Month: December 2007

#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:

Emerald Green, Chartreuse and Clear Rhinestone Pin – Albert Weiss – circa 1950’s

Being a guy can be tough around the Holidays. Finding just the perfect gift for your lady can bring out the cold-sweats in any man.

But us modern guys know that we can turn to vintage designs from the 40’s, 50’s and ’60’s that will show our modern lady just how much we care. We know jewelry is almost always appreciated but we really don’t want to go the commercial diamond route. Let’s face it – diamonds say you spent a lot of money but finding the the perfect piece of vintage jewelry that matches her eyes shows that you were thinking of her.

And if your lady prefers the former rather than the latter you should just forget the gift and find a different woman.

But that’s for another post…

Today we focus on vintage costume jewelry by Albert Weiss to help you modern guys make your modern lady very happy this Holiday season.

Weiss produced some beautiful pieces from the early 1940’s through 1971. This jewelry is well-crafted, utilized high-quality stones and wonderful pieces are available in a wide variety of sizes, colors and styles.

Aquamarine Rhinestone Pin – Albert Weiss – circa 1950’s

Clear Rhinestone Pin – Albert Weiss – circa 1940’s

Clear Rhinestone Pin – Albert Weiss – circa 1950’s

Choosing the right piece of jewelry can be very easy if you come prepared. What colors does the gift recipient prefer, what is her fashion style (traditional? casual? eclectic? funky?), and what jewelry does she most often wear are all good things to know. Then, armed with that knowledge, you can use that information to guide you. Bottom line, look for a piece that you like. She’ll like that – I promise.

Starburst Rhinestone Pin & Earring Set – Albert Weiss – circa 1960’s

It’s a gift that will make her very happy this Christmas and for years to come.

Prices for quality, vintage pieces by Weiss range from $75 and up.

#6714 Pitcher & #418L Tumblers– Tangerine – Blenko Glass – 1967

Functional, decorative, elegant, and sometimes even funky – pitcher and glass sets from the mid-20th Century are a great addition to any home. For ice tea, lemonade, sangria or maybe even a Zombie, these sets demonstrate a grace and charm often long lost today.

Black and Gold Polka-Dot Pitcher & Glass Set– Fred Press – circa 1965

Made by a number of makers, many from West Virginia, these sets are available in a wide variety styles and designs. Obviously we have focused on the more modern designs here but if hunting scenes or birds are more the taste of your gift recipient those designs are also around.

Ring Pitcher & Glass Set – Dunbar Glass Company – circa 1930’s

Pitcher & Glass Set – West Virginia Glass – circa 1959

Chartreuse and Purple Circle Pitcher & Glass Set – Federal Glass – circa 1955

A great Holiday gift, especially if accompanied by a favorite beverage, these sets can be had for $60 up to $200 for rarer designs and makers. As with all glass be alert for chips,  discoloration or other damage.

Any of these sets will put a smile on their face this Holiday season and will be even more appreciated months down the road when you are together sharing a cold drink and a laugh.

Toot-A-Loop & Panapet 70 AM Portable Radios – Panasonic – 1970-71

The 1970’s brought a bolder and new dimension to modern design. Influenced by the pop art and psychedelic movements, commercial product makers began designing to appeal to the tail end of the baby boom generation.

Panasonic’s Toot-A-Loop and Panapet 70 radios are a good examples of this new thinking in what was to be known as “Mod” design. The Toot-A-Loop, when closed, was a donut form with an off-centered center hole which was stylish as well as making it easy to carry. Twisting the radio open revealed the tuning dial. The Panapet spherical design made it a perfect accessory for the Verner Panton-influenced designs of the time and worked wonderfully on a desktop.

Toot-A-Loop & Panapet 70 AM Portable Radios – Panasonic – 1970-71

These classic AM radios were only produced in the early 1970’s. The expansion of FM radio contributed to their demise. Certainly far from hi-fidelity, these radios were adequate though to sing along to the Top 40 while listening to Casey Kasem as you did your homework or laid out in the sun.

These pieces make great accent (and conversation) pieces and are fun gifts for friends who love the retro-mod style. Priced in the $45-65 range in good condition these can please on the Holidays even more than they did back in the ’70’s. Look for ones in good working and cosmetic condition and be sure to check the battery compartment to make sure there is no acid-leak damage.