Several people have emailed with the question about damaged (chip, crack, small defects) glass, does it have any value?
My expertise in this is limited - so I asked friends and did some research. The WV Museum of American Glass produces a quarterly magazine. If you have thoughts of collecting WV glass joining this group should be on your short list of things to do as the magazine is inexpensive and full of interesting photos and articles about WV Glass.
In 2004, a writer for this publication wrote: 'Although glass collectors of American mass -produced patterns ( BLENKO*) have every right to seek out perfect pieces for their collections, we must keep in mind that there are pieces of glass in most patterns or areas of collecting that are very hard to find. Either the number of theses pieces is quite limited or the collector demand is high- or both! In both cases it is wise not to turn down a piece offered with minor damage because the collector may never come across this rare piece again. Another point to consider is that "glass from the past" is getting older and older. Most of our collectible glass was made for utilitarian purposes so that many decades of use will take its toll-from small chips or scratches to large missing sections on a piece of glass. It's becoming harder to find glass in pristine condition that was made many years ago, so if the price is right, and the desirable piece of collectible glass will display perfectly, don't pass up the opportunity to own a rare piece of American history.'
I have two pieces of broken/ damaged Blenko glass, one that was purchased for me and cost over $500, its rare and brings me pleasure even with the damage - the other is a Blenko Cat, my dog 'MIS B' knocked it over and broke the teal body. I kept the cat's head, because its too beautiful to discard, perhaps someday I'll find a teal cat body.
We have a friend who often buys broken Blenko, she displays each with the broken area hidden, her blenko changes with color scheme of each room. By buying 2nds and damaged, she is able to inexpensively change her decor often.
Blenko colors are beautiful and can add to any room setting.
If the you haven't started a Blenko collection, go to the Blenko Visitors Center in Milton, West Virginia this week. They have a selection of orange glass for the Halloween Holiday along with the usual large selection of colored tableware and lamps.
HJH
*note: (Blenko) was added to the WV Glass Museum comments.
At a recent talk, I encouraged the audience to send photos of their favorite BLENKO GLASS water pitcher .
