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Holiday Gift Guide – Day 19 – Maddux of California Flamingo Figurines


Pair of #309 Flamingo Figurines– Maddux of California – circa 1960

Maddux of California began production of pottery, especially figurines and planters, in the 1930’s. The firm began in Laguna Beach but moved to Los Angeles in the early 1940’s. 

Maddux’s wares were primarily sold at 5&10 cent stores and offered as S&H Green Stamp premiums. The company’s bird figurines were among the most collected of the Maddux’s pieces with the flamingo figurines being by far the hottest collectible – then and now.


Catalog Page Showing Flamingo Figurines– Maddux of California – 1960

With their delicate necks and subtle coloring and highlights these graceful figurines are a great accessory for any mid-century inspired decor and make a wonderful and unique gift for the Holidays. Watch out for repairs – these fragile pieces are often found with repairs which greatly diminishes the value. Maddux flamingo figurines in top condition will run you about $75 – $100 with planters featuring this spectacular bird going for about $150.

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The Passing of Winslow Anderson


Winslow Anderson – 1917 – 2007

Former Blenko Glass designer Winslow Anderson passed away on December 10th, 2007.  During his years at Blenko, from 1947 to 1953, Anderson moved the Milton glass producer fully into modernism. The designs he created while at Blenko are among the best the company ever produced.

In addition to his time at Blenko, Mr. Anderson led a full and productive life. His obituary is as follows:

Artist, designer, and sailor, Winslow Anderson, 90, died Monday, December 10, 2007 at his home. The son of the late Paula and George Anderson, he was born May 17, 1917 in Plymouth, Mass. In his youth he wanted to design swift boats, but instead he was recruited into the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, where, in 1947, he graduated magna cum laude with Departmental Honors in Industrial ceramic Design. During WWII he served in the United States Army in Pawling, NY as a topographical draughtsman. While trained as a ceramist, upon graduation Mr. Anderson was hired as the first full-time designer at Blenko Glass, Milton, West Virginia. During his six year tenure, 1947-1953, he was instrumental in creating new, modern functional designs in vibrant colors, which greatly enhanced Blenko’s reputation. He often told friends how the glass itself was the best designer: he stated, “The glass did things in the process of being made; it revealed new ideas to me.” The Museum of Modern Art presented Anderson with a “Good Design Award” for his bent neck decanter, which acknowledged his elegant, simplified designs in 1950. In 1953 he went to work for the Lenox China and Crystal Company in Trenton, New Jersey as both designer and the design director. He remained there until his retirement in 1980, when he chose to move back to West Virginia. Upon retirement Winn sailed his boat, the Ti Fi, painted and traveled the world. He will be remembered by his friends as a witty storyteller, a collector with a most discerning eye and as a visionary designer. Donations in his memory can be made to either the Huntington Museum of Art or the Putnam County Animal Shelter.

Goodbye Mr. Anderson. Thank you for the what you left for us to remember you by – we always will.

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Holiday Gift Guide – Day 18 – Modern Collector Books

For collectors of mid-century modern design reference books are almost like the old Sears Wish Book catalog. These books compile all of the wonderful pieces, their histories and provide current price guides which helps the good modern hunter in their quest for the next great find.

 Some of the best on our shelf are:


50’s Furniture– Schiffer Books – Leslie Pina

Leslie Pina’s book, 50’s Furniture, is a must have for anyone looking for the true mid-century modern look. Eames, Nelson, McCobb, all of the great designers and their fabulous creations are here.


Fifties Furniture by Paul McCobb: Directional Designs– Schiffer Books – Paul McCobb, Jennifer A. Lindbeck, Michael Ellison, Leslie Pina

Paul McCobb was one of the preeminent designers of modern home furnishings. This books details the work and contemporary furniture by one of the 1950’s most sought designers.


Heywood Wakefield– Schiffer Books – Harris Gertz

The Bible of Hey-Wake.


Knoll Home & Office Furniture– Schiffer Books – Nancy Schiffer

The name Knoll is synonymous worldwide with the best in modern furniture design. Visually exciting, comprehensive in content, this book documents the modern furniture sold and produced by Knoll from 1938 to 2005.


Modern Furniture Designs– Schiffer Books – Klaus-Jurgen Sembach

A comprehensive and abundantly illustrated collection of the most outstanding modern furniture around the world. Now with a guide to current values, this is an indispensable book for collectors, architects, designers, and furniture historians.

Books always make great gifts and these modern design books are available direct from Schiffer Books or at your favorite local bookstore.

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Holiday Gift Guide – Day 17 – Modernism Magazine


Modernism Magazine– Deco> Midcentury> Pop> Postmodern – Quarterly

Modernism Magazine was founded and is published by David Rago owner of the United States’ premier 20th Century design auction auction house – Rago Arts and Auction Center in Lambertville, NJ.

