I is for Imperial Glass

Katy Blue Lace Edge pattern, 1930

Scroll Fluted pattern, late 1920's-early 1930's

Nu-Cut Pattern, 1920's

Genie Lace Edge pattern, 1950's

Imperial Glass Company was founded in 1904 by J.N. Vance of New Crystal Glass (1901). With the help of Edward Muhleman in Bellaire, OH it produced beautiful handmade glassware and continued manufacturing pressed glass with the advent of machinery during the early 20th C. Rapid growth and demand for glass continued and in 1909 Imperial introduced its first line of Carnival Glass, popularized by Fenton and others. It became known as one of the most elegant glassware companies in the US. The most recognized pattern from Imperial Glass is Candlewick (1939) whose design was inspired by a Colonial needlework technique and is often confused with the similar Anchor Hocking Burple pattern. More than 200 items were produced in the Candlewick line, competing with Fostoria Glass America and Cambridge Glass Rosepoint as the most collectible patterns of all time. It also launched the Cape Cod pattern as giveaway items in conjunction with the Quaker Oats Company and supplied F.W. Woolworth with much of its utilitarian glassware. During the 1920's, Imperial introduced its elegant and art glass lines known respectively as Nu-Cut and Nu-Art, imitating higher-end crystal and Tiffany glass. Yet despite the quality and popularity of its glassware the recession of the 1950's, coupled with the availability of inexpensive glassware from abroad strained the company to the breaking point. Although it filed for bankruptcy in 1931 and was able to recover, the global market changes of the mid 20th C proved too much. Lenox Glass of NJ bought out Imperial Glass in 1973, keeping it going until 1984 when production of all patterns from Imperial ceased. Although I recently came across a 6" Candlewick clear blown glass Candy Box with lid listed for $400.00 (!), generally pieces of Imperial Glassware are affordably available as elegant accents for your home. Happy Hunting!

E is for Economy Glass

Round Robin pattern

Economy Glass started out as Morgantown Glass Company in Morgantown, WV, 1899. It became known for high quality, hand blown glassware. In 1903, Morgantown Glass changed its name to Economy Tumbler Glass and introduced colors into its repertoire. From its inception, the 'Continental' line was popular and continued to be manufactured until the company closed its doors in 1937. 'Round Robin' was the only Depression Glass pattern made by Morgantown under the Economy Glass logo. Economy Tumbler Glass reopened as Morgantown Glassware Guild in 1939, introducing bar and stem ware with unique shapes and cool colors including jade, pink, 'Ritz' blue, magenta, amethyst, and black. In 1965, Morgantown Glassware Guild was purchased by and incorporated into the Fostoria Glass Company. Fostoria Glass was in business until 1983, when it too was bought out by Lancaster Colony. Competition from imports effected sustainability and that company folded in 1986.

The Round Robin pattern is so thoroughly modern in its simplicity it is hard to believe it is 75 years old - and still so much in vogue. Happy hunting!