Early American pattern glass was affordable
Q. Enclosed you will find a photo of a clear glass compote bowl. It belonged to either my grandmother or my great-grandmother. It is 7¼ inches in diameter, 6¾ inches tall and in perfect condition. The pattern around the outside of the bowl is decorated with fans above pentagons. The edge is scalloped, and there is a large star in the center of the inside of the bowl.
Anything you can tell me about my bowl will be appreciated.
A. Your compote is an example of Early American Pattern Glass. Boston & Sandwich Glass Company in Massachusetts was probably the first American factory to have a pressing machine. By the mid-1800s, a large number of glass firms were mass-producing patterned/pressed glass. It was a boon for the average homemaker. Until then, most glass was blown or hand-cut and only attainable by the wealthy. Pattern glass sets included water pitchers, cream pitchers, sugar bowls, covered butter dishes, spoon holders, tumblers, juice glasses, compotes, pedestal cake plates, berry sets and celery holders. A plethora of patterns was created, and it is believed that at least 3,000 were made. Although most glass was clear, some sets were made in colors.
Your compote was made around 1900 and can be seen selling in antiques shops in the range of $50 to $75.
Q. This mark is on the bottom of a porcelain figurine of a bird that was given to me in the 1960s. It stands about 24 inches, has a matte finish and is in mint condition. It has light-green feathers on its head, brown wings and a cream tail with a brown bar across the tip. It is sitting on tree branches.
What can you tell me about the maker, age and value?
A. You have a figurine of a kestrel, a small falcon. It was made by William Goebel Porcelain Works in Bavaria. It has been in business since 1871. It is well-known for its Hummel figurines, as well as the Friar Tuck series, Charlot Byj figurines, Disney figurines, animal figurines and bird figurines. The number "1969" is the date of manufacture.
Your Goebel kestrel figurine would probably fetch $50 to $75 in an antiques shop.
• Address your questions to Anne McCollam, P.O. Box 247, Notre Dame, IN 46556. Items of a general interest will be answered in this column. Due to the volume of inquiries, she cannot answer individual letters.
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