I enjoy seeing people’s glass collections and usually collector clubs put on interesting displays at glass shows. Dave and I went to Tiffin, Ohio a few weekends ago for the National Depression Glass Association annual show – look for several upcoming posts showing the gorgeous glass we found and found an aviary of parrots.
Howard Beisner, member of the Tiffin Glass Club displayed his gorgeous collection of Tiffin Jungle green satin glass.
Mr. Beisner called this “Parrot”; Gene Florence called it “Jungle Assortment”. His pieces are #14 satin green glass decorated with painted parrots. The shape is pleasing, simple footed pieces with rounded corners.
Mr. Beisner had several intriguing pieces such as the center handled server, cologne with stopper, and multiple candy jars and vases. The piece in the front right in this photo is the covered mayo.
Mr. Beisner kindly told me how he came to collect Parrot. He found the cigarette holder set and was fascinated by the green color and bird design and started looking for a few more pieces. (Of course we all know how that goes!) He believes he has a complete set now.
The cigarette set includes a matchbox holder/tray combo, the round cigarette holder and an ashtray. Tiffin made Jungle/Parrot in the 1920s, long before the Surgeon General advised against smoking and it was very common for hostesses to put out mini ashtrays and matches for guests.
I love the frosted green glass – the color is exquisite – and Mr. Beisner’s pieces are in good condition with minimal paint loss. The painted decorations from the 1920s are often so worn it’s delightful to see pieces with the birds in such good shape.
Overall Parrot is an intriguing pattern that gives a lot of enjoyment to Mr. Beisner and now, thanks to his generosity in sharing his collection, to all of us.