Regarding catalogs on blenko website

Dear blog readers,
The catalogs were up in high quality, but some people took print outs and wanted to sell them on ebay. So to protect the interests of blenko, the image resolutions were reduced and watermarks added.
However, if you want to get design number or dimensions on any of the blenko pieces, please send an email to TheBlenkoProject@aol.com
Thanks
V

Friends of Coal Bowl - Saturday noon - Morgantown, WVa.

Hillary,
I read in your blog about the Coal Bowl - and that Fenton Glass designed the trophy.  I thought the Coal Bowl trophy was Waterford.  Please explain.
Cameron Layne

Cameron,  The WVU vs Marshall  game is called Friends of Coal Bowl.   This trophy was made by Fenton Glass and blown by Mr. Fetty  ( blenko connection - he worked at blenko prior to joining Fenton).  

Here's what WIKI  says about Friends of Coal Bowl.

The Friends of Coal Bowl is an American college football rivalry game played by the Marshall Thundering Herd football team of Marshall University and the West Virginia Mountaineers football team of the West Virginia University. The game is sponsored by the Friends of Coal, a coal industry trade group. Planned to be a seven-year series, the Friends of Coal Bowl was organized by the West Virginia Coal Association at the urging of West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin. West Virginia has never lost to Marshall.




The first game of the current series was played in Morgantown, West Virginia at Mountaineer Field on September 2, 2006, a 42-10 victory for the Mountaineers. The Governor's Trophy is awarded to the winner of the game. It is presented by the West Virginia Governor and housed at the university which wins the annual matchup. Made entirely from within West Virginia and with in-state materials, the trophy consists of a carbon base, a glass pedestal, and football-shaped piece of coal enclosed within the glass pedestal. It was designed by Rick Mogielski.  Made by Fenton Glass.

Photo of Coal Bowl Trophy. 
*  Note:  I've had the photo on my computer so long I don't remember the source. 

Save Supply To Close September 1

Save Supply Company on Park Ave. in Charleston, WVa  has for decades been the place to go for kitchens and baths. 
Monty ( the owner of Save) is a Blenko Collector and a fan of all things West Virginia.   My parents shopped Save Supply and also EVANS LUMBER   ( closed in 2011)  both  stores were family owned businesses  in operation for 50+ years.
I don't know if its a 'sign of the times'  or we are just a society that no longer values old fashioned customer service -  Evans Lumber and Save Supply  both had salespeople with experience.  My local big box stores hires men and women with less 'home repair'  experience than I have .   No one in the store has worked there more than 10 years - and no one in the same department for more than 5 years.
I'd rather pay a bit more and have a salesperson who knows his merchandise.   I must be in the minority - else Evans and Save wouldn't be closing.
    Off subject again - but I recently needed a gas pipe - I purchase one at Lowe's needed to have it shortened - took it to the Gresham Plumbing Supply store where I was told it was pipe made in MEXICO and he couldn't shorten as it would destroy his machine - the metal isn't properly tempered!   I was furious to know I purchased a pipe made in Mexico and also to be sold inferior pipe  by a store I trusted. 
     Please  the remainder of this year - purchase items from your local vendor - the mom and pop stores.  They can't survive without us.
     Below is a brief history of Save Supply

Monty’s father, Clarence Coles started Save supply with David R Marcus in 1929. After a couple of decades, Marcus retired and Clarence bought him out. But Clarence, who continued working in the business until his death in 1981, didn’t force Save Supply on his sons. Monty, now 66, was only 14 when he started helping out after school, on weekends and during the summer. When his two sons, David & Travis became teenagers, they too, helped out at the store, but they also tried different jobs. Now David 35, and Travis 33, have adopted the same work ethics as their father and fully participated in the day-to-day operations of the business.




In 2010, they  celebrate their  81 year solid foundation of service to southern West Virginia, and looked forward to continuing throughout the 21st century with the same old-fashioned spirit of customer service and great savings we’ve cultivated from the very beginning.  
One year after this celebration they are closing!

Suppose your local merchants.
BUY LOCAL!   Buy Made in USA  and Made IN West Virginia when possible. 
Note:  Anything left in the Save Supply warehouse is marked 50% off. 

Red White & Blue





Labor Day Weekend !   Shop Blenko - for red - white & blue . . . . .Note:  check hours at www.blenkoglass.com .   To learn more about Blenko Glass - Blenko Glass collecting and to identify your Blenko Glass go to theblenkoproject@ aol.com   The Blenko Project.  

