ic Kathe With an E: Collecting Candlewick

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Collecting Candlewick

As I have posted before, when I am out thrifting, I keep an eye out for Candlewick glass pieces.  It all started after my maternal grandmother passed away and I inherited a few pieces. I didn't even know what they were at the time.  I did know that I loved the simple beaded design and the clear glass.  I started with four dinner plates, a large salad bowl and some small pieces.  Over time I did some research, found out some history and decided that I needed to add to the collection. 


Candlewick glassware had its humble beginnings in Ohio in the mid-30s. The Imperial Glass Company opened its doors in 1904 in Bellaire, Ohio, under the direction of Edward Muhleman, a gentleman who had much experience in the glass industry. With Muhleman's guidance, The Imperial Glass Company became one of the most preeminent glass manufacturers in the country. And while their glass was high quality it was also extremely affordable for the average family; this rare combination made Imperial glass soar in popularity.
In the early 1930s Candlewick glassware was developed by Imperial's Chicago sales representative, Earl Newton. Newton made adaptations to the French Cannonball line of glassware after having seen it on a trip to New York and being taken with its distinctiveness and elegance. Newton used this design as starting ground to develop what he believed would be a unique and timeless glassware line. His resulting design reminded Newton of candlewicking - a style of needlework popular in Colonial times and thus the name was born.
The Imperial Glass Company jumped onboard and released its Candlewick line in the summer of 1936. Candlewick glassware proved itself to be one of Imperial's best sellers, as customers lined up for these elegant pieces.

Most of the pieces I have added have come from Ebay, thrift stores and estate sales.  I have signed up to receive emails from Estatesales.net and receive notice of upcoming sales in my area.  Most of them show pictures and if I see they have any Candlewick shown I will decide whether or not to hunt it down.  
My most recent estate sale find was this large divided relish tray.  It is 13" wide and has 5 sections for olives and such.
I have not seen one like it listed on Ebay so I am not certain if the $15.00 I paid for it is a fair price or not but, no matter,  I had to have it.  
At this same sale I was also able to pick up this mayo dish that includes the under dish and spoon.  This was not pictured so I had no idea it was for sale.  It had been on my want list for a long time.  I was delighted with the $10.00 price.
At an earlier estate sale I scored this beautiful celery dish.  The handles are very unique.  I don't recall what I paid but I am sure it was under $10.00
I purchased the salt cellars from Ebay.  I have them in several sizes but the two small ones came with the cute little spoons. 
Ebay also turned up the salt and pepper shakers.  Usually, the silver plated top on the salt shaker is corroded from the salt.  These are pristine and still have the original labels on them.
My collection is ever growing and I like the variety of the pieces I have been able to find.  The pieces are loved and used for special occasions and holidays. I am now keeping an eye out for salad plates and for pieces to complete sets such as the glasses.







Now comes the "one of these things is not like the other" portion of this post.  In doing my research I found that Anchor Hocking also made pieces that resemble Candlewick and is sometimes called Boopie glass.  The difference between them is the Candlewick pattern has balls that do not run together or even touch each other. They are full circle balls that have a little space in between them. They tend to look more fragile that way. The Boopie or Anchor Hocking design has the balls touching each other without any space in between. They almost look welded together. The ever so subtle differences in the two designs have confused novice collectors (including myself) and sellers all over the world (source)
One more disclaimer.  The snack plates and cups that I love and I have just recently gathered myself, and with the help of friends, are also not Candlewick but were made by Hazel-Atlas Glass company (source).

And then it seems this divided piece could actually be Czechoslovakian glass.
If you too enjoy collecting Candlewick glass pieces I hope this information helps you. Whatever you collect, there is fun to be found in doing research.  I know that I love all of my pieces more now that I know what their history is. I hope someday to pass them along to my sons so that they too can enjoy them and think of me as I think of my grandmother and know each piece was touched by my loving hands.




Momma Hens Coop

64 comments:

  1. Your collection is beautiful! Thanks for the write-up. I have two pieces that I now know are candlewick. We use them as wine bottle coasters. I had no idea there was such a variety of lives though. Very nice.

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  2. Thanks for the info. I received a set of candlewick candlesticks for a wedding present over 50 years ago. I recently found a juice glass at a Salvation Army Store for 89 cents. I found a single candle holder and 2 dessert/goblet types dishes that are not candlewick but will look good mixed in. I also found a large tray similiar to the anchor hocking snack trays ... it is divided in half then bottom half is divided into 4 compartments so 5 total sections. I has grapes and berries on back of top half and pear, apple, peach and plums in bottom 4. Unfortunately my camera and laptop software are now incompatible (thanks to techno updates) so I have to take memory card to town and have photos put on cd's.

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  3. So pretty! What an interesting history! I am your newest follower. Thanks for sharing. I hope you can visit me sometime:) @ http://homespunhappenings-tammy.blogspot.com/2011/10/chalkboards-and-chicken-wire.html

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  4. I to love candlewick. I only have a couple of items. I collect the Anchor Hocking glasses in Forest Green.

