Central Glass

GLASS 

CENTRAL 

GLASS 

ANIMAL 

COVERED 

DISHES* 

IDENTIFICATION GUIDE 

*CHICKENS NOT INCLUDED 

JENNIFER PATTON

ABOUT ME 

Hi! My name is Jen and this is a little bit about myself. First, I must say this project was a lot of fun. 

Like a book from my gradeschool years lol. I don’t know if children today still do book reports, but when 

I was in school, they were required and boy did I dread reading the assigned books then having to 

summarize them! I loved reading books that interested me and hopefully this will interest you. I created 

it for anyone that needs help with identification. For the novice glass collectors that buy animal covered 

dishes because they fall in love with the way they look or the type of animals they are, or simply for 

their colors. For the avid collectors who enjoy buying a few of each animal regardless of the maker. For 

the veteran collectors who may have hundreds of glass dishes who never cease to amaze me with their 

beautiful collections. For the people that have inherited or purchased someone’s entire collection or 

part of a collection and need help to identify things. For the people like me that are meticulous about 

every detail needing to label things and just absolutely need to know the whats, whens, whos, hows and 

whys of the animal dishes they own. For me, what started with one Asian yellow stained glass bunny on 

a nest, has flourished into a full blown collection of hundreds of mixed and matched animal covered 

“candy” dishes of all glass types and colors. No particular glass maker, just everything I can’t live 

without. LOL. Anyone that knows me would tell you that I stop at nothing, studying book after book 

searching for answers about my own glass animals until I find them. I have never been satisfied with a 

mystery….unless it involves me watching Columbo, my lifelong favorite television program! I am a 

mystery solver... a true detective. I get this from my Mother, Cindy -Sultana- Wheatley. I need to get to 

the bottom of a piece of unidentified glass. It drives me bananas not to know everything I can about 

each piece that I own. Next, I will tell you that the monetary value of my glassware means nothing to 

me. I collect it because I love it. However, unique and rare is always a find! Sure, like every collector, I 

love a bargain and have had to pass up many pieces that I could not afford. Ooooh the ones that got 

away. They haunt me. I can assure you that when I get a new addition to my collection, it has found its 

forever home. Someone before me and usually possibly before them owned these animal covered 

dishes making a kind of history that I can only imagine in my mind, its importance to each person. There 

is a reason behind every single glassware in every single dwelling. Glass symbolizes many things. It is 

proudly displayed. It is important to the person who owns it. I enjoy seeing the happiness glassware 

brings to people, especially these animal covered dishes. Who doesn’t love animals? I also enjoy seeing 

my collection knowing these pieces of history live on and hope that when I am long gone, they will be in 

other homes. My glass brings me peace; most peaceful in the evenings when the cabinet lights are on 

and the glass does its natural thing; what it was intended to do since the day it was made...look pretty! 

To me, it is reminiscent of having a year round Christmas Tree. Glass is AMAZING! I am a country girl 

through and through. I love all things nature. I am an avid bird watcher and an all around animal lover. I 

live in the beautiful state of Kentucky with my husband and our two dogs, Monkey and Johnnie, who by 

the way, is named after my all time favorite singer, Johnny Cash.

glass animal covered dishes by 

Jennifer Patton 

central glass 

copyright © 2024 by Jennifer Patton 

All rights reserved. No parts of this work may be reproduced without 

written permission from the copyright holder. 

No parts of this work may be reproduced for financial gain by anyone 

other than the copyright holder. 

© Glass Animal Covered Dishes by Jennifer Patton

central glass company 1863-1891 

central glass works 1896-1939 

In 1863, Central Glass Co. was formed in Wheeling, WV by John Oesterling 

and John Henderson. Oesterling and Henderson met at Hobbs, Brockunier 

and Company where Henderson was working as an engineer and Oesterling 

a machine apprentice & mold maker. Oesterling came to South Wheeling, 

WV from Germany in 1853. Together, these two men put up five thousand 

dollars capital towards starting their own glass firm. What they first formed 

as Oesterling and Company would eventually become Central Glass Co. 

The following is the history of how it came to be: 

South Wheeling, West Virginia was once very rich in coal. James Barnes 

and John Hobbs of Barnes and Hobbs [glass company] owned the hillside 

bordering their glass factory which was plentiful with coal. Using coal 

benefitted them greatly at their glass factory until Wheeling Natural Gas 

Company was formed. From then on, natural gas was used. 

