Khristi Zimmeth: Celery glass was designed with the vegetable in ...

Tag : celery

According to the "Collectors Field Guide to Glass,"www.stylendesign. co.uk, "a celery glass or vase is a tall vase,with a short stem and large, flat base for serving celery upright.Variations exist with no stem and these became less common in the20th century. It has been suggested that during the Second WorldWar, glass vases were lightly stenciled with the word 'Celery.'This allowed wartime restrictions to be circumvented and decorativeglass to be sold as utilitarian. They originally date from the late18th century in England. Many have been very nicely decorated withcutting and pressed-glass versions by Sowerby, for example."
Victorians considered celery a delicacy because it required stricthot-house growing conditions. Raw stalks were presented at thetable in upright glasses that measured 8-15 inches and held coldwater from the well to keep it fresh and crisp. Around 1890, themore dish-like celery "boat" came into vogue.
"About 20 years ago, we were at an antique market and came acrossone. We didn't know what it was at the time, but were intrigued bythe shape and its beauty. Now we have more than a dozen. They'regetting harder and harder to find, and we're always looking."
Do you have a favorite?
"Pairs are especially hard to find. Most of ours are singles, but Ilove the pairs. I also really like the one with thelily-of-the-valley pattern and the one with the corn pattern." Healso likes the new one produced by William Yeoward, who doeshigh-end reproductions of English antiques.
What's the most you ever paid?
"The most we ever paid was $300 a few years ago at the Ann ArborAntiques Market in Saline. I've also found a number of them atantique shops here in Petoskey."
The least?
"One was a gift, so I guess that's our best bargain so far."
If you're like most collectors, you're curious about what otherpeople collect -- and why. What's the appeal? What's the most --and the least -- they ever paid? Any good things that got away? Wewill occasionally feature local collectors in this space. If youwant to nominate a collector -- or be featured yourself -- contactme at trashortreas @aol.com.
Do you have an object that you'd like to know more about? Send aphoto and a description that includes how you acquired the objectto: The Detroit News, Trash or Treasure/Homestyle, 615 W. LafayetteBlvd., Detroit, MI 48226. Include your name and a daytime phonenumber. If chosen, you'll need to bring the item in for appraisal.Photos cannot be returned.