Glass Bells Ring Clearly In Two Schiffer Books

A pair of books recently released by Schiffer Publishing will be of interest to both bell collectors and glass collectors. American Glass Bells and Glass Bells from Around the World, by A. A. Trinidad, share the knowledge gained by a man who has collected bells for 40 years and been active in the American Bell Association.

American Glass Bells contains over 500 examples made by companies in the United States, first divided into four main groups: art glass, cut glass, blown and pressed glass, and lampwork. Within each group, bells are shown by an alphabetical listing of the company which made them.

There are elegant expensive bells, such as those made by Dorflinger ($2,500), and very affordable ones, such as those made by Avon ($20.) There are old bells, including examples by the Boston and Sandwich Glass Company (1870-1887) and Wilkerson (still in operation.) The author has clearly attempted to be thorough in his coverage of the bells which have been made in this country. Also included are bells made by a few American companies, such as Enesco, which contract some of their work to overseas manufacturers.

Glass Bells from Around the World, again has main groupings, consisting of Canadian bells, European bells, Asian bells, one listing, Venezuela, under South American bells, and a single listing under Australian bells, also. Again the types and values range from the inexpensive to those valued at several hundred dollars. The author has gathered photographs for this book from museums and collectors around the world.

This book concludes with a section on wedding bells. These are bells blown in two parts and usually joined by inserting the handle into a socket in the top of the bowl. The name dates back to the time of Queen Victoria in England, when this type of bell was commonly given as a wedding gift.

In both books, brief (sometimes very brief) company backgrounds are included, including where known the dates in which they were in operation. The descriptions of individual bells include any markings on the glass, the dimensions (diameter and height) and a suggested value.

The books are priced at $29.99 each (hardback.) Check with your local bookseller or contact Schiffer Publishing, online at www.schifferbooks.com or phone Schiffer at (610) 593-1777, email: Info@schifferbooks.com. There is a shipping charge of $5 for books ordered directly from the publisher.

Donna Miller

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Collector Books Releases Comprehensive Book
On Chamber Lamps

Chamber Lamps, or more completely, 19th Century Patterned Art Glass Chamber Lamps, by Ron Gibson, recently published by Collector Books, is a very thorough reference on these beautiful small lamps. A comprehensive text explains in detail the characteristics of these lamps and the manufacturers who made them.

While the text is very complete, I failed to find an explanation or definition of exactly what a chamber lamp is. Looking at the pictures and descriptions, I would say that, in general, a chamber lamp is under 30 inches in height and has two parts made of glass, connected with a brass fitting and attached to a brass base.

The three most important parts of these chamber lamps are the glass globe or shade; the glass vase base; and the brass font and burner assembly. However, they are not of equal importance when assessing value today. According to the author, the glass shade represents 80 per cent of the value. The glass vase base is second in importance, with the brass assembly the least important.

There were three primary manufacturers in the United States: the Consolidated Lamp & Glass Company, the Pittsburgh Lamp, Brass & Glass Company; and the Fostoria Glass Company. Dozens of examples in full color are included for each of these companies. Original patent drawings are reproduced and close-up details of patterns, designs and the metal components are also included where appropriate.

Chamber Lamps (ISBN: 978-1-57432-593-5) in hardback is priced at $39.95. Check with your local bookseller or visit the online catalog: www.collectorbooks.com.

Donna Miller

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How To Use The Stuff In The Attic, And More

Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes, by C. Dianne Zweig, gives the collector a wealth of information on how to shop for, display or use the items that make up what she calls “cottage collectibles.” Actually, it appears that almost anything can fit in to this category; it is a matter of combining the things you love in a way that pleases you. Or, to quote the author, it “is all your mother’s or grandmother’s stuff re-packaged and mixed with your great-grandmother’s heirlooms and creatively blended with the ‘stuff’ your kids brought home from college or you found on your own.” In other words, it is a look that blends many different periods and styles.

Zweig identifies several different cottage looks – beach, rustic, country, whimsical, retro, shabby chic and Victorian country – and gives the general characteristics of each. Some, such as shabby chic and beach cottage, give an opportunity to use furniture and cabinets that have been well-used over the years. If you like the paint-by-number pictures, you’ll find they fit well into the retro look. Items with fabric prints or baskets will enhance the country cottage look. But basically, whatever you like and feel you can put together will give your own cottage look.

The book gives some directions on “Cottage Style Basics,” which includes the use of furnishings, colors, patterns and textiles, and lighting. Another chapter gives some excellent tips on how to display, store and use the vintage finds; the section on making effective use of wall space should be especially helpful.

Hundreds of different items, from buttons to rusted coal containers, are pictured, with current values of each. The wide variety of items included will be helpful to both dealers and collectors.

Hot Cottage Collectibles (ISBN: 978-1-57432-606-2) is published by Collector Books. Hardback, it is priced at $29.95. Check with your local bookseller or contact Collector Books, online at www.collector books.com or at PO Box 3009, Paducah, KY 42002.

Donna Miller

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