Title

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.

Tuesday, April 06, 2010

The Color Purple


Readers - Can we help Sali identify the color of this Husted decanter?
Hi,
If I send you a photo, could you identify the color for me? I don't need the # or value, but, I can't seem do decide whick purple color this Blenko decanter is. Please let me know either way if you can help. Thanks.

Sali

24 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sali
I am a new collector and colors confuse me
always. I go to the webpage Hilary suggested Blenko four color chart and even then I have trouble. Bruce who contributes to this blog and Diane and Annu and sometimes Karl know colors and maybe able to help you.
The posting of the photo is a good first step.
Don't be discouraged. In the last 2 years I have changed the cards stating color and designer on more than 1/2 of my collection as it was mislabeled time after time. The books are not always correct.
Melody Cente

Anonymous said...

looks old to me
did he say if the blenko is
sandblasted on the bottom?

Anonymous said...

it would be mulberry

Anonymous said...

it is not mulberry

Anonymous said...

Eventually the Collectors Club will meet again bring your vase someone will know what it is
and the value.
3 years ago I brought a car load
and came home with a rentavan full of new glass.
Chuck

Phani said...

Bridgett, do you know anythign about this piece?

Anonymous said...

The piece pictured is a 5813. I don't recall how many years it was produced, but this decanter was produced in three sizes.

Lilac, Mulberry and Amethyst were all pruduced during Husted's Blenko tenure.

I would say that this piece is Mulberry or Amethyst from looking at the picture. If I had to pick one I would go with Mulberry.

DrAnnu said...

Thank you IronChefTVDiner
Information about Blenko is difficult to obtain. We need more open communication and sharing of information.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Ann U.

Sali said...

Thanks to everyone who has answered! I was hoping it was mulberry as it seems harder to find. Yes, it is sandblasted on the bottom.

Dr.BOB said...

If its sandblasted then its mulberry.
End of story.

buckndi said...

The sandblast mark was used in 1958, 1959, 1960 and part of 1961. Mulberry was made in 1958, and is a dark, rich purple. Lilac was made in 1959 and 1960, but is a much lighter shade. Amethyst was made in many years, but of the years the sandblast mark was used, only in 1961. My guess is that it is mulberry, because it is so dark. Just my two cents' worth...

Diane

Anonymous said...

LUCKY YOU SALI
GREAT FIND.
MOUNTAIN RITA

Tim said...

Maybe Mulberry of maybe Plum. Definitely not Amethyst.

buckndi said...

I didn't consider Plum, since it was made in 1967, then from 1988 - 1990, outside the range for the sandblasted signature.

Anonymous said...

I did consider Plum
the color isn't deep enough
I would bet its mulberry.
Ellen

Anonymous said...

Its Mulberry
no doubt about it
Plum was deeper and
amethyst was a bit brighter
and lilac had a bit more blue hue
A.

Tim said...

"Yes, it is sandblasted on the bottom."
Yes if it is etched it will definitely be Mulberry. Sorry I didn't read all previous posts.

Anonymous said...

Mulberry
and my local antique dealer
says $650.

Anonymous said...

Hilly
My plan is to ask Rock Wilson
do you know him? He is the Blenko expert. Quiet, unassuming, but he knows Blenko and his actions speak volumnes.
Sol

Anonymous said...

Chitra
All glass dealers love to sell their wares to docs
next time don't wear a white coat.
Smile
Sam T.

Anonymous said...

Sam,
LMAO
You may be correct, even with over paying I feel good about the purchases.
No price is too great for beauty and enjoyment.
C.

sweetdoc said...

I also pay too much.
Until last year I thought I was helping the factory.
I now know and each of you should be always aware only buying new glass helps the factory remain functioning.
Support Blenko workers by purchasing new designs and glass for daily use and for gift giving.

Phani said...

Isnt there a similar version of this type of Decanter in sky 'BLUE' color made by Blenko? I think Ive seen one in pictures here in the Blog.

buckndi said...

The original was made in 1958, and for some years after. It was remade in 2003, and is still in the current catalog. The large version I have is the remake, and the stopper is open at the base, rather than being solid glass. I don't know if they closed that off in later years; I got mine in 2003.