chalkware Archives - Driving for Deco

Vintage postcard of Detroit, Michigan. Image from amazon.com.

Detroit, Michigan day three and we explore some more antique stores, one is new to us and another a revisit from a trip to the Detroit area ten years before.

Livingston Antique Outlet, Howell, MI

The day after our visit to the National Shrine of the Little Flower we decide to take a leisurely day of antiquing. Stop one was the Livingston Antique Outlet, Howell, MI, and just over an hour from downtown Detroit. This is a deceptive store, larger than it appear from the outside. Neatly laid out and easy to maneuver, it holds an eclectic mix of vintage merchandise. But more on that later.

: Aisles….

: and aisles…

: of goodness!

Who doesn’t like cute chalkware?

: With a nice selection…

: down every aisle…

: there’s something for everyone.

Down the first aisle, I found a Wells Art Glaze platter.

Wells Art Glaze Platter in Rust

Wells Art was a division of Homer Laughlin and produced beginning in the early 1930s. The line was discontinued in late 1941 or early 1942. The Wells Art Glaze backstamp was used on any solid color glaze in the standard colors of Leaf Green, French Rose, Melon-Yellow, Burnt Sienna (Rust). Other colors available are Sea Green, Depression Green, Appletree green (more blue than green) and Red.

Wells Art Glaze Backstamp

All the glazes are matte with an irregular (blobby) coverage by design.

This collection was somewhat accidental as I found pieces here and there that were stylish and reasonably priced. Next thing you know, we’re collecting Wells Art Glaze!

Our next find was a vintage Revere Bottle opener. Sometimes spotting Revere can be tricky if you are not familiar with their lines or styling. This piece, not so much.

Circa 1935 Revere bottle opener. Photo by the authors.

This is a heavy and substantial piece. Made of chrome plated brass, it is about 4 5/8 inches long 5/8 inch high and 3/8 inch thick. Probably produced sometime in the 1930s or 1940s it could be a promotional piece.

A well know silversmith (and known for something else that I just can’t put my finger on), Paul Revere started the first North America’s copper mill south of Boston in 1801. The company is still active and headquartered in Rome, NY as Revere Copper Products, Inc. It has the distinction of being one of America’s oldest manufacturing companies.

The next piece is a bit trickier to talk about. Here we have an unmarked cocktail shaker; possibly MCM. Being unmarked, we can’t give you any details other than it is well designed and made.

: Unmarked chrome cocktail shaker with Bakelite lid. Photo by the authors.

: The shaker showing the pouring lid off. Photo by the authors.

: The shaker with the pour lid and Bakelite top off. Photo by the authors.

Now, I call this section when bad things happen to good furniture. We realize this could be controversial and only reflects our opinion. Neither of us is a fan of painted furniture unless the piece is damaged beyond redemption. I want to know what these pieces did to deserve this treatment, or at least these colors.

Why? Just why? What they do to you?

Not my favorite color.

The worst offended is this piece, painted then distressed to show the nice wood veneer underneath. WHY?

And then you distress it to show the wood you just covered up?

Another items of interest is this 1930s Chase hot/cold food server designed by Howard F. Reichenbach. We’ve seen this often and own a couple of them. To use it, add water to the base. Then depending on the direction of the plug, it is either set to “high” to cook foods, or reversed to “low” to keep things warm for serving. Or you can fill the base with ice to keep food cold. A word of caution. When you find one, the heating element may not function and whether filled with water or melting ice, they frequently leak. This is a heavy piece weighing in at just over 10 pound!

: Chase Buffet Server keeps food cold or hot.

: The chrome covers help keep the food in the PYREX containers at the perfect temperature.

This Manning Bowman version of the buffet server works on the same principle as the Chase food server. This item has ceramic inserts for the food rather than glass. Although we don’t own one, I suspect it has the same issues.

Manning Bowman Buffet Server

This 1930s pull match ashtray combo is interesting but as we already have 2, it didn’t make sense to get another. And the match insert is nearly impossible to find.

Match Pull

The matches are bundled together with the strike strip just below the head and nestle up inside the cap. And as the name implies, you pull the match down quickly. It crosses the strike strip and ignites.

However, the highlight of this trip to Detroit had to be “Conchristador”. Conquering new antique stores, it’s self-explanatory.

Meet “Conchristador”. Photo by the authors.

Our next stop was The Mega Mall. This establishment is about a half hour from the Livingston Antique Outlet. And about an hour and a half from Detroit. We had fond memories of this place from 10 years before.

The Mega Mall in Lansing, Michigan. Photo by the authors.

Unfortunately, it has far less antiques now. As Thomas Wolff said, “You can’t go home again.” It is now more a mix of home crafts, chalk paint supplies, shabby chic (is that still in style?) furniture, and collectible items from the 60s onward. And not us at all.

After the Mega Mall, we had lunch before heading back to our hotel to get a good night’s rest. Tomorrow was a leisurely day as we headed out to Cranbrook and a tour of the Saarinen House.

