The AEAA is very pleased to present this next pair of valuable Vaseline glass pieces from the respected Loren (Butch) Morse collection. This lot represents a fine pair of Rare (in Vaseline) 1920s to 1930s open edge animal figural, petite fours or nut serving plates by the inimitable Westmoreland Glass Co. Our great plates constitute a truly high end collectible, in the form of a gorgeous bunny + a spectacular edge rim including both lucky horseshoes & 3 leaf clovers. Our second scarce item is a resisting donkey, bordered by beautiful leaves and open swirls. Both explode under black light, and are in wonderful condition, weighing 1# 8 oz., and the bunny measures 7.5 x 7.25 x .5 inches deep. Loren Morse was a respected family man and Vaseline collector, and his untimely passing a year ago was a blow to everyone. The Morse family gratefully appreciates your participation in this Estate sale. xxxxxxxxxxxxxx. In 1889 a group of investors founded a glass company known as the Westmoreland Glass Company of Grapeville, Pennsylvania. Over 100 years, no other glass company in America produced more styles and grades of table and decorative ware than Westmoreland. Mr. A. J. Stevenson of the Specialty Glass Company of Liverpool, Ohio, purchased land at Grapeville Station in 1889, owing to the abundance of natural gas on the property, the close proximity to the Pennsylvania RR railhead, and an active Artesian spring. Add the element of excellent rolling ground, and tremendous stands of Eastern shade trees, and Grapeville, Pa. was an ideal location for both industrial & community development. To induce long term family growth and company loyalty, Mr. Stevenson divided the peripheral acreage into prime homestead lots, and offered free natural gas for lighting and heating for up to 20 years, as an inducement for artisans to join Specialty Glass Co. Relocation and construction of the plant got under way in October of 1889, with the first glass produced in 1890.A few years later, the plant was purchased by two brothers, Charles H. and George West, from A. J. Stevenson and the Specialty Glass Company. Financial support was provided by Ira A. Brainard. History records, that in the early 1900s, condiments such as vinegar, mustard, baking powder, and lemon essence, were processed in the plant, to be sold inside the primarily Milk glass containers. Milk glass became the hallmark of Westmoreland from 1920 to around 1950, as it was of high quality, manufactured by hand from the Pot Furnaces. Covered Milk Glass (and later Slag Glass) boxes, such as Hens, birds, foxes and other animals on the nest were some of the outstanding shapes produced, although in the 1920s, high quality colored and decorated ware + crystal forms became viable. Nonetheless, it is estimated that about 80% of the overall glass items produced inn the 1920s, 30s, & 40s, were classic Westmoreland Milk glass. The now named Westmoreland Specialty Company changed hands again when in 1920 tension between brothers arose and George West sold his interest to Charles West and Ira Brainard. In 1923 the name was changed to Westmoreland Glass Company. The great depression forced Charles West to sell his interest to the Brainard family, who reorganized the company with James J. Brainard as president. After his death in 1953, his son James H. Brainard succeeded him, with his brother Walter M. Brainard taking the position of vice president. In 1981 ownership was purchased by Dave Grossman, but conditions conspired, and on May 21, 1984 the Westmoreland Glass Company passed into history.

Excellent condition