The AEAA is very pleased to present that which we believe to be a rare early pre 1885 Phoenix Glass, miniature cased green & yellow satin glass over robins egg blue rose bowl in a splendid diamond optic pattern. Initial observation indicates a trapped air MOP finish, BUT, upon close inspection, the surface appears to have been a very shallow acid bath, with the pattern articulated by a period mastic. Attribution to Phoenix stems from the well ground base pontil , and the continuous pattern to the base center pattern, a Phoenix trademark. Furthermore, the somewhat eccentric yet remarkable 8 crimped star style rim is another Phoenix feature. Neither Thomas Webb nor Stevens & Williams can take credit fofor this valuable miniature collectible rose bowl. This little treasure weighs 10 oz. and sits 3.25 x 3.25 x 3.25 inches tall. For those Mt. Washington devotes: this pattern shows no evidence of the deep routing associated with the famed Mt. Washington Cut Velvet. We feel that is possible that this rare example may have been part of the inspiration for the actual MOP formula, patented by Joseph Webb at Phoenix Glass in 1885, and again in 1887, along with Frederick Shirley of Mt. Washington, for the manufacture of his proprietary air trapped (MOP) glass. The Joseph Webb / Phoenix Patents of May 18, and latter 1887 (US # 363,190 and US # 379,089) were base upon a break with tradition, and the use of a colored coated glass core prior to molding, then casing the core in a prepared glass shell. This was the most innovative & successful way to achieve true die away colors (a gradual diffusion) in lieu of the competitors attempt to use heat sensitive glass. Research consulted: Phoenix & Consolidated Art Glass 1926-1908 / by Jack D. Wilson xxxxxxxxxxx. The Phoenix Glass Company was never officially part of Consolidated Lamp and Glass. This however has been the misconception. The Phoenix Glass Co. was formed in 1880 in Monaca, Pennsylvania and initially the factory manufactured leaded oil and gas lamp chimneys. In 1883, Phoenix was fortunate to hire Joseph Webb as plant superintendent. Webb had been involved with the glass manufacture at Colbourn Hill near Stourbridge, and brought with him new dynamic techniques for the development of new glasses. From 1883 until 1893 Phoenix produced some of the most innovative blown glass in American art nouveau history. Special duckbill pitchers and vaulting loop handles differentiate Phoenix from other companies of the period. U. S. Patent application #218,308 filed on November 8, 1886 deals with Phoenix “die away” color effect, which incorporated air blown dyes with a special straw to achieve the bleeding effect. Both Hobbs Brockunier & New England Glass used special reactive glass sandwiches in their drapery patterns, achieving a smooth exterior finish. After 1893, the era of hand blown & opalescent glass was over at Phoenix. From that point, specialized glass lamps were produced into the 1920s, and in the 1930s glass was produced for Consolidated Lamp & Glass Co.The name Phoenix today is primarily associated with the Sculptured Art Glass which they produced from 1933 to 1958. This glass was hand blown into special molds which had mold joints following the pattern in the glass to avoid obvious mold lines. These patterns had bold designs raised up very prominently from the background. Contrasting colors were applied either to the background or the relief designs, and then fired or baked onto the glass at temperatures over 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. For a time during the 1930s Phoenix had the molds for making this kind of glass on loan from the Consolidated Lamp and Glass Company, which had closed down temporarily to avoid running at a loss. From 1933 to 1936 Phoenix produced Consolidated Martele designs under the name Phoenix Reuben line, but in 1936 the Martele molds were returned to Consolidated. Phoenix Glass operated independently until 1970, when it was acquired by Anchor Hocking.

Excellent condition