"The South Wheeling Glass Works of Hobbs, Brockunier & Co. are 

located in the lower part of the city, to the growth of which they have 

greatly contributed. The present establishment can be traced back to a 

small furnace containing ten pots constructed in 1826, and operated by 

Plunkett & Miller, who were unsuccessful and, failing, were sold out. 

The works was leased in 1845 by James Barnes and John L. Hobbs who 

came here from East Cambridge, Mass. Both had been identified with 

the New England Glass Company, the former as superintendent of the 

crucible or pot room; and the latter as principal salesman, with which 

he combined the duties of superintendent of the cutting department. 

James F. Barnes, son of James B. Barnes, and John H. Hobbs, a young 

man and son of John L. Hobbs, came shortly after their fathers. The 

works at this time, 1845, consisted of one furnace, containing seven 

pots of the then customary small size. The coal used at the works cost 1 

1/4 cents per bushel, or 35 cents per ton. Wood, at $1.50 per cord, was 

used in the lehrs. The glass manufactured was that usually known as 

flint, lead, or full crystal." ---This excerpt is from THE WHEELING DAILY 

INTELLIGENCER, "Special Natural Gas Edition" 9/14/1886. 

To read the full article about the "natural gas boom" click here: 

https://www.ohiocountylibrary.org/wheeling-history/hobbs-brockunier-glasswheelingwv-1886/2736 




Continuation of Hobbs and Barnes [glass company]: 

In 1849 when James B. Barnes passed away, the glass company was 

renamed Hobbs, Barnes & Co. probably because Hobbs outnumbered 

Barnes: John L. Hobbs, John H. Hobbs and James F. Barnes. 

In 1853, John Oesterling, future founder of Central Glass Works, 

entered the picture: In 1853, Oesterling relocated to South Wheeling, 

WV from Germany. He got a job as a mold maker at Hobbs, Barnes & Co. 

making 7.00 a week. Meanwhile, John Henderson was already an 

engineer at Hobbs, Barnes & Co. These two men would later form 

Central Glass Company. 

In 1859, it was renamed Hobbs and Barnes after one partner sold his 

interest. 

In 1860, Hobbs and Barnes had just over 100 employees and had the 

highest reported annual yield by any flint glass company before the 

Civil War. Flint glass was flourishing. 

In 1861, the Civil War began. Hobbs and Barnes closed down for the 

time being as employees joined the Army (both Union and Confederate 

sides. Remember, this was West Virginia). In 1865, the North won the 

war. This victory ensured continuing support for international 

abolishment of racial slavery. 

In 1863, the last Barnes, James F. Barnes, retired. The parting of Hobbs 

and Barnes resulted in two new companies: J.L. Hobbs, Son & Co. and 

J.H. Hobbs, Son & Co. J.L. Hobbs for John L. Hobbs and J.H. Hobbs for 

John H. Hobbs. 

J.L. Hobbs, Son & Co dealt in both Glassware and China. 

J.H. Hobbs, Son & Co would become J.H. Hobbs, Brockunier & 

Company 

which produced flint and colored glassware. John L. Hobbs, John H. 

Hobbs, and Charles W. Brockunier went into business together. 

In 1863, William Leighton Sr., former employee of New England Glass 

Company joined J.H. Hobbs, Bruckunier & Company. 




Continuation of J.H. Hobbs, Brockunier & Company: 

In 1863, John Oesterling and John Henderson left J.H. Hobbs, 

Bruckunier & Company to start their own glass firm. They rounded up 

five thousand dollars to start their own glass works in an old pork 

packing plant and at an East Wheeling Distillery. It was formed into 

legal corporation as Oesterling and Company and would eventually 

become Central Glass Company. 

In 1864, William Leighton Sr. perfected a soda-lime flint glass recipe. 

His recipe replaced lead flint glass making. 

During the 1870's, William Libbey, head of New England Glass Company 

sent his only son, Edward Drummond Libbey to Wordsley, England, to 

learn how to needle-etch glass. He brought his knowledge back to New 

England Glass Works. This needle-etching technique and the 

equipment was brought to Central Glass Company and used by Central 

between 1887-1905. 

According to www.libbeyhouse.org , the Edward D. Libbey House is a 

National Historic Landmark at 2008 Scottwood Avenue in Toledo, Ohio. 