1968 - A Good Year

Hillary

We are new ( 13 months) Blenko Collectors -   1968  was an important year for us.  Can you suggest a piece of Blenko from 68  -  I can purchase for my husband.  Summer L.

Summer -  The Blenko Catalogs are now available on line at www.blenkoproject.org Blenko Project,  search the year (s)  you have an interest in - then do an ebay search,  or phone your vintage glass dealer.

Good Luck! hjh

Identifying Blenko Glass

Hilery,
I need help with identifying Blenko glass.
Can you tell me where to go - what to buy?
Also does one need Blenko 's permission to copy?
Harry Ball

Harry,
I don't know if one must have Blenko's permission to copy catalogs?  We certainly sought and received assistance from Blenko when we published all the catalogs on line -  our purpose was NOT to make money but to allow collectors and researchers access to the catalogs.   To be safe - ask  - before you copy.

Where and what to buy?  Is an easier question. 
Leslie Pina's  books   available via   http://www.amazon.com  are the most useful tools and readily available and inexpensive.  You might also check ebay for these books.

To order Blenko Catalogs   -  http://www.vintagecatalogs.com   these are quality reproductions of older Blenko Glass catalogs.  Price is reasonable quality is excellent.  We've suggested this site to hundreds of collectors and no one has been disappointed.

The WVa. Museum of American Glass in Weston  has a large collection of Blenko Catalogs -  one may visit the Museum to view the catalogs or order reproductions on line.
http://www.vintagecatalogs.com 

When searching for ID of glass -  I often go to Blenko Archives -  this site, as well as Blenko Museum  belong to Damon C a New York fine arts specialist who sell modern glass. http://www.blenkoarchive.org/

The Blenko Project  www.blenkoproject.org   also has most Blenko Catalogs published for use in  identification of glass. 
Good  Luck with labeling your glass.  Collecting Blenko or any American Glass  is much easier than proper identification. 
HJH

Dean Six - Glass Expert to speak at WV Cultural Center / Charleston, WVa

Dean Six  ( WV Museum of American Glass)  a glass expert will present :"  Glass from the Mountain State:  - A Very Broad View of 200 Years"
Program is scheduled for Sept 4th  6pm  in the Cultural Center - History Library.
One needs to preregister -  do this by phoning 304 558 0230 ext 163  or email bobby.l.taylor@wv.gov 
    Six has written more than 200 articles for national and international periodicals.
    Heart of Glass recently touted his latest book " West Virginia Glass Towns.  ( send email to theblenkoproject@aol.com for ordering info). 

Reader Question - can you help?

As seen in the 1994 & 1995 Blenko catalog, the 18 fingers (with hobnails) large bowl.

My 2 questions are:

-1) Was this bowl made by one of Blenko's designers??

-2) Does this bowl have a number and name??

I LOVE YOUR BLENKO PROJECT website. Super, super good!

Many thanks, Susan in Western NC



Blenko Collectors

Hillary can you tell me everything you know about the Blenko Collectors?  Who started the group?  Where did the name come from?  Was it funded by Blenko?  What happen to the group?  Is there more than one group?

Thank you

Edith

Edith,   This is a photo of Tammy Kosla ,  she lives in the Chicago area.  Tammy organized via internet a group of folks who bought and sold Blenko via EBAY.   This small group of 14  grew to several hundred in

four years.

It was never funded by Blenko.  Blenko did host the group yearly - and paid for the event - which was much like the current  'festival of glass' - I believe the yearly meeting was profitable for Blenko. 

What happen to the group?  The jury is still out on this - perhaps it became too large -  or was all inclusive - or was with out structure.

I've always felt it lacked enough funds - volunteer groups need infusions of cash -via grants or a benefactor.

Is there more than one group? -  There are several groups currently ( DC - Columbus -  Eastern Ky )  small groups of under 10 each who meet frequently to collect.   Most likely many other groups exist.   I'm aware of no formal group.
   We've ask Tammi  to write about her experiences with the Blenko Collector Society .  She would have the answers to all your questions. hjh

Blenko Confetti

Hillary -  Today I'm ordering this Blenko confetti pitcher and a plate from Replacements.Com
I d like to have all pieces available of this confetti.  Will you ask your blog readers to contact if they
own and want to sell confetti? 
Below is my name phone and address.
Thank you
Dawn Price

Bloggers -  contact theblenkoproject@aol.com  if you can help Dawn.   Reference :  Confetti

Blenko Behind The Scenes TONIGHT

Reminder - Tonight!

