Lancaster Glass Co. 1908-1937 by John P. Zastowney

By: Vitreous

The Lancaster Glass Co., 1908-1937

July of 2008 will mark the 100th anniversary of the inception of the Lancaster Glass Company. Even though it is sometimes referred to as one of the minor glass companies, Lancaster’s Plant #2 is still in operation today under the auspices of the Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation in Lancaster, Ohio. In addition, the Hocking Glass Company throughout the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s used many of the molds that were originally made by Lancaster for some of its lines. Hocking acquired controlling interest in the Lancaster Glass Company in 1924 and eventually dissolved the Lancaster name by 1937 after completing the final purchase. However, the name Lancaster and their exquisitely made pieces live on.

Lancaster had ties to some of the contemporary glass companies of its time such as the Standard Glass Manufacturing Company of Bremen, Ohio, which cut many of the Lancaster blanks, the Monongah Glass Company of Fairmont, West Virginia, which was acquired by Lancaster in 1927, and the Lotus Glass Company of Barnesville, Ohio, which put silver overlay decorations on some Lancaster blanks.

Two of Lancaster’s most famous and well-known lines were Jubilee and Patrick. Patrick, marketed in both topaz (yellow) and rose (pink) by Lancaster, was actually marketed as Decoration #203, ‘Patrician.’ Patrician was renamed by Hazel Marie Weatherman as ‘Patrick’ in her 1974 book, Colored Glassware of the Depression Era 2. The name Patrick still stands today. Jubilee, on the other hand, has quite a controversial history.

The Jubilee design, Cut #1200, was actually done by the artisans of the Standard Glass Manufacturing Company. Standard also marketed its own line of Cut #1200, which adds to the confusion. The pattern Jubilee was named for the 15th anniversary of the Frigidaire Corporation wherein a complimentary 19-piece, topaz-colored luncheon set was given to anyone who purchased a Frigidaire appliance. Today, Jubilee continues to create confusion among buyers and sellers since the 12-petal flower was cut in many variations by the Standard Glass Manufacturing Company. Those cuts carried many different cut numbers and names. Much of Jubilee’s (and Patrick’s) charm comes from the fact that it is one line that has a full array of luncheon pieces. Many of the other lines by Lancaster were more decorative in nature.

Lancaster made so many beautifully designed cuts, molds, patterns, and decorations that one can hardly choose a favorite. Lines such as Jody, Marguerite, Morning Glory, and Sunshine continue to rise in popularity. As with all collectors and their prized collections, the quest to find every piece and color made in one line keeps us on that never-ending journey. Lancaster’s most extensive line to date is #906, Open Work with over 30 documented pieces. Open Work served as a basis for Hocking’s Old Colony, which was made in pink and crystal. Lancaster’s Open Work, on the other hand, was made in seven different colors in both clear and with a satinized finish. Open Work’s other decorations include: etching, decaling, gilding, and painting.

Some of the Standard Glass Manufacturing Company’s lines have also endured the ages and are still popular today such as Standard’s Grape, which is sought after by collectors. Twinkle (pink) and Tyrus (topaz) both Cut #28, are also heavily coveted by Jubilee collectors since the 12-petal flower is very similar to Cut #1200. Many of the Twinkle/Tyrus pieces are decorative in nature and are used as serving pieces or sideboard pieces to compliment the Jubilee line. Beadles, another Standard cut on pink Lancaster blanks, is also popular and seems to proliferate online auctions and antique shops.

With regard to Monongah, Lancaster marketed many of their stemware pieces after the acquisition. Monongah etches are also found on Lancaster blanks. Vida is one such etch that has been popularized on pink Lancaster pieces. Lotus’s Hunt Scene is probably the most recognized etch/silver overlay design done on both pink and topaz Lancaster blanks. Grecian Urn is another popular Lotus silver overlay decoration used on Lancaster blanks. Grecian Urn appears on other company’s blanks as well.

Lancaster also ventured into Stretch glass production during its manufacturing years. Rose Lustre and Green Lustre with their painted purple (Decoration #400) and orange flowers (Decoration #401) respectively, is highly sought after by both Lancaster and Stretch glass collectors. Iris Ice, a white satinized Stretch glass line with painted purple flowers, continues to draw attention of collectors when found.

The Lancaster Glass Company has certainly made its mark on the glass-collecting world in its 29 years of production under that name. Even after the dissolution of the name Hocking continued to use those molds for its lines. Grape was an etch that was used well into the 1960’s.

Today, pieces of Sphinx and almost any colored piece of Corn Flower etched by the W. J. Hughes Corn Flower Company of Ontario, Canada, will command prices in the hundreds of dollars. Certain pieces of Tyrus and Twinkle will also command prices in that range due to their association with Jubilee.

Every new etch, cut, design, and pattern that I found in my research over the years led to new alliances and friendships with collectors that further brought the company and its wares to life. New collectors have emerged and seasoned passionate collectors have added to their prized and coveted assemblages. Every day brings the opportunity of a newly discovered piece, color, or design for those passionate collectors. As you can tell, I am one of those passionate collectors.

Article Source: http://collectibles-articles.com

www.lancasterglassco.com

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