Central Glass made gorgeous etches and pressed patterns until they closed in the early 1930s. I highly recommend the excellent guide, Central Glass Works, The Depression Era, by Tim Schmidt. I used this book for reference and to identify the pieces shown.
Here are several of their patterns shown with photos from pieces we have had to help you identify your glass.
Balda Etch – Scrolls and Swags – Green, Pink, Amber, Orchid, Ebony, Crystal and Combinations
Central’s Balda etch, number 410, is one of their most popular and best known and you may find it in stemware, dinnerware, vases, candle holders, console sets. Look for the flared stylized floral central motif with flared base lines that is surrounded by curled swags and scrolls.
Floral Trumpets – Unusual Sideways Floral Sprays – Crystal
Floral Trumpets, Etch 22, is unlike any other etch I’ve seen as it has a long spray of flowers that starts at the base of the bowl and twines upwards, making a sideways flowing line, with three trumpet shapes anchoring the flowers. I’ve only seen the sherbet shown, but Central made comports and decanters as well as tumblers and other stems.
Etch 404 Leaf & Border – Crystal
This etch has stylized palm leaves in between tiny flower sprays on the base of the bowl and a geometric border on the rim. I’ve only seen the sherbet shown.
Scott’s Morning Glory Etch – Pink, Green, Amber, Orchid and Crystal
Like all Central etches, Scott’s Morning Glory, Etch 5, has an unusual twist in its design. Look for sprays of morning glories that drape down from a fanciful border of leaves and intertwined branches. Central made stemware, plates, beverage sets and likely other pieces.
Morgan Etch – Fairy on a Swing in Pink, Green, Amber, Orchid, Blue, Ebony and Crystal
Morgan, Etch 412, may be the most popular Central etch with its fairy sitting on a circular swing, surrounded by scrolls and swags. Central made Morgan a full pattern, with stemware and beverage sets, dinnerware, accessory and decorative pieces like candle holders, bonbons, candy dishes, vases. You won’t mistake Morgan for any other pattern.
Thistle Etch – Crystal and Gold Filled Crystal
Central’s Thistle, Etch #10, is virtually identical to Tiffin’s Thistle pattern. I could tell this small wine was Central’s only because Tim Schmidt showed the same stem in his book. Look for stemware, beverage sets, a teapot, marmalade (a small covered piece), small bowls and a coaster. This seems like an odd assortment so there are likely other pieces which have not been documented.
Oak Etch – Crystal
The bottom on this plate is fully ground, which is how I realized it was special when I found it at a thrift store covered in dirt. Central used Oak, Etch #19, for stemware and possibly other pieces.
Frances – Molded Pattern – Pink, Green, Amber, Orchid, Light Turquoise, Blue, CLambroth, Ebony
Frances will catch your eye in pictures and it is stunning in person. Central’s colors are all rich, beautiful shades and the glass quality is excellent. You can see a few other pieces in this post about two Frances pieces we bought for ourselves.