Built in 1895, it was the Home Edward Libbey (1854-1925), a 

businessman who revolutionized the glassmaking industry in the 

United States. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1983. It 

is now owned by a nonprofit public charity dedicated to its 

preservation. You can find even more interesting history here: 

libbeyhouse.org/history-the-libbeys/ 

CENTRAL GLASS COMPANY BEGINS 

In 1863, the 5,000.00 investment had been made to convert two 

buildings into glass manufacturing establishments. A pork packing 

house and East Wheeling distillery. According to Wheeling history, pork 

packing plants and distilleries were abundant as they were booming 

businesses as were glass factories. 

In 1867, Oesterling and Henderson obtained a charter to conduct the 

business on a joint stock plan under the firm name of the Central Glass 

Company, with a capital of $80,000, which also represented the original 




capital of $5,000. A charter is a document filed with a registrar to 

establish a company as a corporation. 

Until the introduction of natural gas, Central Glass Co. had been 

operating their own coal fields, comprising fifty acres in the vicinity of 

the works. 

In 1883, Central Glass Co. employed around 500 people. Their capital of 

was $260,000 with average annual sales at about $400,000. That was a 

lot of money in the 1800's! 

In 1883, John Oesterling passed away. He had been at Central Glass Co 

for 20 years. He had gone from rags to riches. He had come from 

Germany with nothing and was only making $7.00 a week at his first 

glass job as a mold maker. While still working at J.H. Hobbs, Brockunier 

& Company, he was already taking initiative about his future. He made 

the first pair of glass molds for Central Company at his home on the 

kitchen table holding a candle while he performed this work. He went 

through much persecution because of his political affiliation. Sounds 

much like this day and age. He was a greatly scrutinized man, but in the 

end, Oesterling had achieved great success. I'd have to agree... going 

from $7.00 a week to $400,000 a year! 

In 1883, Nathan H. Scott succeeded John Oesterling as head of Central 

Glass Company. He was chosen by the directors because he was 

Oesterlings long trusted right-hand man. 

In 1885, Central Glass Co. purchased Brilliant Glass Works. Their 

Brilliant annex, which employed over 300 men, produced colored glass 

lamp shades, globes and a line of specialties. I wonder if specialties 

included glass animal covered dishes? 

In April of 1886, Wheeling Natural Gas Company was formed. Through 

its own pipeline stemming from Washington County, PA, The Wheeling 

Company furnished gas to Martin's Ferry, Bridgeport, Bellaire and 

Aetnaville for both manufacturing and domestic purposes, and in all 

these towns but Bellaire contemplates furnishing it for light also. 




The Wheeling company provided gas to factories, mills and industrial 

establishments such as manufacturers of glass including Central Glass 

Company. Wheeling's main supply of natural gas was limitless. Wheeling 

companies had not only territory enough, but wells enough and more than 

enough, to supply all possible demands upon them. Central Glass 

Company cut costs by 33% when they converted from coal to natural gas. 

Sadly, many coal miners lost their jobs. 

When the president of Central Glass was asked about using gas he told of 

the positivity of using gas instead of coal "Gas will not destroy the furnaces 

as coal does, there being no clinkers or sulphur, our furnaces will stand an 

indefinite period. When the men cease work in the summer we can keep an 

even temperature in our furnaces without much cost, thereby saving our 

pots." He spoke about how gas saved money on labor throughout the 

factory. For example, their coke ovens would stay heated through summer 

months when Flint Glass Union workers declared vacations. I digress...."I 

stopped to consider coke ovens. All these years of glass factory research 

and it hadn't once dawned on me that gas-powered ovens used to make 

glass animal covered dishes used coke. I once worked at AK Steel Coke 

plant. We produced coke. My husband retired from there. This is how he 

and I met. I understand completely about how Central Glass Company coke 

ovens had to stay temperature regulated and why they no longer needed 

men to build fires all day long to keep the furnaces heated. Coke burns 

extremely hot and slow. Natural gas eliminated the need for men to stoke 

fires in their down months. So, in addition to coal miners losing their jobs at 

Central Glass Company (remember the 50 acre plot full of coal they 

owned?), many other employees lost their jobs too."---Jen 

Read more about Ohio County, WV gas supply here: 

https://www.ohiocountylibrary.org/wheeling-history/natural-gasintroduced-to-wheeling-1886-/2726 

I am sure there is much history on the importance of coke in our nation. But for me, 

its importance goes much deeper. Coke has provided my husband and I with a 

comfortable life, albeit a nasty and cancerous substance. It played a huge role in 

American industries, namely the steel industry. Clearly, the glass industry too. In the 

very end, in 2011, our local coke plant had been open for 99 years. And, at the last, 

we were selling nearly all of our coke to China. Coke is made by cooking coal. 




