Sometimes collecting this and that is mostly about finding nice art deco items. And while “this” may result in an accidental collection, “that” isn’t the point. I just love smalls! Although most of the following are more “mediums”. Still, they are generally inexpensive and easy to move around. They’re easy to display and when it’s time for a change, they’re easy to store.
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Do we research everything we find? We almost always look online to see what we can find about the item. But if we don’t find anything, that’s ok. Collecting is about loving what you find, not necessarily its value. Though finding something of value (Jazz bowl) is always a bonus!
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Weller
Years ago, I picked up a blue, medium size Weller bowl in the Paragon pattern, circa 1931. While we’ve seen pieces throughout our hunts, rarely do we see the blue color. It was quite a surprise when last summer I came across three pieces – a large bowl and a pair of candleholders.
Paragon by Weller Pottery (from the author’s collection)
Paragon by Weller Pottery (from the author’s collection)
Weller Pottery began in 1872 as a home industry consisting of a small cabin and a kiln in Fultonham, Ohio. Samuel A Weller started by making utilitarian pieces such as flowerpots, vases, bowls and storage crocks. He moved his small but flourishing business to Zanesville, Ohio in 1882. Now known as the Putnam Factory, it grew and employed approximately 175 potters by 1894. At this time, Weller joined other artisans such as William A. Long, Jaques Sicard and Frederick Rhead.
Photo of Putnam (Weller) Pottery Factory (photo via web)
Despite a fire in the factory in 1895, Weller continued production, rebuilding the original factory. He built a second factory dedicated to only utilitarian wares. And by 1905, the company was the largest producer of pottery in the United States.
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In 1915, Weller formally established Weller Pottery. Under this new name, Weller’s produced goods reflecting the styles of the time, Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau and Art Deco. Although his role in the company changed throughout the years, he continued to be a guiding and present source until his death in 1925.
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Weller Pottery continued producing wares but sales were on the decline. The doors permanently closed in in 1948 after 70 years.
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Crown Ducal
They are cute and they were inexpensive. Here is the start of an unintentional “smalls” collection.
Double Poppy by Crown Ducal, 1915 (from the author’s collection)
Produced in 1915, the Double Poppy sugar bowl is not art deco. But it is sweet and for $1.00, it came home with me.
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I can’t find much on this small blue vase. It is possibly part of the 1930’s Art Deco Byzantine line. It has a matte aqua glaze with an embossed art deco floral design.
Byzantine (?) Vase, by Crown Ducal (from the author’s collection)
Byzantine (?) Vase, by Crown Ducal (from the author’s collection)
Founded in 1915 by Albert G. Richardson in Tunstall England, Gordon Pottery produced fine chinaware. And sold under the name, Crown Ducal.
Gordon Pottery at Pinnox Street & Gibson Street in Tunstall (Photo via thepotteries.org)
Initially, they produced fairy conventional items incorporating uninspired but popular floral designs. In 1921, they introduced plain tea wares that became popular. Eventually expanding to high end dinner and tableware.
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In 1932 Charlotte Rhead joined the company and contributed the popular Byzantine, Foxglove and Wisteria patterns to the line. She departed the company around 1942.
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In 1933 they acquired Britannia Pottery, Cobridge. The redesigned factory is still considered a model of efficiency. Circular in design, it maximized production with minimal effort.
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The company closed briefly during WW II. Reopening in 1942, they continued operations. By 1956, Crown Ducal was producing “fancies” as well as breakfast sets.
The Gordon Pottery Tunstall by Reiginald Hagger 1969 (Photo via thepotteries.org)
Sold to Enoch Wedgewood (Tunstall) Ltd the business subsequently closed
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Stichting 1940-1945
Letter holder by Stichting (from the author’s collection)
Deco in lines, it was probably produced in the early 1950’s.
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Stichting is a Dutch organization established on October 13, 1944. It was the brainchild of representatives of regional and resistance organizations who met secretly in Amsterdam. Seeing countries to the south being liberated and what they hoped would be the end of WW II, they named the organization, Stichting 40-44.
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Their goal was to assist families who lost relatives and those who survived but suffered from mental and / or physical ailments.
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“The aim of the Foundation is to provide for the moral, spiritual and material needs of persons or groups of persons who contributed by deed or attitude to the internal resistance during the occupation, their families or next of kin if, after the cessation of hostilities, they in our country or a large part of it will prove to be in need of assistance.” (source: Wikipedia)
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Translation: Remember who reads these words, my comrades in need. (www.oorlogsbronnen.nl)
To subvert the Germans, the board met at a different address every two weeks. Even so, three members were caught and sentenced for treason.
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Shortly after the country’s liberation, the now called 1940-1945 was re-established. And the Extraordinary Pension Act 1940-1945, made members of the resistance, their widows and their orphans eligible for a pension. It was the 1940-1945 foundation’s responsibility to enforce this law and provide immaterial support.
Stichting Christmas gifts 1952-1973 (Photo via www.st4045.nl)
Veterans were hired to learn or use their skills to produce stylish Art Deco artisan objects as picture above. This allowed them to earn a living and contribute to the fund. Designs are known for their clean lines, simple designs and the fine materials used.
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Successful in its’ goal, the foundation is still in existence today.
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Silver Overlay Decanter
Decanter with silver overlay (from the author’s collection)
I don’t have a lot of information on this Art Deco beauty. Unmarked, I was able to establish it is circa 1930’s and made in Italy; possibly Venetian glass. If you have any other information on this, please let us know.
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Bookend / Statue
Metal and stone statue / bookend (from the author’s collection)
This was a gift from my brother and is much beloved (my brother and the statue). I know absolutely nothing about it. Its’ flat backside leads me to believe it is one half of a set of bookends. And yes, I know its missing the bow. It is unmarked as so many pieces are. Many different companies produced an array of similar works throughout the art deco period. It is cast metal, probably smelter, cold painted and mounted on a stepped onyx base.
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English Bud Vase
Empire Ware Bud Vase (from the author’s collection)
Empire Ware under glaze back stamp
Here is a 1930’s multi-bud vase holder made by Empire Ware / Trent on Stokes, England. Its’ ziggurat design screams, ART DECO!
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Established in 1895 as the Empire Porcelain Company, it was a conglomeration of the Rosenfeld and Lazarus families of Austria. They operated two factories on either side of Elgin Road and produced a large variety of household goods.
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Much of the inventory was in the classic design but they did branch out into Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern to meet the needs of the day.
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Over the years, the company was sold and incorporated before closing in1967.
One of the original Empire Ware back stamps and Reproduction back stamp (photo from thepotteries.org)
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Original pieces marking include EPC, EP or the word empire. Reproductions made in Portugal are clearly marked.
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French Cordial Glasses
1930’s cordial glasses made in France (from the author’s collection)
Marking on bottom of glasses
We know they are made in France. And we know they’re from the 1930’s. And we know they’re Art Deco. Anthony found information about them once online. But beyond that, we know nothing. I bought these several years ago and Anthony was not thrilled when I did. He’s since come to appreciate them.
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The pattern is reminiscent of vintage art deco textiles.
Vintage 1920’s Wallpaper (photo via www.onekingslane.com)
So, no matter what you find, if it gives you pleasure its a treasure. My only caution is you can become addicted to smalls. (Not that I would know anything about that.)
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