Sandwich Glass for the Sandwich Life

 Last weekend when we were in Bloomington, we hit one of our favorite area antique shops. I looked at a piece of glass there that was gorgeous, but the base of it was SO pristine that it made me wonder if there had been repros. Not that it felt like one but still..... I posted the question to an Early American Glass facebook page and was reassured no. Now, even though that wasn't the sole reason we didn't buy it (there's that other one...ummm...cash on hand) I couldn't stop thinking about it all week. So yes, through the Cancer Center debacle, through work, through finding out Ernie has to have shoulder surgery, through getting ready for the house concert, through the WONDERFUL house concert (more to follow on that) it kept hovering in the back of my mind. So....you know already don't you? Yesterday we headed back to Bloomington. We trotted right over to it after saying hi to one of the owners we like so much, and as soon as I picked it up I knew it was right. I had Ernie check for damage because he's much better at that than I am and sure enough....I said, "We HAVE to get it" and looked at him pleadingly. It was kinda like when he saw a baby Rascal in the middle of the street and said to me, "Well, we can't just LEAVE him there!" Some things you just have to do.

I am giggly with excitement over it. Ernie asked if I wanted to sell it and I just gave him a wounded look. No doubt we could make a bit on it but I think it needs a good home.

Here it is...forgive my poor photography. There are some more pictures on my facebook page.

4 1/2" H x 8 7/8" D, 4 1/2" each side of base

The related references from the Barlow Kaiser Sandwich Glass books are copied below. Interestingly, when I got it home I realized it is not the Dahlia plage as pictured with that triangular base, it is actually the Rose/Dahlia(Sunflower)/Thistle dish on top of the WONDERFUL triangular base.

 Below is a picture of the piece pictured in Barlow Kaiser:

Plate 1100 Pressed Dahlia Nappie on Triangular Scrolled Standard and Hairy Paw Foot Base
6" H x 9 3/8 D, 4 1/2 each side of base
1835-1840

Here is the Dahlia nappie fused with a wafer to a most elaborately detailed base. The base has been found ocmbined with other nappies as well as with a blown Beehive candle socket. Note the chain of beads that runs along the side of the three C-scrolls. Each of the three paws is covdered with fur. Interestingly, the design of the fur is the same as makes up the le aves on the handle of the cover in photo 1029. The leaves can be seen on the vertical edges of the base, between the paws. Note the button beneath each paw. If the footed nappie became too hot in the annealin gleer, therefore tilting to one side as this one did, only the buttons had to be machined to level the article. Courtesy, Sandwich Glass Museum, Sandwich Historical Society.

Plate 1103 Pressed Paneled Rose and Thistle Dish
1 7/8 H x 9 3/8 D
1840-50

This large, deep, octagonal dish has a stemmed sunflower from which radiate three sprigs of leaves. Two more leaf sprigs are outgrowths of the stem. Four sunflowers appear in the side panels, alternating with the two roses and tow thistles that give the pattern its name. The dish is held off the table by a clear rest with a rope ring inside and outside. Due to the octagonal form, we are inclined to believe its used was limited. This may be an unfair judgment based on Twentieth Century practicds. As far as is know, all Sandwich octagonal dishes have an evenly scalloped rim. If you find one with  a smooth rim, exmine for evidence that the rim may have been machine smooth to eliminate chips. Courtesy, Sandwich Glass Museum, Sandwich Historical Society.

The shop also had some small lacy plates...one of which I think is Pittsburgh because of its beaded edge...but I had to put it down. 

You never know though.....