1870's: As I mentioned before, Edward D. Libbey brought his new skill 

of needle-etching back to New England Glass Works from England. This 

needle-etching technique and equipment was brought to Central Glass 

Company. Needle etched glass was a high quality, less expensive 

alternative to hand cut lead crystal. Cut glass was ground away to 

produce a decoration. Etched glass was made by using hydrofluoric 

acid to eat into the surface of the glass to produce a decoration. Do not 

confuse etched glass with frosted glass. Frosted glass has a white 

appearance, while etched glass has intricate designs. In 1883, when 

Edward's father William Libbey died, he took over running the New 

England Glass Company. In 1925, Edward Drummond Libbey, age 71, 

died of pneumonia. He had also been the founder of the Toledo, Ohio 

Museum of Art. 

In 1877, Central Glass Company began needle etching. Central Glass Co. 

continued needle etching through 1905. 

In 1888, the Central Glass factory was destroyed by fire. It was quickly 

rebuilt. It was around this time that Central Glass Co. was one of the 

largest producers of glass in the U.S.A. They also exported glass by the 

trainload, mainly to Germany. In an 1886 interview with President 

Nathan B. Scott, he was asked if Central Glass Co would increase export 

trade. Scott replied " We were the pioneers in introducing American 

ware into the German markets. We could manufacture and ship our 

pressed ware there and sell cheaper than German manufacturers could 

put their blown ware on the market. But lately our trade has been 

curtailed, from the fact that they have learned the moulding process 

and engaged extensively in it. With their advantages of cheap labor and 

the same facilities for manufacture that we have, it is only a question of 

time until this country will be flooded with cheap German ware unless 

the tariff is increased sufficiently to protect our manufacturers and 

workmen." He couldn't have been more right with that assessment! 




Foreign competition indeed killed American glass companies! Also 

in the 1886 interview, it was mentioned that Central Glass widely 

shipped to the Canadas, West Indies, South America and the German 

markets. 

In 1891, there was a recession in the United States. I know recession 

seems like a repeated word we hear on today's news, but this one was 

very serious. On February 9, 1891, the New York Times reported on the 

founding of the United States Glass Company. U.S. Glass Co. became a 

combined group of 20 glass factories ranging from Indiana to 

Pennsylvania. Central Glass was one of these companies. It would take 

Central Glass 6 months to agree to join the U.S. Glass combine and 

when they did, they became Factory 'O' which operated in Wheeling, 

WV. While operating as Factory 'O', no Central animal covered dishes 

were produced via U.S. Glass. In my opinion, the U.S. Glass combine 

was a giant takeover of glass factories to have total control over them 

while the economy was down. I think Central Glass realized their 

mistake by joining the U.S. Glass combine and left as soon as possible. 

In 1893, Central Glass company a.k.a. Factory 'O' left the U.S. Glass Co. 

combine. Unfortunately, their Turkey Bowl mold and small Hen mold 

remained property of U.S. Glass. It is likely 7" Hen lid mold(s) also 

remained part of the U.S. Glass combine because we know of a similar 

Hen to the Central Hen referred to as the "Linebacker". "Linebacker" 

Hens, by an unknown maker have lids similar to Central Glass lids. 

1893-1895: Central Glass factory was closed. I wonder what happened 

between '93-'95 when it was shut down because in 1896, the building 

was empty! 

In 1896, Nathan B. Scott, former president of Central Glass and son of 

Nathan H. Scott, former head of Central Glass Company upon John 

Oesterling's death, purchased Central Glass Company and renamed it 

Central Glass Works. At this time, it was an empty building. Why was it 

empty when only 3 years before, Central Glass was there? Where did 

everything go? Were the remaining animal covered dish molds gone 

too? Where were the Fish and Duck molds? 




In 1898, glass production began at Central Glass Works. 

In 1901, Central Glass Works was destroyed by fire and was rebuilt. 

They did not officially re open for 3 more years. 

