’60s.   There are quite a number of pieces in a variety of colour.

I gather that they have made a resurgence of popularity due to tv shows that feature these times.

I am not that crazy about these colours, but I have seen some pieces in tangerine, yellow and lime green that I likely would keep and use.

I’ll have to keep my eyes open during my upcoming trip to Washington.  Always find the neatest things travelling in the U.S.

Update – Cornflower on unknown Blank (now known as West Virginia Glass Specialities)

17 Thursday Jan 2013

Posted by in W.J. Hughes, West Virginia Glass Specialities

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Unknown Cornflower 2

Update to the original posting of September 26, 2013…….

I was looking for the identification of another piece, when I came across a reference to the book – Canadian identification & price guide to W.J. Hughes Corn Flower glass by Krista A. Taylor.  We have it at the local library (where I happen to work) so I borrowed it to have a look.

I found the piece I was seeking as well as this piece.  Ms. Taylor identifies it as a 5 inch (as is mine) crimped footed compote.  The blank was produced by West Virginia Glass Specialties.  She cites the company’s 1981 catalogue as the source.

Nice to find a likely provenance.  _______________________________________________________________

Although I enjoy the patterns of etches and cut that are found on glass, I think a ‘true’ expert enjoys the shape of the blank more.  Together both characteristics tell the story of the piece.

It was the shape of this piece – compote ?, candy dish ?, jelly dish ? which appealed to me, since the cornflower cut is pretty common.

No idea who made it.  Looked for a Heisey mark, to no avail.  I posted it on the Everyday Elegant Glass Forum.  The suggestion was made that it might be a piece of glass from a European glass company.

I don’t know if it was cut at the W. J. Hughes company or not.  Too bad all pieces weren’t signed!  But…still interesting.