    Cathy's Cupboard Calaamity drop by if you have time!

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  5. I love my Boopie glasses and when doing research also found out the difference between them and Candlewick. I do have a few pieces of Candlewick and it is lovely. Your collection is amazing! Thanks so much for sharing your photos and your knowledge with us. hugs, Linda

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  6. I daily visit your website because it helps me in my many works and it is very beneficial for me because it gives the work a professional touch that is really an amazing thing.

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  7. What a great history lesson! When I first saw Candlewick, I immediately thought of the needlework style as I had done some of that years ago. Now if I run across some I will know what it is. Thanks again for sharing at Sunday's Best =)

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  8. I collect candlewick also, and I really enjoyed seeing your collection! You have some great pieces! The little S&P set is precious. I'll have to keep my eye for a set like that! :)

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  9. You have a very lovely collection! I collect a glassware called Hughes Cornflower... the reason I am mentioning is because they imported the candlewick blanks and etched a very lovely delicate flower patten onto them... you may be interested in tracking a few of these pieces down to add to your collection. Cornflower was made in Toronto, Ontario, and the candlewick patten was only one of their lines.

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  10. Wow! This glass is gorgeous! I love, love glass dishes, but didn't know all this information about candlewick before! I will look more carefully next time I go thrifting.

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  11. Your collection is exquisite. I have always loved the simple grace of candlewick glass. Thanks for sharing.

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  12. Such a gorgeous collection. I have seen some of these pieces, but had no idea about the history of them. All of your pieces are wonderful. Thanks for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

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  13. Your collection is such a wonderful array of delicate candlewick pieces...Thank you for this beautifully photographed post!

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  14. Kathe,
    What a beautiful collection! We used these glasses in college...my great aunt gave them to my cousin and me for our apartment! I will keep my eyes open for you!!

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  15. This is so beautiful - loved learning the history!
    New follower vis chef in training. Come by for a visit!

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  16. So glad I found you at the Type A party! I had three pieces of what I thought was just pretty hobnail glass in my Etsy shop and didn't realize it had this kind of history. Now I know it's actually Candlewick and collectible! Thank you for helping us know the difference!

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  17. So beautiful collections. I guess I have 2pcs bowls but I am not sure if they are candlewick. I found them in Ebay too ages ago.

    TY for sharing.

    Greetings from Stockholm,
    /chie

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  18. That is beautiful glassware. I didn't know what the name of it was, but I always thought it was pretty.

    Nice visiting with you.

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  19. You have a wonderful collection and thanks for sharing the information!

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  20. You have a beautiful collection! I have come across some pieces during slaing too. You got yours for great prices. I have a Candlewick candlestick in my shop right now..it must be fairly rare..it's got a $199.00 price tag on replacements.com. Crazy!!
    Good luck with you search...the hunt is the best part!
    *hugs*deb

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  21. You have a great candlewick collection! I inherited my mother's candlewick dishes and stemware and really enjoy using it for family dinners.

    Smiles,
    Carol

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  22. Thanks for the info. I have always loved this type of dish and not known what it is. I have some of the welded together look ones really cheap at Goodwill and I love them:)

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  23. Thanks so much for the history. I didn't know this glassware was called glassware, and am excited to know it was made in Ohio. We've lost touch with our American treasures. Lov.er.ly. Look what treasures your grandmother left you. Thanks so much for sharing at Sunday's Best!

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  24. I had no idea what these were called. Your collection is quite impressive.

    Thanks for sharing this at my Bunny Hop!

    xoxo Bunny Jean
    Wednesday's Bunny Hop Party!

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  25. Kathe, this collection is just gorgeous! Love all of your pieces! Thanks for sharing!

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  26. You have a wonderful collection! I had some of the snack plates that you pictured in my booth, and sold them all!

    Thanks for linking to 2nd Time Around!

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  27. Hi
    visiting you from Bunny Jean's Bunny Hop.
    I'd never heard of Candlewick glass before or the other manufactureres that you mentioned.
    I think it is beautiful and can well understand why you love to collect it. The prices sound reasonable too, which always helps!
    Maggie

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  28. This collection is stunning :)

    Jenny
    www.simcoestreet.blogspot.com

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  29. Thanks for sharing your beautiful Candlewick collection and letting us know about the history. I love knowing about things I collect, too.Somehow, to me, a collection seems more special when it has 'a story' or history.

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  30. Very nice, I know exactly how you feel about this glass as my grandparents also collect glass. Mainly Fenton but they aren't too picky! Visiting from the Bunny Hop!

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  31. I see you're featured with this great glass at MASTERPIECE Monday and Mary is right, this glass it is gorgeous... have a small bowl and plate, but never knew what it was! Thanks for sharing and teaching me about it, I love your collection! Hugs,
    FABBY

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  32. These are gorgeous .. thanks for sharing such a beautiful collection..xo HHL

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  33. How lucky of you. Those dishes look so elegant!

    Following your lovely blog. I'd be honored to have you follow back too:)

    BLYRO
    Author of children's picture book 'Over and Under'
    http://blyro.peachburst.com --> give the gift that gives

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  34. What an amazing collection! I also have some of the snack plates. They are so vintage looking.