In 1904, Central Glass Works reopened. 

In 1939 Central Glass Company permanently closed. Foreign 

competition played the largest part in their decision. Imperial Glass 

purchased Central molds. Pheasant Bowl was the only ACD mold that 

went to Imperial Glass. Turkey Bowl mold and small Hen mold were 

previously obtained by U.S. Glass Company. It is not known what 

happened to 7" Hen, 8" Hen, Duck and Fish molds. 7" Hen mold may 

have also been lost to the U.S. Glass combine. "Linebacker" Hens, as 

nicknamed by collectors, have similar lids and bases as, but not 

identical to original 7" Central Glass Hens. "Linebacker" Hen bases are 

similar, but not identical to Challinor, Taylor & Co. smooth rim bases, 

which coincidentally were also lost to the U.S. Glass Combine of 1891. 

Animal covered dishes by Central Glass Co: 

Listed were Duck, Fish and 3 sizes of 

Hens. 7" and 5" Hens were offered in 

milk glass. As was the Duck dish. 

1891 Central Glass price list 

Courtesy of Sid Lethbridge 

Listed was Turkey in Etched and Opal. 

Plain was not listed but was also 

offered by Central Glass. 




1883 Central Glass catalog courtesy of Sid Lethbridge. 

No. 707 Cov'd Egg Dish, Large 

8 inch Hen 

No. 707 Cov'd Egg Dish 

7 inch Hen 

No. 707 Cov'd Egg 

Dish Individual 

5 inch Hen 

Shown is a beautiful Armor lithiograph of Central Hens in 3 sizes, 

ca. late 1880's. Courtesy of Sid Lethbridge 

I could not find much about the artist, William Gillespie Armor, other 

than he was an artist who did watercolors and lithiographs. His 

works can be found for sale online. The Historical Society of Western 

PA published a 14 page book about Armor. 

The title is: William Gillespie Armor, 1834-1924 




1887 Central Glass catalog courtesy of Sid Lethbridge 

1880's Central Glass Catalog courtesy of Deborah Raitz / opensalts.us 




1880's-1891, Central Glass Company produced a Fish dish among other 

miscellaneous Central items. See it here: 

https://opensalts.us/References/Catalogs/US/USA-CentralGlass1880s-bW.jpg 

1882-1885, there were two sizes of Pheasant produced. I found 

information on this website: www.eapgs.org 

"There is a Central price list with two sizes of No. 758 - 8" and 9" covered, 

oval, etched. There are also two sizes of 759 - 8" and 9" covered, oval, 

etched. My suspicion is that No. 759 is the version with the egg & dart or 101 

border. But there is no catalog image to prove that. There is no mention of 

round, just oval." By Central Glass Company (Wheeling-WV, Company 

Operated: 1867-1891), c1882-1885 New Pattern---S. Lethbridge 

In 1883, Central advertised etched glass Hen dishes in 3 sizes. 

Measurements were not listed, but they were 8", 7" and 5". 

In 1887, Central Glass advertised etched Duck dish and 3 sizes of etched 

Hens: 8", 7", and 5". A few Ducks have been found in plain, unetched. 

In 1891, the Central Glass price list had listed: Duck, Turkey, Fish and 3 

sizes of Hens (large / medium / small). All were listed in etched glass. 

The Fish dish was also listed in etched with plain (unetched) eyes. The 

Fish dish was also listed in plain, unetched glass. This was the only 

animal covered dish to be listed in plain, unetched glass. Duck, Turkey 

nor any of the Hen dishes were listed in plain, unetched glass. 

I have personally seen only 2 unetched Duck bases. These probably 

slipped through without being etched. I’ve never seen 8" Hens in plain. 

They are always etched. As for the Turkey and 5" Hen, I believe when we 

find them in plain, unetched glass, they were produced by U.S. Glass 

Company. We must remember etched glass began as plain glass. A mighty 

few may have slipped through at Central. 

Contrary to popular belief, Central Glass did produce opal (milk glass) 

animal dishes. Duck dish, Turkey dish and Hen dishes in 5" and 7" were all 

offered in White opal. Neither Pheasant dishes nor 8" Hens have been 

found in opal. I know there is a collector owns the Fish in White opal. 

Unfortunately, by this point, I had been working on these books for nearly 

five years and forgot who and couldn’t reach out for photos. 




