Rose Bowls

Rose bowls can be considered one of the ultimate glass collectibles because they are made using every variation of glass and technique. You can get the entire history of glass making in rose bowls if given sufficient time and money.

Rose bowls are small, three to four inches in diameter, and are usually round. The opening in the top of the bowl is usually rather small and is often crimped or ruffled, but does not turn back over the shoulders of the bowl. There are some rose bowls that are more egg-shaped, but most are round.

Used to hold potpourri, rose bowls have been made in vast numbers every since the late part of the Nineteenth Century. They were especially popular during the Victorian era, when rose petals or other fragrant contents made the interior spaces of the Victorian home smell sweeter. This form continues to be popular as we also have discovered the joys of a sweet smelling interior.

Rose bowls may be flat on the bottom, have a molded flat base, feet or stand on a stem or pedestal. They come in all colors, including custard and milk glass, and are found in many of the pattern glass patterns. Cut glass rose bowls and cut to clear rose bowls are also found in profusion. Plain rose bowls are also decorated using enamel paints, or have etched designs added to them. Rose bowls also come in many colors and patterns of carnival glass and depression glass.

Once you start looking around, you will begin to see the many rose bowls not only on the market but in the homes of friends and family. These decorative and sweet smelling glass objects are a welcome addition to any interior, and demonstrate the history of glass making techniques and glass styles over time.

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Tiffin Glass

The Tiffin Glass Company was originally named the A. J. Beatty & Sons of Tiffin, Ohio. It was established in 1888, but became Factory R when nineteen independent glass companies joined together to become the United States Glass Company in 1892. The hope was that all the glass plants wold be able, as a whole, to compete with foreign imported glass prices. The various glass catalogs were incorporated into one catalog, although it is doubtful that some of the pieces so documented were ever made under the US Glass name. Labor problems from 1893 to 1896 shut down many of the factories that were part of the US Glass Co, and many never opened again. The Tiffin, OH, plant, however, was successful enough to survive this turbulent time, due to the quality of the wares produced there.

Although the US Glass Company started two modern factories after its establishment, only the Tiffin factory (factory R) and one at Glassport, Pennsylvania, (factory GP) were in production by 1963, when the Glassport factory was effectively destroyed by a tornado. Factory R produced its goods under the Tiffin trademark from 1916 on. The corporate headquarters for US Glass were moved to Tiffin, OH, in 1938. Production ceased in 1980, but the Tiffin/Factory R glassware is still well known for its quality. Over fifty patterns of etched and shallow-cut glasses have been produced over the years, and these patterns include the many shapes and sizes of glasses required for the well-established home.

Besides table glassware, Tiffin produced animal figures, cigarette holders and ashtrays, baskets, bookends, candelabrum and candlesticks, vases, flower frogs, rose and ivy bowls, bonbon and candy dishes and jars, lamps and lampshades, punch bowls sets, snack sets, salt & pepper shakers, jugs, and pitchers. There is even a Tiffin Glass Collectors Club, with annual show and sale, and a Tiffin Glass Museum. For those on the glass pilgrimage in Ohio, Tiffin is a sure stop.

See Tiffin glass.

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