26 Sept-Oct 08 � Feature Story • Tempe � Girlie Glasses Have Become Interesting Collector’s Items by Jay Mark Long before Dana Carvey and Kevin Nealon, as “pumpedup” body builders Hans and Franz, introduced “Girlie Men” to Saturday Night Live audiences in 1988, and Arnold Schwarzenegger reprised the term in his Calley-for-knee-ya gubernatorial campaign there were Girlie Glasses. Considered by many as quite risqué and inappropriate for the American home, Girlie Glasses were often kept hidden away by men who would bring them out for stag activities. Promoted with more erudite names, they were advertised variously as Mystic Glasses, Hollywood Pin-up Glasses, Magic Follies Girl Glasses, and Petty Girl Hi-Ball Glasses. Three Magic Follies Girlie Glasses by Federal Glass with accompanying retailer’s game card. Photo credit: Jay Mark But to the mostly men who bought them as novelty bar tumblers during their 1940s and 50s heyday, they were just Girlie Glasses. Now, those bygones from the great era of pin-up art popularized by artists like George Petty, Alberto Vargas, Gil Elvgren, Earl Moran and Rolf Armstrong have become collector’s items. <strong>The</strong> turn of the 20th century saw a lively, new expression of the female form by pioneering illustrators like Howard Chandler Christy, Charles Dana Gibson and Harrison Fisher. As early as the silent-film era, Hollywood began depicting women in more erotic and suggestive attire than ever before —eventually leading to a new art form called pin-up, which emerged in the 1930s after George Petty created his Petty Girls for Esquire, the foremost men’s magazine of the day. World War II “legitimized” the pin-up, when calendars, movie star photographs and illustrations were sent to soldiers around the world in an effort to bring some cheer and diversion to war-weary young fighters. In fact, the term pin-up first appeared at this time as a reference to soldiers pinning up these colorful mementos on tent and barracks walls. <strong>The</strong> popularity of pin-ups blossomed after the war—in calendars, periodicals and other forms like bar glasses. Most Girlie Glasses were simple containers on which a decal was applied. But some had a magical quality that gave them an even greater appeal. <strong>The</strong> unique feature of these glasses was a special coating made by the Amus-U Company that became transparent when chilled or moistened. This allowed “clothing” that covered the applied pin-up decals of bathing suit or lingerie- clad ladies to disappear revealing them … entirely … er … unclad, shall we say?. For some, the glasses were a little bit risqué maybe even naughty. But, hopefully, not too much. <strong>The</strong>se popular glasses were produced by the Federal Glass Company of Columbus, Ohio, and were sold through catalogs, magazines and in novelty stores. Because the decals on Girlie Glasses are easily damaged and the disappearing coating even more sensitive, finding these tumblers in good condition can be challenging. A recent survey on eBay showed only nine listings. In good condition with the original moisture-sensitive coating intact, individual Girlie Glasses can sell for about $15 each. Sets can increase value. <strong>The</strong> less-seen game card provided by the manufacturer to the retailer offered customers chances to win sets of glasses or cash is valued at $20-25. Hint: <strong>The</strong> temperature sensitive coating is quite fragile and can be irreparably harmed through inappropriate handling and cleaning. Existing coatings are best preserved by displaying rather than using the glasses. Never put them in a dishwasher. Carefully clean by hand infrequently. Suggested Reference: Collectible Girlie Glasses by Tigre McMullan (Schiffer 2003, $24.95) is a modest first attempt at introducing and pricing this novel subject. Jay Mark, a 35-year veteran antiques dealer and bookseller owns Those Were <strong>The</strong> Days! in Tempe. He also teaches, lectures and writes about antiques. Reach him at jaymark@twtdbooks.com. A condensed version of this article first appeared in <strong>The</strong> Arizona Republic column Antiquing In Arizona. © 2008 Jay Mark
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