Limited quantities of opal were made: 

1891 pricelist read: 

130 (one hundred-thirty) #707 Medium Hens were made in opal. These 

are 7" Hens. Do not confuse these 7" Hens with L.G. Wright milk glass 

Hens. 

90 (ninety) #707 Individual Hens were made in opal. These are 5" Hens. 

(I have never seen one but would love to find one!) 

#707 Large Hens were NOT LISTED in opal. These are 8" Hens. 

130 (one hundred-thirty) #727 Ducks were made in opal. 

An indeterminate number of opal Turkeys were made in opal. The word 

OPAL was handwritten next to Etched Turkey. Turkey dish was listed 

under miscellaneous items. Because the Turkey was listed under 

miscellaneous and had no item NO., it was likely not in Central Glass' 

regular line. Etched Turkeys were listed. Opal Turkeys were written in 

ink. Plain Turkeys were not listed at all. I believe etched Turkeys were 

made in very, very low quantities and opal Turkeys, even fewer. I also 

believe the plain, unetched Turkeys we see today were made by U.S. 

Glass Company. I only know of three opal Turkeys and one etched 

Turkey. These are *** RARE**** 

#747 Fish dishes were NOT LISTED in opal. 

#758 Etched 8" Pheasant dishes were NOT LISTED in opal. Do not 

confuse the 8" #758 Pheasant dish with Imperial Glass' reproduction 

milk glass dish #214 Atterbury Dove Box and Cover. Imperial base or lid 

will be marked with IG. Imperial reproductions were produced in milk 

glass and milk glass "doeskin" (satin) between 1957-1960. 

#758 Etched 9" Pheasant dishes were NOT LISTED in opal nor round. 



Pertaining to opal, above-mentioned Pheasant dishes are meant to 

include all designs, compotes and shapes. None to date have been found in 

opal. 


CENTRAL GLASS COMPANY 

NO.727 etched DUCK 7-inch 

N0.727 Central Glass Etched Duck was produced 1887-1891. I do not 

know if the Central Duck came before the Blue Duck dishes or the other way 

around. Thus, I cannot say whether the Central Glass Duck was original. 

In 1887, Central Glass introduced their Etched Duck Dish. Collectors and 

authors have referred to this dish as Duck on Marine Base or Duck on Cattail 

Base because of its lovely decorations of cattails among aquatic plants. 

Base also presents a pebbled bottom with a frog, fish and crayfish. In my 

opinion, it is the most beautifully decorated animal covered dish base ever 

produced second only to the Christmas Tree Base (with the Swan on Water 

lid) by Challinor, Taylor & Co. 

In 1887, Duck dish was advertised only in Etched. Collectors also refer to 

this as Camphor glass. In 1891, the Central Glass pricelist included 130 opal 

Ducks and etched Ducks. 

Color of opal not specified. It is 

safe to say they were White. 

130 Opal Ducks listed. Note how 

N0.707 Hens were listed in sizes, 

but Ducks were not. I felt this 

important to point out. Other 

sources have mentioned three 

sizes of Ducks, but nothing was 

in the original ad or price list. 

1891 Central Price List, cropped. 


Central Glass Duck dishes were produced in Etched and White milk glass. 

A few unetched bases have been discovered. I have seen two. I have not 

seen any unetched lids. They may exist. The unetched bases may have 

slipped through. After all, etched glass began as unetched glass. 

Central Duck dish is unmarked. 7 1/8" long. 

After the United States Glass combine of 1891, 

Duck dish production by Central Glass Company 

ceased. They never appeared in any U.S. Glass 

catalogs. RIGHT: A hand painted etched Central 

glass Duck. The paint seems uncharacteristic for 

Central Glass Company. 

The painted Duck is 7 1/8" long. 




