Antique small porcelain vase, late Art Nouveau style, 1910s-early 1920s, unidentified porcelain mark with "Germany" on the bottom. Gold inscription on the back side of the vase shows wear. Relatively readable are "Asbury Park" and "N.J." Apparently, this novelty vase was a souvenir of Asbury Park, N.J.

The vase is 5.3/4" [14.6cm] tall; 4.1/4" [10.8cm] wide, 1.1/4" x 2" [3.2cm x 5.1cm] at the top; cobalt and gold decorations [a some gold wear]; very good condition.

Asbury Park is a small seaside city on the New Jersey coast. It’s known for its sandy shore and beachfront boardwalk lined with shops, arcades and cafes. Developed in 1871 as a residential resort by New York brush manufacturer James A. Bradley, the city was named for Francis Asbury, the first American bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States.

Along the waterfront, Bradley installed the Asbury Park Boardwalk, an orchestra pavilion, public changing rooms, and a pier at the south end of that boardwalk. Such success attracted other businessmen. In 1888, Ernest Schnitzler built the Palace Merry-Go-Round on the southwest corner of Lake Avenue and Kingsley Street, the cornerstone of what would become the Palace Amusements complex; other attractions followed. During these early decades in Asbury Park, a number of grand hotels were built, including the Plaza Hotel.

The country by the sea destination experienced several key periods of popularity. The first notable era was the 1890s, marked by a housing growth, examples of which can still be found today in a full range of Victorian architecture. Coinciding with the nationwide trend in retail shopping, Asbury Park's downtown flourished during this period and well into the 20th century.

US: Priority (c.2-4 days) ------------ $12.50
Canada: 1st Class (c.2-6 weeks) ------ $30.50
World: 1st Class (c.2-8 weeks) ------- $40.50