For sale I have a Lovely Art Glass Vase Blown by The Imperial Glass Company of Bellaire, Ohio. This Pattern line was called "Freehand" and "Lead Lustre". The Vase is a good size as it stands 6 1/2" tall and is 4 1/2" at the shoulder. The Top opening is 3" in diameter at its widest point.

The Vase displays a very pleasing shape as I would call it a Classic Grecian Urn Shape and was probably the most popular shape in Art Glass Vases. The wide flaring mouth is very thin and delicate. The Pumpkin Orange Iridescence on Calcite White base glass gives this a European Flavor in color but it is definitely American. This is also known as cased glass. This is somewhat a rare color to find this vase as it is more commonly found in the Blue Iridescence. The Mirror like finish is the Trademark of Imperial Lead Lustre Line.

The Vase is considered to be in very good condition as there are no cracks, nicks, chips or dings. There are signs of use as there are several areas around the Vase that show the white base glass coming through. These show up as very small white dots and a few areas have elongated white coming through. This is common on the Lead Lustre Line. These Vases didn't fare well when rubbed against other objects. The Vase is unsigned but it does display a counter sunk Polished Pontil, the mark of a quality piece of Hand Blown Art Glass. These more than likely had a Paper Label that simply fell off over time. This Vase is still considered to be a very nice example and it is in a much rarer Color.

This piece was from Imperial's "Freehand Lustre Line" of Art Glass. In my research I read that Imperial also tried to lure Steuben Aurene and Tiffany Favrile Glass blowers into their shop with enticing employment offers. Some of these workers migrated as well. This Vase was made Circa 1923-1925 as Imperial's Freehand Lustre Line was only in existence for 3 years. This is a quality piece of Art Glass and I am sure the buyer will not be disappointed.

The Bright whites spots you see are reflective camera glaze. The iridescence in this Vase is like a Mirror. If you look real close you can see the camera in the reflection!!

Antique Glass
Antique Art Glass