1887 Central Glass catalog 


Courtesy of Museum of American Glass West Virginia 




Photos from the collection of Michael Joyce 

Jennifer Patton 




Photos from the collection of Michael Joyce 




Unetched Central base by Beverley Gentry Abercrombie 

Unetched Central base courtesy of MAGWV, ALL ABOUT GLASS 




Denise Brouillette 

Michael Joyce 

Bottom of opal and etched bases from the collection of Jeffrey Swantek 

Inside bottoms of opal and etched bases 

Courtesy of the collection of Jeffrey Swantek 




Here we see a ***RARE*** beauty. Central Glass N0.727 Duck in opal 

Side by side comparison of opal and etched Ducks by Central Glass 

Photos are courtesy of the Jeffrey Swantek collection 


Blue Ducks on marine base 6-inch 

There have been Blue Duck dishes on marine bases discovered. These 

have appeared in several books. The first Duck dish I will go over is 

transparent Blue. The only place I have seen this Duck is in a quarterly glass 

magazine, ALL ABOUT GLASS by the Museum of Glass, West Virginia. It may 

have been reviewed in other literature, but I personally haven’t seen it. This 

Duck dish, like Central Glass, is also on a marine type base. But! they are 

not alike. Tails, size, color, texture and base designs are different from 

Central Ducks. For this reason, I have ruled out Central Glass Company as 

the maker. At this point, I choose to leave it as unknown maker. It looks like 

a mix between a German Inwald A.G. Duck and a Central Duck. This Blue 

transparent Duck dish is 

***VERY RARE*** as we only know 

of one dish thus far. Unknown 

maker. 6 1/8" long. 

No known reproductions. 

Blue transparent Duck photo 

Courtesy of Museum of 

American Glass, West Virginia 

Ducks with marine bases have also been found in Blue opal. There is also 

no proof Central Glass Company produced Ducks in Blue milk glass. Central 

Hen, Turkey and Fish dishes have been found in White opal, but never Blue. 

Central’s White milk glass Ducks are 7 1/8" long. Central’s Etched Ducks are 

7 1/8" long. Books have stated Blue milk glass ducks were 6 1/8" long and 6 

1/2" long. These measurements are very close and maybe easily misread. 

Though NOT the same, these Blue Duck dishes resemble the 1914 Josef 

Inwald A.G. Duck. Inwald Ducks have similarly shaped tails and cattail 

bases. Inwald beaks are more pointed and their bases have plain, 

undecorated bottoms. Inwald produced transparent Blue animal covered 

dishes. Also, Inwald Ducks are 8 1/2" long. These Blue Ducks seem to be 

some type of in-between creation/reproduction by an unknown maker. 

Literary sources have stated Central Ducks came in three sizes: 

Ruth Webb Lee (1944, Victorian Glass) described the Etched Duck dish 

on Pg. 311, shown on Pg. 319 or plate 113 as 8 1/2" long. 



Marilyn Hallock (2002, Central Glass Co. 1st 30 Yrs 1863-’93) presented 

the Etched Duck as 7" long. 

Ferson’s (1981, Yesterday’s Milk Glass Today) described the Blue opal 

Duck dish on Pg. 25, shown on Pg. 24 or plate 79 as 6 1/8" long. 

Chiarenza and Slater (1998, The Milk Glass Book) showed a Blue opal 

Duck dish on Pg. 52. Description of size was 7 1/4" long. Chiarenza 

mentions a smaller variant. He offers this smaller Duck dish as a 

possibility of being a precursor of the Central Glass version. This 

smaller size he stated was only known in Blue. 6 1/2" long. 

Blue Duck in 

Chiarenza’s Book. 

Size mentioned: 

6 1/2" long 

Courtesy of family 

of Frank Chiarenza 

All Blue opal Duck dishes on marine bases are 6 1/8" long. Judge David 

Schepps wrote an article about two Blue milk glass Ducks which were in his 

frog collection at the time of his article. (Bases have frogs on them). Both 

Blue Ducks appeared in different books and had been in different private 

collections. As I have mentioned the books above, Blues were described in 

two different sizes... 6 1/8 and 6 1/2" long. Too close too call. Schepps 

pointed out two different shades of Blue; one was darker than the other. 

Only two Blue Ducks are known of today. Maybe there are more among 

other glass collections? Let’s hope! Opal Blue Ducks are ***VERY RARE*** 

Unknown maker. They measure 6 1/8" long. 

These are similar to Central 

Duck Dish N0.727. The same 

differences in the Blue 

transparent Duck apply to Blue 

opal Ducks. Central Glass Ducks 

are 7 1/8" long. 

Ducks in Schepps’ article. Darker Duck on the 

right is the same Duck in Chiarenza’s book 

Courtesy of Museum of American Glass 

West Virginia 






TOP: Etched, Central Glass Company / BOTTOM: Blue opal, Unknown maker 

Note the differences. The blow up is a bit blurry, sorry. 

