Fresh Type

Foreign and Native Paperweights Pass in Review

A Comparative Study of Design and Craftsmanship

This article discusses the history of glass paperweights, from their original designs and production processes to their spread across the world, noting some of the major manufacturers and design styles. It originally appeared as a two-part series in the February and March 1942 issues of American Collector magazine, a publication which ran from 1933-1948 and served antiques collectors and dealers.

Part I:

(Editor’s Note: Although glass paperweights have been collected in the United States … (continue reading)

The Miles Collection of American Glass

This article discusses glass produced in late 19th century, describing popular patterns, types of glass, and notable innovations (such as pressed and Amberina glass). It originally appeared in the November 1947 issue of American Collector magazine, a publication which ran from 1933-1948 and served antiques collectors and dealers.

The sweeping tendency to dismiss all American glass manufactured after 1850 as a cheap commercial product is passing out of fashion. Articles and books on the subject are partially … (continue reading)

Atterbury Designs for Covered Animal Dishes in Glass

This article discusses the animals featured on Thomas B. Atterbury’s glassware, describing the pictured designs and quoting his patents. It originally appeared in the October 1945 issue of American Collector magazine, a publication which ran from 1933-1948 and served antiques collectors and dealers.

While doing research work in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, area in 1933, it was my privilege to interview a large number of officials connected with glass companies, as well as actual glassworkers. It was … (continue reading)

English Royalty in Glass

This article describes royal commemorative glass, which became popular to celebrate the return and marriage of Charles II in the 17th century and continued through the 18th century depicting other important historical figures. It originally appeared in the September 1943 issue of American Collector magazine, a publication which ran from 1933-1948 and served antiques collectors and dealers.

“All the discourse now-a-day,” wrote Samuel Pepys in the spring of 1660, “is that the King will come again; and for … (continue reading)

Antique Furniture with Double Uses

This article describes furniture with a functional design – that is, furniture with multiple uses, such as a settee that doubles as a table or a library chair that unfolds, revealing a step-ladder to be used to reach a book on a high shelf. It originally appeared in the February 1943 issue of American Collector magazine, a publication which ran from 1933-1948 and served antiques collectors and dealers.

“Functional design.” For better than a decade this phrase … (continue reading)

American Vogues in Porcelain Since Colonial Days

This article discusses porcelain items imported during the 18th and 19th centuries, noting the evolution in American taste from French to English china and the items used by U.S. presidents. It originally appeared in the February 1943 issue of American Collector magazine, a publication which ran from 1933-1948 and served antiques collectors and dealers.

For the most part our colonial ancestors were accustomed to a simple and even frugal mode of life. But here and there along the … (continue reading)

Forestville Connecticut Clocks

This article discusses the Forestville Manufacturing Company, noting the company’s origins, the clocks that they made, and the labels that they used to mark their products. It originally appeared in the September 1947 issue of American Collector magazine, a publication which ran from 1933-1948 and served antiques collectors and dealers.

The name and label of the Forestville Manufacturing Company marks some fine and intelligently made Connecticut shelf clocks. This company was a prolific source of clock making from … (continue reading)

The Four Georges: Notes on English Domestic Silver

This article discusses household silver in the first half of the 18th century, noting its foreign influences in style (especially French) and silversmith Paul Lamerie, of whom the most information has been preserved over time. It originally appeared in the January 1946 issue of American Collector magazine, a publication which ran from 1933-1948 and served antique collectors and dealers.

Possession of silver articles has always been considered as a step up on the social ladder; something … (continue reading)

Pinchbeck But Precious (Paperweights)

This article talks about paperweights that were created using pinchbeck, or fake gold, noting their production processes and the materials used, and describing some specific examples. It originally appeared in the November 1945 issue of American Collector magazine, a publication which ran from 1933-1948 and served antique collectors and dealers.

An insurance broker picks up his telephone, and recognizes the voice of one of his clients, a woman who is a collector of old glass paperweights. … (continue reading)

The Lure of Collecting Historical China

This article discusses how the author became interested in china, describing auction procedures, the images represented on china items, and specific items in the author’s collection. It originally appeared in the August 1947 issue of American Collector magazine, a publication which ran from 1933-1948 and served antique collectors and dealers.

I have long since become familiar with the query: “How did you start collecting historical Staffordshire china?” I was casually introduced to the subject 27 years … (continue reading)

Connecticut Clockmaking in Central New York

This article discusses popular clockmakers in New York in the 19th century, describing their craft and the types of clocks they made. It originally appeared in the May 1938 issue of American Collector magazine, a publication which ran from 1933-1948 and served antique collectors and dealers.

Before the Revolutionary War, New York consisted chiefly of the Hudson River Valley. The Mohawk Valley and the rest of Central and Western New York remained in the possession of … (continue reading)

Small But Useful American Silver

This article focuses on small silver items that were popular in the 18th century, from strainers to tobacco boxes to jewelry, describing the uses for each, and it notes how often silver items were stolen or lost. It originally appeared as a two-part series in the March and April 1942 issues of American Collector magazine, a publication which ran from 1933-1948 and served antique collectors and dealers.

Part I:

“Stole at Flatbush on Long-Island, One Silver Tankerd, a … (continue reading)