Central Glass Works produced some gorgeous etched patterns and they also made their own crystal ware, producing both lovely blown stemware and heavier, molded patterns. One of my favorites is Frances.
Central made Frances in 1928-1930 in their lovely amber, rose, green, crystal and a few pieces in black, orchid (a rosy lavender) and blue. Per Tim Schmidt’s Central Glass Works, The Depression Era, the only color he has not found is golden sapphire.
Frances is not a dinnerware pattern. You might be lucky enough to find a berry bowl set (small bowls and a larger serving bowl), a beverage set (pitcher and flat tumblers) and a small sherbet plate, but most of the line are decorative accessories. Replacements shows a pink saucer, out of stock, but with a cup ring. That could be the piece Schmidt’s book calls a 6 inch plate; he didn’t include photos of the plate. I’ve seen only about a dozen pieces, all accessory pieces. In fact, had I not read Tim Schmidt’s book and seen his photos I’d have said it was only accessory items.
Per Mr. Schmidt this 3-footed curvy bowl is probably the most common – and that is not common at all compared to most depression glass patterns. I’ve the one piece in amber.
The center handled server is lovely. This pattern is thicker than most Central Glass ware, still the same high quality crystal, and it catches the light.
We found this vase antiquing and it just had to come home with me! Central made this in all their colors. Schmidt’s book has it photographed in ebony black, most striking given the surface design.
Next post we’ll look at availability and pricing for this unusual pattern.