Blenko Behind The Scenes on PBS

Airs Wednesday August 22nd @7pm

Viewers experience how Blenko glass is truly hand-made in the little town of Milton, West Virginia: from mixing the raw materials, to blowing, finishing, and shipping. We also have the pleasure of meeting many of the talented crafts people who make each piece of glassware beautiful & unique, as well as members of the Blenko family who continue this proud tradition.

When to Buy - When to Hold ???

Hilary  I began with the Blenko same year you started this blog.  One of the first items I bought was the 5929L  - also purchased the smaller versions.
I paid $750 for the smaller and over $1700 for the 5929L
To day I saw this Ebay completed sale.  I'm attachin the ad
Should I be selling my Blenko now?  Is the bottom near?
George

George,
You should sell your glass when you no longer value the glass.
The market for Blenko and most anything is volatile -  what something is worth is what
'someone will pay'.  
Buy only what you love and want to live with~ if the value increases Wonderful!                               My Uncle is a realtor/broker and he suggest buying in a down market.
I'm not a fine arts dealer, a poker player  or a money manager  thus I won't give suggestions for when to sale or hold.
Good luck with your Blenko collection -  consider sending photos of your collection to theblenkoproject@aol.com  The Blenko Project.  hjh 

Here, we have a Vintage Original Blenko 1959 Wayne Husted Design Number 5929L HUGE blown Chess Piece Decanter SIGNED "BLENKO" with original Stopper in Tangerine / Red/ Orange, it kinda changes with the lighting.



This decanter is in immaculate condition, with OUT chips on the bottom of the stopper (see pictures ) It does have a few storage scratches on the base, but nothing major. The pontil mark is beautiful.


The base measures 10" Across, it is tall 27" tall without the stopper, it is 38 1/2" Tall with the stopper in place.
You may never get an opportunity like this again...
This rare and genuine piece of art, unlike a print or painting will never be reproduced or duplicated again. In years to come, you may find your self saying to a friend, "I remember when I could have bought that piece for 10% less than what they are selling for now!" This is truely a Investment and a collectors dream come true

Blenko worm?

Can you help this fellow blog reader?

Hi, I’ve searched everywhere to find out of this 6” long honey colored glass worm is Blenko, it looks like it, can you confirm?

 Thanks,

Paul P in Los Angeles



Blenko Angels

Blenko Glass - Milton, WVa.   www.blenkoglass.com

The Blenko Angels are available in several colors at a cost of $47.00.

Often times you can find the Blenko Angels,  Blenko Snowmen and other unique items for less than MSRP  in the Blenko Glass Visitors Center.   While there walk upstairs to the Blenko Glass Museum and Observation Deck.  hjh

#109 Nickerson blenko decanters

Another photo from our Texas Friend - Bruce S.

Blenko # 7411 in Olive Green, and Blenko #7224 in Tangerine

We Are

Marshall!    

*  Note:  Blenko Glass - Milton, WV 

Blenko on PBS Tonight!

BLENKO GLASS: BEHIND THE SCENES (reminder!)

Coming up on NHPTV - BLENKO GLASS: BEHIND THE SCENES

Get to the heat and heart of the Blenko glassworks and see how the beautiful, all-handmade glassware is created.Monday @ 8 p.m. - Airing: 8/13/2012


For more information:
http://nhpublictv.blogspot.com/ 2012/08/blenko-glass-behind-scenes-reminder.html

Mid-Century Modern Glass Symposium in Weston

Mid-Century Modern American Glass
Symposium and Public Activities


Weston, WV – The Museum of American Glass (MAG) in Weston, West Virginia is sponsoring a “double barreled” event focusing on Mid-Century Modern American Glass the last weekend in September. The “barrel” for current glass collectors includes a symposium, discussions and display. The second “barrel” for the public includes an auction, glass identification and a show and sale.

The term Mid-Century Modern was used to describe furniture styles as early as the mid-1950’s and is now recognized by scholars and museums world-wide as a significant design movement. Yet in glass collecting circles, the glass design knowledge base has been stalled in the “depression era” that became wildly popular in the mid-1960’s and early 1970’s. So time has come to move the glass knowledge base forward and build a wider appreciation for glass made in the 1945 to 1970 era. Hence the goal of this event is to network, share and work collaboratively with individuals and clubs to craft a movement that studies and chronicles the American made glass of the mid-century period.