Each issue of this fine magazine showcases the best of design from the Art Deco, mid-century modern, pop and postmodern movements. The current issue includes a fabulous article on Blenko Glass which was of particular interest to me. Every issue is a true gem for anyone with an interest in modern design, architecture and art.

This quarterly publication is one that is sure to please even the most finicky person on your Holiday gift list. At $19.95 a year it is also a real bargain! Easily available by subscribing online this gift is as convenient as it is wonderful.

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Holiday Gift Guide – Day 16 – House of Cards by Charles Eames


House of Cards Set– Designed by Charles Eames – Published by Ravensburger Spiele – Germany – 1952

For the playful person in your life a House of Cards set is a wonderful gift. Perfect for the person who needs to take a few minutes in the afternoon to just take their mind somewhere else and away from work.

Originally produced in 1952, these die-cup cards have 6 slots in each card to make construction of amazing structures possible. Each card is decorated with what Charles Eames and his wife Ray described as “good things.”


House of Cards– Designed by Charles Eames – Published by Ravensburger Spiele – Germany – 1952


Sample Cards from House of Cards Deck– Designed by Charles Eames – Published by Ravensburger Spiele – Germany – 1952

The set includes two 32 cards decks and the one shown here is an original from the 1950’s published by Ravensberger Spiele of Germany. An original set like this, in good condition and with no missing cards, will run you up to $100 but will send chills down the spine of any mid-century modern collector. There are current editions of these cards available for about $35.

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Holiday Gift Guide – Day 15 – Christmas Memories


Detail of the Christmas Tree I– 2007 – C. Hamsher

As I hit the halfway point on the Holiday Gift Guide it occurred to me that the best gift from any Christmas has always been the memories the season brings.

This came to me as the modern lady and I were driving to Huntington today to pick up our Christmas tree at Lavalette Nursery.

This is a rediscovered tradition in our family. I was raised in Huntington and every Christmas I remember all of us piling into the car and driving up 5th Street hill to pick out the tree. The place was simply magic – the brisk air mixed with the smell of fresh-cut pine trees only served to increase the excitement of knowing that we would then go back home and pull out all of those old boxes from attic that contained the decorations.

We started getting our trees at Lavalette again last year after searching high and low for a flocked tree. I had remembered then that Lavalette did flocking years ago and after the modern lady made a phone call it was confirmed and we had one on order. It was simply gorgeous.

We decided to do the same this year. As we drove down I-64 today I could not help but recall all of those Christmas trees as a kid and some of the same excitement I used to have back then returned.

Now let me be clear – I sometimes pride myself on being a bit of a curmudgeon. I tend to bah-humbug a bit and the family has come to expect it. It is really not that I don’t like Christmas – but more simply that I am a creature of habit and any holiday seriously wrecks my routine.

But today I enjoyed going to get the tree. We even stopped at the Huntington Mall on the way back and did some Christmas shopping for the kids and I enjoyed that too.

When we got back home we pulled out all of those old boxes with the decorations and trimmed the tree. I could have done without the frustration which came while untangling the lights and tinsel but the rest was nice – very nice. We both tend to stay quite busy and time together just doing stuff does not come too often. We had a good day and the tree is, once again, gorgeous.


Detail of the Christmas Tree II– 2007 – C. Hamsher

But more important, we now have a new memory – the memory of today. One of decorating the tree, buying the presents , laughing, loving and just being together.

It will likely be the best gift I receive this year and certainly will be the one which will last the longest.

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Holiday Gift Guide – Day 14 – Vintage Smoking Accessories


#7034 Emerald Green & #6625 Persimmon Ashtrays  – Viking Glass – 1970 & 1966

Smoking seems synonymous with mid-20th Century America. Tobacco use permeated the culture and was allowed almost everywhere.

Times have changed.


Pottery Ashtray – Italy – circa 1958


Pottery Ashtray – Hungary – 1955

I don’t condone smoking, or allow it in my home, but I do have a few artifacts from the days when the Better Homes & Garden’s Decorating Book recommended that “…ashtrays be placed throughout your home, even if you do not smoke, for the convenience of your guests.”

I do keep an ashtray on the back porch for that reason today. My guests can indulge their habit – but not pollute my home, damage my furnishings, and stink up the fur on the cat. I don’t care if it is cold outside – but I do give them a stylish receptacle in which to place their ashes and butts. It’s the least I can do…

Like it or not, some folks do still smoke and for them vintage smoking accessories from the 1950’s and 60’s can be a great gift. Some of the fine smoking items from the period even transcend the original purpose and can be used today in other ways – or simply appreciated for the design, craftsmanship or artistic value.


Ashtray & Lighter Set– Blenko Glass – circa 1960


Controlled Bubble Ashtray – Rainbow Glass – circa 1950’s

Vintage ashtrays and lighters were made in great abundance and are readily available. Usually for $25 or less you can acquire a functional and decorative ashtray or lighter in glass, pottery or metal. Some more collectible or rare pieces can go for considerably more.


