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Heart of Glass - Blenko Glass

Blenko Glass is a West Virginia treasure that spans generations. Nothing symbolizes the state of West Virginia better or more beautifully than Blenko Glass. We will discuss current and former craftsmen and designers and how important it is that Blenko and West Virginia glass be appreciated and valued by the younger generation.

Saturday, July 04, 2009

California Blenko

Hillary:

I haven’t been out antiquing as much as I used to, but I have two recent finds that I think the bloggers will enjoy.

First, located in a medium sized multi-booth antique mall in Ventura, CA. 598 L pitcher in Persian blue, complete with sandblasted etching. This pitcher is 18” tall, and the largest of the three sizes in which the design was made, medium being 16” tall, and the small one 11” tall. This design was made only in the 1959 line. I paid $55 for this piece; Pina’s book Blenko Catalogs: Then and Now lists price ranging from $100 to $150.

Second, located in a large multi-booth antique mall in Santa Clarita, CA. Probably a 3715 S vase in Sky blue. The vase is 6” tall, slightly seeded glass. According to the catalog reprints in the Eason Eige book, Blenko Glass, 1930 – 1953, page 87, there were four sizes of this design, 3715 L at 9”, 3715 M at 7”, 3715 S at 6” and 3715 X at only 5”. I paid $14 for this piece, which originally sold for $1. The Eige price guide (1992 – 1993) lists the large vase being between $60 and $75. I say probably a 3715, because according to Damon Crain, early Blenko designs were not always original or exclusive to Blenko. However, it feels right (hard to quantify, I know, but that’s the best description I can give of the method) and I’m leaning towards it being an early piece of Blenko glass.

Bottom line, I bought both pieces because I liked the design, condition and color, and was comfortable with the price. I passed on another pitcher in a different Ventura antique mall on the same day as the piece was over $100, and the condition of the piece did not warrant that price
D.

6 comments:

buckndi said...

I sent photos with this - did they not attach to my e-mail?

Unknown said...

Photos?
Plz upload these photos.
Should anyone have west virginia birthday vases - any year- to sell email me bonedoc609@gmail.com with photo and price requested.

glassbug said...

Hey Hillary
where's the photo.

Heart of Glass said...

OOPS Let me check the spam folder
my computer is very very old
64k and was purchased when I was a freshman. To say I need a replacement is an understatement.
HJH

Dr.BOB said...

Hilary
Get these photos up
this lady has some great finds each and every time.

glassbug said...

Still no photos?