Cambridge Glass made many gorgeous etched patterns including several that simply are not well-known. There are some lovely patterns that we have seen that aren’t in the general elegant glass guides, including today’s focus, Blossom Time.
We had two pieces, a creamer and sugar. I don’t recall where we got them, possibly at an estate sale, but I remember recognizing the blank as Cambridge but not knowing the etch. Blossom Time is just what it sounds, big flowers all over the piece. You can tell it’s not Rose Point or Diane because it has no medallion motif, not Elaine or Chantilly because it lacks the long graceful lines with curliques and it’s not Wildflower because the flowers are rounded, not pointed. Once you see it you’ll recognize it again.
Even though most elegant books don’t include Blossom Time Cambridge made it for several years, 1939 to 1946; however these were the war years and people were busy with other things besides lovely etched crystal. I doubt Cambridge promoted Blossom Time much; they apparently concentrated their marketing efforts on their very successful Rose Point and other patterns.
My creamer and sugar were on the Martha blank, quite frilly. All the dinnerware, serving and accessory pieces Replacements shows are the Martha blank. (This doesn’t mean Cambridge didn’t use other blanks.)
Stemware is the 3675 blank, which reminds me of two frilly ovals on the stem with a bell-shaped bowl. The stem shape is the same as the 3625 blank, which you’ll find with the Chantilly etch, but the bowl differs.
The etch is simple enough that it works well with the more ornate Martha and #3675 shapes. I saw Blossom Time on black glass but no other colors, and there are some pieces that are gold encrusted or trimmed with gold.
I looked on eBay to see whether there are many pieces available. I found stemware, candle holders, pitchers and a lucious gold-encrusted black vase and covered candy jar. (I’m not a big fan of black glass but it sure looks sharp gold encrustated.) Prices were about what you would expect for a less-popular but beautiful Cambridge glass etched pattern.
If you like Blossom Time you might want to look for stemware or candle holders to add a touch of vintage elegance to your table. Most likely you will need to shop online or possibly at a glass show. It is not a common pattern but it is lovely.