Glass produced after World War II dramatically changed in style, use and design and was made by such companies as Blenko, Canton Casual, Fenton Mid-Century Modern, Morgantown, Smith and Viking. Beautiful one-of-a-kind signed designer glass was also made in the post-war period and will be considered in the week-end discussions.

The symposium, for registered attendees, begins Thursday evening September 27, 2012 with an open house at the museum. It continues on Friday with presentations and table exhibits which will compete for prizes. Registration for the two and a half day event including three meals is just $76 for MAG member and $84 for others.

The public is invited to the Friday evening auction to which symposium participants may consign up to three pieces. The auctioneer, well known Blenko collector Rock Wilson, will provide an additional number of pieces to guarantee 100 lots of glass. MAG will retain 20% of all hammer prices with no other commissions.

The public is also invited to a show and sale on Saturday with free admission from 10am to 3pm with a charge of $5 for early admission from 8am to 10am. From 11am until noon there will be free glass identification with a written report, no appraisals, for up to four pieces of glass per person.

For further information or to register contact the museum at 304-269-5006 or at www.magwv.com.

The Museum of American Glass in West Virginia is open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day noon to 4:00pm.  The balance of the year the museum is open daily noon to 4:00pm and closed on Wednesday and Sunday. Admission is free. It is easily accessible off I-79 exit 99 onto US 33 West for two miles to Main Avenue. A left turn onto Main and the museum is on the left at 230 Main Avenue. Begun in 1992, the museum relocated to its present location in 2007 and occupies 12,000 square feet with over 12,000 pieces of glass on permanent display. The museum is home to the National Marble Museum and The American Flint Glass Workers Union Archives.  The museum holds an annual marble festival and numerous special exhibits throughout the year.  More information can be found at http://magwv.com/. Questions about programs or the museum can be directed to 304-269-5006.

Fish Vases

Anderson Fish Vases

Blenko #971-L Fish Vase in Turquoise (18"), Blenko #971-S Fish Vase in Olive Green (12")

From Blog Friend Bruce in Texas

Anderson Cornicopia Bowls

Blenko #964 Horn Vase in Jonquil cased in Crystal (18 1/2"), Blenko #964-L Large Horn Vase in Turquoise cased in Crystal (22")

From Blog Friend Bruce in Texas

Winslow Anderson Cocktail Pitchers

Anderson cocktail pitchers

Anderson designed  Blenko #905 Swish-it pitchers in Tangerine and Chartreuse (11") and Blenko #497-P in Turquoise (9 1/2")

From Blog Friend Bruce in Texas

Blenko Festival of Glass

Hillary  I'm in Blenko right now -  We think some of these items are from the Williamsburg Collection - I just bought a very expensive pitcher and decanter that I'm 100% are.  Can you quickly post photos of this collection - so I can return and buy other items.

They must be reproducing these.

Do you have any knowledge of this?

Carolee

Carolee -  I do not have any knowledge of a Williamsburg Collection remake.  Ask the Blenko staff -  I think Mr. Walter ( President)  Katie Trippe ( V.P) and Andy Blenko (VP) are all there - they would have access to this information.  I am publishing photos of some Williamsburg items.  These can many times be found at Replacements.com  -  with the label attached.  hjh

Blenko 5th Annual Festival of Glass Event is here!

Blenko 5th Annual Festival of Glass Event
August 3rd and 4th

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=jwq8btcab&v=001OlZyvMDk6bjcjclyTuMREats7Lp5ACevqRGMgli_4aPzTmV6q3g-MGwfOoMu585XhjFzkJbl_TSPWwHtpYBBCiVRq0LTvTyQHyV4Ds2cmAbM_b2vOXW4mA%3D%3D

Blenko Behind The Scenes

Mark your Calender:

Blenko Behind The Scenes on PBS

Airs Wednesday August 22nd @7pm

Viewers experience how Blenko glass is truly hand-made in the little town of Milton, West Virginia: from mixing the raw materials, to blowing, finishing, and shipping. We also have the pleasure of meeting many of the talented crafts people who make each piece of glassware beautiful & unique, as well as members of the Blenko family who continue this proud tradition.