Pattern Variations in Children's Glass

Pattern Variations in Children's Glass
Reprint of article by Anna Green
published in Tiny Times, Spring, 1997

At our 1996 Convention in Newark, the glass panel discussed variations which occur in some of the pattern glass sets of children's dishes. Some of these had been noted previously, but others seemed to be "news" to many who attended. Therefore, I will list some in this issue, with more to follow.

"Tulip and Homeycomb" table sets were made in two versions. One of these is the set to which the knobs on the sugar and the high domed butter lids are a round ball. This set is shown in Federal Glass Co. catalog reprints (Whitmyer soft cover book, pg. 95)

The second set has the same shaped creamer, spooner and sugar base; however, the sugar lid knob matches those to the covered vegetable dishes, and the butter is the piece commonly called "the small butter"; which you will note has that same lobed knob. None of the books on children's glass pictures the sugar to this set, but now that you know what to look for I am sure you will find one to complete your set.

Another "problem" set is usually called "Flattened Diamond Sunburst". Actually there are two sets, by two different makers. Westmoreland Glass Co. of Grapeville, PA made the set which has a sugar and spooner with two handles. They called it "Thumbelina" according to a catalog reprint shown in Book II on Depression Era Glass by Hazel Weatherman. The set without handles in the sugar or spooner was made by Portland Glass Co. and named "Waterford" pattern. It is pictured in the book on Portland Glass by Ladd.

Many of you may have noticed differences in your "Grapevine and Ovals" pieces. That is also because two variations have turned up. The easiest way to separate the two is to look at the leaves. One set has more typical grape leaves - five lobes in a starlike shape. The other set has a group of three long, narrow leaves. (see the sugar on pg. 208 of Lechler's Toy Glass.) There is also a difference in the shape of the sugars and spooners. The spooner to the five-lobed set has a wide flattened top rim, and the diameter is a little bigger, more easily noticed if viewed from the top. The lid to the five-lobed sugar will not fit the three-leaf version because the former is slightly larger in diameter than the latter. But always keep in mind that matching the leaves is the easiest way to complete your sets. Since the long narrow leaves are not typical of grapes perhaps a different fruit was intended. (McKee made a "Barberry" pattern.)

Tidbits of information on other glass pieces:

1. To my knowledge no one has found a "Diamond Ridge" butter, or a "Block and Rosette" butter, although I have found a "Block and Rosette" mini rose bowl. It is the same size as the other Duncan Miller rose bowls.

2. The "water set" called "Banded Portland" is actually Cambridge Glass Company's "Mount Vernon" pattern and was not intended to be children's glass.

3. Several of us have found a "Wheat Sheaf "set consisting of a pitcher (which looks more like it would be the creamer to a table set, except for the fact that it was found with six "Wheat Sheaf" tumblers. Since none of us has found the "decanter" with tumblers together, as a set, we believe the creamer-style pitcher and six tumblers are truly a "Wheat Sheaf" water set. The "decanter" with glass stopper is pictured in a Cambridge Glass catalog reprint and captioned "Novelties".

4. I believe all "Pattee Cross" child's pieces should have the notches on the petals. If you look at the U.S. Glass Company catalog reprints you will notice this to be true. (pg xxiii of Lechler's Toy Glass). Since an extended table service was made in this pattern, pieces that have smooth petals were probably intended for adults.