Orange Flame Ashtray– Haeger Pottery – 1962


Lucite & Chrome Butane Lighter – Maker Unknown – circa 1968

Oh, and one last thing:

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Buswater Two

The modern lady and I managed to make the time to stop by the Buswater Two exhibit this evening and it was time very well spent. The venue was great and there is some wonderful art on display in a variety of mediums.

Pieces of note were ezekiel 16.6 by Brent Thomas and Mike Mendez’s two silver gelatin prints – the faulkner and the hemingway.  I was also struck by Eric Pardue’s ceramic work. These stood out to me but there were many other fine works and overall the show is excellent.

Organizer Todd Griffith and all of the artists are to be congratulated for putting this exhibit together. It is great to see this type of show in Charleston – especially in such an intimate venue. I used to haunt the DC area and Buswater Two took me back to shows I had attended years ago in Adams Morgan. Our little city was a bit more cosmopolitan tonight thanks to the fine artists who put this together.

The exhibit runs on Saturday, December 8th, as well and you can view this wonderful showcase of local artists at 1520 Kanawha Boulevard from Noon to 10 PM.

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Holiday Gift Guide – Day 13 – Morgantown Glass


#1801-A Free-Form Bowl– Moss Green – Steve Britvec – Morgantown Glass Guild – 1968

I continue our tour of vintage gift ideas with a look at West Virginia glass from Morgantown.

Opening in 1899 as Morgantown Glass Works, this maker operated until 1975 under number of corporate names and management. The company was know as Economy Glass Co. from 1903 until 1929. It the returned to Morgantown Glass Works until 1937 when its name changed again to Morgantown Glass Guild. The factory used that name until is closed its doors.

Collectors refer to all of this wonderful maker’s fine glassware simply as Morgantown Glass.


#1962 Crinkle 13 oz. Footed Tumblers– Burgundy – Morgantown Glass Guild – circa 1960’s


#1962 Crinkle Water Tumblers– Peacock Blue, Gold, Moss Green, Pink – Morgantown Glass Guild – circa 1960’s


#1962 Crinkle Pitcher– Gold with Crystal Handle – Morgantown Glass Guild – circa 1960’s

Known for their vibrant colors and bold designs, Morgantown Glass has become a favorite of many collectors. Many lines, like the Crinkle tableware, are beautiful, durable and functional and make as great a gift today as they did when released in the 1960’s.

Morgantown made elegant glass as well as functional glass. The chrome based cocktail glasses shown below are one of the prettiest sets I have ever seen.


Cocktail Set– Chrome & Glass – Morgantown Glass Guild – circa 1940’s

Morgantown Glass is available in a variety of price ranges, colors and styles. Matched sets or always valued a bit more than individual pieces. Many lines, like Crinkle, are very affordable.

A great gift that is appreciated in any elegant home and a bit of West Virginia glass history to boot!  You can’t beat Morgantown – at least as far as glass in concerned. 

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Holiday Gift Guide – Day 12 – McCoy Pottery Harmony Line


Harmony Line Planters & Vase – McCoy Pottery – 1961

McCoy Pottery was one of the United States’ major producers of decorative and utilitarian pottery and crockware going back to 1849. Through multiple generations and a variety of corporate names the McCoy family produced some of the most popular American pottery pieces of the 20th Century. Look through a collector’s guide to McCoy pottery and you are sure to see at least one piece that was in grandma’s kitchen or mom’s living room.

The McCoy factories in Zanesville were completely destroyed by fire in 1950. Ever resilient, the McCoy’s rebuilt and brought the most up-to-date technology to their new factory. This positioned the company to become the largest producer of pottery in the United States producing millions of pieces per year by the end of the decade.

McCoy Pottery also had a keen awareness of the changing tastes of their consumers. As modern design became more prevalent McCoy began producing more modern-influenced pieces.

One of their finest was the Harmony Line first introduced in 1961. With flowing, almost free-form, lines and a sculptural minimalist design these pieces are one of the finest lines made by McCoy in the modern era.


Harmony Line Planter & Vase – McCoy Pottery – 1961

The color pallete of the glazes used by McCoy for this line – turquoise, burnt orange, yellow and ivory – also reflected the colors being used in modern interior designs of the period.

The Harmony Line stands today as one of the best examples of the adaptation of modern design by a more traditional producer of goods during the mid-20th Century. It is the classic example of modern meeting mainstream.

Pottery pieces from this line are relatively easy to obtain and are quite affordable.  Most pieces are in $25 – $50 range. As with all pottery, inspect carefully for chips, cracks and crazing. McCoy Pottery does often have some very minor glaze pops and other imperfections which, unless serious, does not impact the value of the piece.

Vases and planters from the Harmony Line will make a great gift for friends, family and co-workers. Elegant, modern and affordable – the perfect gift!

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