    Jocelyn @
    http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com

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  35. It was fun to find out more about candlewick, and to see your beautiful pieces.
    Kathy

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  36. Beautiful collection of candlewick...can you believe I don't own one piece of it!

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  37. I had no idea what Candlewick even is, but I know I have seen pieces before. It is very whimsical! What a great collection you have!

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  38. Your collection is beautiful and I really enjoyed learning the history of the glass.
    Thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful weekend.
    Sandra

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  39. Ooo very pretty collection! Thanks for commenting on my blog @ the DIY Pumpkin Candle Holders. I'm sure your table will look beautiful :)

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  40. The first piece of Depression glass that I bought was a candle wicking sandwich tray with the heart handle in the center. From there I was hooked. I love owning something beautiful from the past. What I have discovered if I want my children to love these things as I do “use them” make them a part of your family traditions and they will want them to be apart of theirs when you are gone. Thanks for sharing the history with us. I love you collection!

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  41. I always wondered about the history of this glassware. Thanks for sharing some of your collection, as well as the story behind it.

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  42. It is gorgeous!! I just love it. It will be so pretty to use during the holidays!

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  43. I don't think I've ever seen this style glassware. I love it! It seems so delicate and feminine , very pretty.

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  44. Learned something new today. Pretty pieces. Thanks for sharing with my newbie party.

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  45. Lovely collection. Thanks for linking to Things I've Done Thursday!


    Melanie
    Sew Rugged @ bear rabbit bear
    bearrabbitbear.blogspot.com

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  46. What a diverse collection of Candlewick! I have a cake plate but I never knew the design had a name. Thanks for enlightening me on this topic. Visiting from the Bunny Hop. Debra.

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  47. Thanks for sharing your collection. I appreciated the information about Candlewick and especially learning the difference between Candlewick and Boopie. I've got some of those Hazel Atlas snack plates. Love them!

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  48. Thanks for an interesting post. I enjoyed it very much even though I don't collect. Your collection is amazing, good luck finding pieces that are like the others, ;) **wink** found you at funky junk SNS

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  49. What a beautiful collection and so much information! Thank you! I found you through Funky Junk SNS.

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  50. Thanks for all the great info! I have a few little pieces that were my mom's. Now I need to go dig them out to see if the little balls touch each other! What a beautiful collection you have!

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  51. I just got a book on depression glass and swooned over candlewick! I'll inherit some Fostoria Thanks for sharing such great information (and your lovely pieces) at the Tuesday To Do Party!
    Smiles!
    Jami
    www.blackberryvine.blogspot.comAmericana and Henesey Minuet! Love this post!

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  52. You have a beautiful collection of candlewick pieces! Just lovely! Thank you for joining TTF and have a great day!

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  53. Wow, what a beautiful collection! I've seen Candlewick pieces before and admired them, but never knew anything about them or what they were called. Thank you so much for sharing!

    Jenn/Rook No. 17

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  54. You have beautiful Candlewick. I have a few pieces at home to use. We just recently found the long relish dish with the open curved handles at our Goodwill for 3.99.

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  55. Cool stuff!! And great info!
    Thanks for sharing at Show & Share!

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  56. Such a beautiful collection! Thank you so much for sharing at Taking A Timeout Thursday! Hope to see you again tomorrow :)
    -Trish @ Mom On Timeout
    http://www.MomOnTimeout.com

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  57. This post made me smile. What a beautiful collection! Thanks for linking it up to Fabulous Friday at Faith, Trust, & Pixie Dust.

    Warmly, Michelle

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  58. I have this collection as well that was given to me by my great grandmother. I have pictures of it. I am selling it if you are interested. Would love it to go to a person that loves it.

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  59. Wow! So fun to have you stop by my blog and also to find out you collect candlewick as well! I came across a huge lot of it at an estate sale a few years ago and have been collecting it ever since! It's SO very beautiful! I loved seeing your post and reading all about it!

    Love your blog and will be adding it to my roll! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog! :)

    -Lydia

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  60. What a beautiful collection Kathe! I have a few pieces that I love as well. Thank you for being part of TTF and I hope you and your family have a very blessed 2012!

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  61. I am also collecting these piece by piece, it's all about the "Hunt" and the "Find" I have quite a collection, but the prize finds have been the full set of glasses and sherbert glasses, salt & pepper, mayo bowl, the large platter with the dip bowl in the middle and the Punch bowl set with the large platter that goes underneath. I know I'll only use the punch bowl once or twice a year, but couldn't resist it's beauty. I also fell upon some small handled plates at an local antique shop, very pretty. They are so simply elegant! Just wanted to share my joy. Happy hunting!

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  62. Loved looking at your collection! My mother choose this pattern as a 16 year old for her hope chest, back in '46 I think. It still looks beautiful and always so fun to find a piece!

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  63. My mom has a large collection of my grandmother's that she is getting rid of. Anyone interested? I live in central California.
    Margaret
    publiciaddy @ gmail.com

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