Rare Glass, Scarce Patterns Abound at the 48th Annual Festival of Glass

The Houston Glass Club membership works all year long to produce a top-rated show as is evidenced by those attending the show. The dealers bring some of the most outstanding pieces of American glassware available anywhere.

Each year, new and exciting pieces of undocumented glassware never before seen are discovered. Dealers and collectors alike are amazed to see what continues to make it into the market place and into shows such as the Festival of Glass. It just goes to show you that there are still treasures out there to be found.

Collecting American-made glassware remains one of the top three items collected in this country. One of the most popular areas within the field of glass collecting is what is referred to as ‘elegant glass’.

America has had a proud history of producing glass since the 1700’s colonial times, but it was in the first half of the 20th century that the production peaked. There have always been a wide variety of glass factories that produced pressed glass, art glass, and blown glass, but the factories that produced elegant glass of the 20th century are the most well known today.

Companies like Fostoria, Cambridge, Heisey, Morgantown, Tiffin and Imperial are among the most recognized today. Sadly, all of these companies are no longer in business. Most closed due to economic hardship, but the items they produced in their prime are greatly appreciated and highly collectible. Most people know that this high quality, hand finished glassware is a part of America’s history and this quality of glassware will probably never be produced again in this country.

Fostoria is well known for its American pattern produced from 1915 – 1986. Imperial is known for its Candlewick pattern. The distinctive beads that surround most of the piecesmake it very recognizable. Both of these patterns are highly valued and sought after today by collectors.

Cambridge also made some of the most desirable glassware in today’s market. Their famous Rosepoint pattern is one of the most recognized and collected of all elegant patterns. Its delicate rose etching surrounds a center medallion that also has two small roses etched in it. This made for a very ornate and elaborate table setting.  Some patterns like Rosepoint also had sterling flatware to match made by the Wallace Silver Company.

Produced from 1935 to 1954, Rosepoint was also one of the largest patterns ever produced with almost 600 different pieces being made! This also accounts for its popularity with collectors. Not only is it one of the most plentiful patterns ever produced, with so many different pieces to select from, it can become a life long hobby for you and your family in completing your own personal collection. What an heirloom to pass on from generation to generation!

All of these aspects attribute to the popularity of glass collecting and there is no better place to do that than at the Houston Glass Club’s 48th Annual Festival of Glass and Antique Show and Sales. This once a year event will be held on August 19 and 20, 2023 at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds in Rosenberg, Texas. This is one antiquing adventure you won’t want to miss! See you there!