Chris & Anthony (the Freakin’ ‘tiquen Guys)

: Delicate beauties (photo via eBay)

Chalk it up to deco touches on the history of, and much maligned, chalkware items. It’s hard to believe that something starting out as beautiful objects with noble beginnings led to a pastiche of kitsch.

Developed in the 18^th century as a serious decorative art. The primary purpose was to imitate more expensive English decorative ware, such as Staffordshire. From the 1920’s through 1940’s, it enabled the average person to own affordable and lovely items to decorate the home.

: Lady with bouquets (photo via Pintrest)

: 1930-40s vintage ladies (photo via Laurel Leaf Farm)

: 1930’s gentleman (photo via Etsy)

Composed of either plaster of Paris or formed gypsum, chalkware chips easily. They are painted with either oil paints or watercolors and as the colors sits on top of the surface rather than fired on like ceramics, the color tends to fade over time. Early examples are hollow and due to the soft nature of the material used, are difficult to find undamaged. Surviving pieces tend to look dull as they cannot be easily cleaned. Water and humidity are not friends as chalkware reacts unfavorably with moisture.

: 1920 Leon Figurine (photo via eBay)

On the cusp of the art deco period, things took a turn for the worse, in my opinion. Because of the low-cost to produce chalkware, “Carnival chalk” became popular. This is what most of us are familiar with and refers to chalkware figures given as prizes at carnival games. Produced in mass quantities, finishing details vary resulting in a bizarre and sometimes questionable array of items.

: Vintage plaster book ends – a beautiful example of what chalkware can be (photo via 1st Dibs)

: 1930 sailor girl (photo via eBay)

: Majorette – and the quality starts to fade

: Piggy Bank – This little piggy went to market (photo via eBay)

: Piggy Prize – This piggy should have stayed home (photo via internet)

: Snow white – so sweet (photo via eBay)

: And then she met Dopey (photo via internet)

: Good girl gone bad (photo via internet)

: I’m ready for my close up!

: But I have glitter – so fancy!

Chalkware continued in popularity during WW II and post-war time as an inexpensive means to decorate the home. The items produced for home use ranged from table lamps, figurines, wall decor and tourist memorabilia.

: A unique 1930’s pincushion (photo via Pintrest)

: Early American motifs were popular.

: Chuck wagon lamp – round ’em up, partner

: 1940’s advertising piece (photo via Pintrest)

There is also a selection representing celebrities and politicians. Here’s a couple of charming portrayals.

: Rin-Tin-Tin – mantel decoration.

: Santa 1940’s style (photo via eBay)

Although mid-century and not Art Deco, special mention goes to the most ubiquitous of all. Made in many forms, the chalkware chefs string holder is probably the most recognizable of all pieces.

: One of the most recognizable pieces of chalkware (photo via ephemerascenti.com)

Surprisingly, chalkware remained popular into the 1970’s. Ultimately, the weight and fragility doomed the product. By the 1970’s, good quality and reasonably priced ceramics and plastic alternatives came into being.

: Wha’cha looking at? There ain’t no more.

Driving for Deco

We will drive anywhere to find great Art Deco.

Tag Archives: chalkware

2023 Freakin Tiquen – Destination Detroit Part 3 – Antiquing

Detroit, Michigan day three and we explore some more antique stores, one is new to us and another a revisit from a trip to the Detroit area ten years before.

Down the first aisle, I found a Wells Art Glaze platter.

All the glazes are matte with an irregular (blobby) coverage by design.

This collection was somewhat accidental as I found pieces here and there that were stylish and reasonably priced. Next thing you know, we’re collecting Wells Art Glaze!

Our next find was a vintage Revere Bottle opener. Sometimes spotting Revere can be tricky if you are not familiar with their lines or styling. This piece, not so much.

This is a heavy and substantial piece. Made of chrome plated brass, it is about 4 5/8 inches long 5/8 inch high and 3/8 inch thick. Probably produced sometime in the 1930s or 1940s it could be a promotional piece.

The next piece is a bit trickier to talk about. Here we have an unmarked cocktail shaker; possibly MCM. Being unmarked, we can’t give you any details other than it is well designed and made.

The worst offended is this piece, painted then distressed to show the nice wood veneer underneath. WHY?

This Manning Bowman version of the buffet server works on the same principle as the Chase food server. This item has ceramic inserts for the food rather than glass. Although we don’t own one, I suspect it has the same issues.

This 1930s pull match ashtray combo is interesting but as we already have 2, it didn’t make sense to get another. And the match insert is nearly impossible to find.

The matches are bundled together with the strike strip just below the head and nestle up inside the cap. And as the name implies, you pull the match down quickly. It crosses the strike strip and ignites.

However, the highlight of this trip to Detroit had to be “Conchristador”. Conquering new antique stores, it’s self-explanatory.

Our next stop was The Mega Mall. This establishment is about a half hour from the Livingston Antique Outlet. And about an hour and a half from Detroit. We had fond memories of this place from 10 years before.

Unfortunately, it has far less antiques now. As Thomas Wolff said, “You can’t go home again.” It is now more a mix of home crafts, chalk paint supplies, shabby chic (is that still in style?) furniture, and collectible items from the 60s onward. And not us at all.

