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A gentleman from the lower Northern Neck has asked about this lemonade set that his mother bought many years ago. The set contains the lidded pitcher, and seven glasses, three of which have their original saucers. The latter are in cobalt blue and match the lid of the pitcher. The glasses and pitcher are a two-tone striped custard green shade. Unfortunately, several are missing, and three of the glasses have minor fleabite nicks on their rims.
This set is American, and probably dates from the interwar years, 1920–1940. I am virtually certain that originally it came from a factory in Ohio. The Buckeye State was the leader in producing fine glassware from the 19th century down until the latter half of the 20th century.
As to the city and factory, the possibility of identification becomes much more difficult. Without a bill of sale, a shipping invoice or an original box in which the set was packaged, specific attribution is almost impossible. Whichever factory produced this set
surely would rank among the best in America.
Interestingly, the several fleabite nicks indicate that the glasses have been used. In addition, the number seven tells us that originally the set included eight, thus one is missing. I suggest going on the Internet to see if replacements are available. In that vein, a check with Replacements, Ltd. in Greensboro, N.C., might turn up a replacement glass as well as several cobalt saucers to return the set to its original composition. That company is the leader in replacing china, glassware and silver pieces.
As is, the set is worth $350. Completing it, granted not an easy task, could increase its value to over $500. It is extremely fine American glassware, as elegant as any ever produced in this country.
Happy antiquing!
Lisa and Henry Hull operate Commonwealth Antiques and Appraisals, Inc. at 5150 Jessie DuPont Hwy. 22570. (P.O. 35). Wicomico Church, VA 22570. Write to them there or e-mail to
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