One of the most enjoyable things that I do is visit flea markets, thrift stores and estate sale basements to find neat and undiscovered treasures, that most time, the seller has no real knowledge of. I don't mean to say that I take advantage of the sellers, but I always say, if you are going to deal in antiques or vintage items of any kind, best to know what the value is. Most of the time, I find cool stuff that really just appeals to me for being beautiful and those are the things that I buy to look at and treasure for myself. I happened upon such a find just the other day at the Royal Oak Farmer's Market in Royal Oak, Michigan.
I looked and looked. I was hoping to find that nice lady who had the vintage draperies and rods the last time I was there three weeks prior. I looked for the man selling the trinket box made that jewelry company that starts with the letter M. Well, I could not find either of them there so just enjoyed checking out the other things that the other sellers had. On my way out, I happened upon a gentleman who had a curious glass bowl on display. There was no price on it, but something told me it was expensive. I inquired anyway.
"That's a Heisley glass bowl in the Orchid Pattern," he said. I picked it up and it was just the most beautiful pattern I had ever seen etched onto glass. It was footed and fanned out from the center like a lotus flower. "Remember that name, Liz" I instructed my daughter. "I have nothing to write this down and I want to remember it so I can look it up when I get home."
I looked it up on the different sites that deal in antique glass. It turns out that this Orchid pattern is one of the most coveted of the patterns by this manufacturer. Surprise! A.H. Heisey company produced glassware from 1896 to 1957 in Newark Ohio. The glassware was not cheap when it was produced and was the pride of many a new bride's first bridal registry pick. They began working with pressed glass using molds, and then moved on to the delicate etched patterns that look so much like crystal that we know today. Sometimes you can find sets of glasses, water, flutes and the like in sets of 6. When you find them, grab them because if you want to collect them, the Orchid pattern is the most popular.
I think I would like to keep my dish and add some serving pieces to it. I cannot think of a better table setting than one that includes daily shabby chic plates and mismatched teacups and saucers...and here and there, a sprinkling of beautiful Orchid patterned Heisey glassware!
I will let you know when I find a set and will share a photo. Until then, I am off...on another buying trip and find another cherished treasure to display here! Bye all!
that look