After the Mega Mall, we had lunch before heading back to our hotel to get a good night’s rest. Tomorrow was a leisurely day as we headed out to Cranbrook and a tour of the Saarinen House.

Chris & Anthony (the Freakin’ ‘tiquen Guys)

Like this:

Chalk it up to deco

Chalk it up to deco touches on the history of, and much maligned, chalkware items. It’s hard to believe that something starting out as beautiful objects with noble beginnings led to a pastiche of kitsch.

Developed in the 18^th century as a serious decorative art. The primary purpose was to imitate more expensive English decorative ware, such as Staffordshire. From the 1920’s through 1940’s, it enabled the average person to own affordable and lovely items to decorate the home.

Chalkware continued in popularity during WW II and post-war time as an inexpensive means to decorate the home. The items produced for home use ranged from table lamps, figurines, wall decor and tourist memorabilia.

There is also a selection representing celebrities and politicians. Here’s a couple of charming portrayals.

Although mid-century and not Art Deco, special mention goes to the most ubiquitous of all. Made in many forms, the chalkware chefs string holder is probably the most recognizable of all pieces.

Surprisingly, chalkware remained popular into the 1970’s. Ultimately, the weight and fragility doomed the product. By the 1970’s, good quality and reasonably priced ceramics and plastic alternatives came into being.

So, the next time you see a piece of chalkware, I hope you appreciate its history more than before. I know I do!

Chris (half of the Freakin’ ‘tiquen guys)

Like this:

Detroit, Michigan day three and we explore some more antique stores, one is new to us and another a revisit from a trip to the Detroit area ten years before.

Down the first aisle, I found a Wells Art Glaze platter.

All the glazes are matte with an irregular (blobby) coverage by design.

This collection was somewhat accidental as I found pieces here and there that were stylish and reasonably priced. Next thing you know, we’re collecting Wells Art Glaze!

Our next find was a vintage Revere Bottle opener. Sometimes spotting Revere can be tricky if you are not familiar with their lines or styling. This piece, not so much.

This is a heavy and substantial piece. Made of chrome plated brass, it is about 4 5/8 inches long 5/8 inch high and 3/8 inch thick. Probably produced sometime in the 1930s or 1940s it could be a promotional piece.

The next piece is a bit trickier to talk about. Here we have an unmarked cocktail shaker; possibly MCM. Being unmarked, we can’t give you any details other than it is well designed and made.

The worst offended is this piece, painted then distressed to show the nice wood veneer underneath. WHY?

This Manning Bowman version of the buffet server works on the same principle as the Chase food server. This item has ceramic inserts for the food rather than glass. Although we don’t own one, I suspect it has the same issues.

This 1930s pull match ashtray combo is interesting but as we already have 2, it didn’t make sense to get another. And the match insert is nearly impossible to find.

The matches are bundled together with the strike strip just below the head and nestle up inside the cap. And as the name implies, you pull the match down quickly. It crosses the strike strip and ignites.

However, the highlight of this trip to Detroit had to be “Conchristador”. Conquering new antique stores, it’s self-explanatory.

Our next stop was The Mega Mall. This establishment is about a half hour from the Livingston Antique Outlet. And about an hour and a half from Detroit. We had fond memories of this place from 10 years before.

Unfortunately, it has far less antiques now. As Thomas Wolff said, “You can’t go home again.” It is now more a mix of home crafts, chalk paint supplies, shabby chic (is that still in style?) furniture, and collectible items from the 60s onward. And not us at all.

After the Mega Mall, we had lunch before heading back to our hotel to get a good night’s rest. Tomorrow was a leisurely day as we headed out to Cranbrook and a tour of the Saarinen House.

Chris & Anthony (the Freakin’ ‘tiquen Guys)

Share this:

Like this:

Chalk it up to deco touches on the history of, and much maligned, chalkware items. It’s hard to believe that something starting out as beautiful objects with noble beginnings led to a pastiche of kitsch.

Developed in the 18th century as a serious decorative art. The primary purpose was to imitate more expensive English decorative ware, such as Staffordshire. From the 1920’s through 1940’s, it enabled the average person to own affordable and lovely items to decorate the home.

Chalkware continued in popularity during WW II and post-war time as an inexpensive means to decorate the home. The items produced for home use ranged from table lamps, figurines, wall decor and tourist memorabilia.

There is also a selection representing celebrities and politicians. Here’s a couple of charming portrayals.

Although mid-century and not Art Deco, special mention goes to the most ubiquitous of all. Made in many forms, the chalkware chefs string holder is probably the most recognizable of all pieces.

Surprisingly, chalkware remained popular into the 1970’s. Ultimately, the weight and fragility doomed the product. By the 1970’s, good quality and reasonably priced ceramics and plastic alternatives came into being.

So, the next time you see a piece of chalkware, I hope you appreciate its history more than before. I know I do!

Chris (half of the Freakin’ ‘tiquen guys)

Share this:

Like this:

Developed in the 18^th century as a serious decorative art. The primary purpose was to imitate more expensive English decorative ware, such as Staffordshire. From the 1920’s through 1940’s, it enabled the average person to own affordable and lovely items to decorate the home.