Thanksgiving Day - Family of Man

- Family of Man
Pictured here is a BLENKO GLASS item designed by Don Shepperd. There is some mystery to this figure - some folk say its the 'Family of Man' designed by Shepperd as a gift to very high donors for a charity. The figure shown belonged to an over 80 retired WVU employee - its dated 1979 and signed with Shepperd design mark. The story that came with this piece - - - and most older 'special' Blenko items have a story. . . is he (the owner) and Sheperd developed a friendship during his trips to Milton for supplies, he was there when the mold was being made and admired the concept. ' So simple, yet very strong' were the words he used then and now to describe Sheperd's design. He has the note from Shepperd that accompanied the shipment. I am aware of only one other existing original copy it is owned by my friend and mentor Steve Bair. Last year Blenko took out the mold and made several copies (estimates go from six to 18) - these will not have Don Sheperd's staff (signature). This item - the older ones are quiet valuable - if you find one BUY IT. This is another example of a wonderful collectible BLenko! Note: The Blenko B isn't orginal to his piece - I gave him the B to place on this item. 11/27/06 Note: Readers have responded with information of four known orignal 'family of man'. One reader wrote both he and another family member own one and place a value of over $1,000 on the item.