Blenko GLass - WV BIrthday Collection 1980

This is a photo of the FIRST in a collection (the 2008 will be sold in JUNE at BLENKO GLASS) of Blenko- West Virginia BIRTHDAY.

Mr. WH Blenko recalls the concept for this collection began in New York, he was having lunch after a trade show with Diamond Department Store (Charleston, WV) buyer and GM. She suggested Blenko produce an item to honor West Virginia's Birthday that would be sold exclusively at the Diamond - and would be limited - signed and numbered. "It would be nice it could sit in the center of the table and hold fruit or a compote" she said to Mr. Blenko.

Don Shepard was the Blenko Designer at this time. Working in crystal glass he created several prototypes and the above bowl with four feet was chosen. This bowl is difficult to find, as it is now over 27 years old and less than 120 were made. It is the first in the Blenko- WV Collection. HJH Note: (1) While I said it is difficult and expensive to acquire this bowl. Sometimes, the careful glass collector will find one in an estate sale or yard sale for less than $200 (where the seller doesn't know value). This item when purchased at the Diamond in 1980 cost less than $50.

(2) BLENKO GLASS, Milton, West Virginia will be selling the 2008 in June at Milton -store opens early this day- the cost will be less than $200 exact cost will be posted when we know. This is a great item to give for a wedding gift, or a one of a 'kind' special gift for a loved one.