The following treasure is from the living estate of Ailene & Buddy Ford; noted dealers and lifelong collectors of exceptional antique & vintage heirlooms. The AEAA is exceptionally pleased to present the next of a mammoth group of approximately (120) Rare & beautiful Mt. Washington + Rodefer Glass / hand finished C.F. Monroe, Wave Crest and Smith Brothers pieces, to be sold over several auctions. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx This lot represents a Rare & gorgeous Helmschmied Swirl Mt. Washington Opal glass blank, finished in a spectacular heavy gilded Morning Glories theme, with outstanding ancillary florals. The artistry is almost assuredly by the Smith Bros. with the style of enamel, and the addition of the deep gilded borders, actually favoring Japanese Meiji period hand painted porcelain. Our Mt. Washington / Smith Bros. treasure is in excellent condition with some minor tarnish, and dates between ca. 1898 & 1902, while standing a prominent 6.5 x 6.5 x 4 inches tall and weighing 2# 6 oz. This classic Mt. Washington / Smith heirloom will be a centerpiece in any collection. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. The Smith brothers decorating studio was the early epitome of fabulous high quality hand painted glass articles bearing the Mt. Washington pedigree, from the late 19th century! Smith Brothers was originally part of the Mt Washington Glass Works in New Bedford, Massachusetts during the period 1871-1878, as a decorating department, gaining a worldwide reputation for producing the finest and most artistically accomplished hand painting on glass. Even after they left the firm to open their own shop in 1878, Alfred & Harry Smith still acquired most of their opal glass blanks from Mt Washington. Like C.F. Monroe, the Smith Brothers did not produce their own glass, but accessed quality undecorated blanks from many different sources. These included, suppliers from France, Mt. Washington-Pairpoint and other American glass houses such as Roedefer Glass Co. of Bel Air, Ohio, Belle Ware Glass (founded by Carl Helmschmied), Handel, and Keystone. Many of the aforementioned forms (excluding Mt. Washington) can be identified by arched, sculpted rather than flat bases, and an abundance of Rococo relief.

XA - B79 - Excellent condition with original lining (worn)