Placement of critters are not the same nor do they look alike. 

Pebbles are not the same. 

Foot rings are not the same. 


cLEAR DUCK ON MARINE BASE 6-INCH 

Like the Blue Ducks on marine type bases, this clear Duck is also atop a 

marine base. The design of this Duck dish is as near as identical to the 

Blue Ducks as can be. Eye shapes, tail shapes, designs on bottoms... all 

the same. This particular Duck base, lid and bill appears to have suffered 

and warped during the glass making process, but it is the same Duck as 

the Blues. Unknown maker. Unlike the Blue Ducks, this would not be 

considered a rare find albeit a unique find. 6 1/8" long. 

Photo by Becky Grimmer 


Clear Duck on marine base 6-inch 

This design is the same as on the Blue Ducks 

Photos courtesy of Becky Grimmer 


Clear Duck on marine base 6-inch 

Clear and Blue Ducks have same designs on lid rims and same feathers 

Clear Duck photos by Becky Grimmer 


CENTRAL GLASS COMPANY NO.747 fish 

N0.747 Central Fish was produced between 1880s-1891. Exact date it began 

is unknown. It was shown in a Central Glass catalog ca. 1880's.The Fish dish 

was also listed in Central’s 1891 price list. Fish were listed in Plain or Etched 

glass. Plain eyes were optional on Etched Fish. The base has a similar 

marine design to the Central Duck base. Hand decorated/painted Fish have 

been discovered. Multiple Fish have been found decorated with the same 

floral design. Fish were authentically decorated at the factory. However, I 

am still uncertain about the painted Central Glass Duck dish N0.727 

because the paint colors seem unorthodox to Central Glass Company.... 

almost gaudy. 

Central Glass’ 1891 pricelist did not list Fish in opal. A collector once 

mentioned owning the Central Fish in opal, but it may have been mistaken 

for a similar Fish dish made in Blue or White milk glass by an unknown 

maker which collectors nicknamed “Walking Fish” or Challinor, Taylor & 

Co. Walking Fish. Unfortunately, I never got in touch with them again. 

After the United States Glass combine of 1891, Fish dish production by 

Central Glass Company ceased. It never appeared in any U.S. Glass catalog. 

Fish is 9 1/2" long. 


1891 Central 

Glass price list 

Courtesy of Sid 

Lethbridge 







Etched Fish with etched eyes. Photos courtesy of Gayle Gyssler Marvel 



Plain, unetched eye 

Marine design 

Etched Fish with plain eyes. From the Collection of Mark Redmon 

Photos courtesy of Early American Pattern Glass Society 

www.eapgs.org 



Unetched, plain eyes 

Decorated etched Fish with Plain eyes 

Photos courtesy of Paula Rademacher 



Unetched, 

plain eyes 

Decorated etched Fish with plain eyes 

Photos by private contributor 

These two hand painted Fish were not the only ones I found in my research. 

Proof they are original and done at Central Glass factory. 



Etched eye 

Plain, unetched eyes 

Closeup of each bottom side of the base 


CENTRAL GLASS N0.758 8" Oval PHEASANT bowl 

N0.758 Central Glass 8" Etched Oval Pheasant Bowl, 1882-1885, was 

original to Central Glass Company, not a reproduction. It may have been 

heavily inspired by dishes produced by Iowa City Flint Glass Manufacturing 

Co. Iowa City operated between 1881-1882. Iowa City plates & other pieces 

had etched center scenes. Animals with floral borders were the main motifs 

for I.C patterns. Iowa City produced a toy set in Lamb pattern. Much like 

Central Glass Pheasant Bowls, I.C. Lamb finials were etched but the rest of 

the dish remained plain. Iowa City Flint Glass Mfg. Co. produced items with 

“101” patterned borders. Atterbury and Co. used the 101 pattern, as did Co- 

Operative Flint Glass Co. “Oval and Bar” or “Egg and Dart” are names which 

collectors use to describe this pattern. Some Central Glass Pheasant Bowls 

were produced with “101” borders. 

Fun fact: Both men that started Central Glass and one of the men who 

started Iowa City Glass worked for Hobbs, Brockunier and Company in 

Wheeling, WV. They did not work there at the same time, but J. Harvey 

Leighton of Iowa City Glass had a possible family member, William 

Leighton, who did work there at the same time as Oesterling and 

Henderson, who both left to begin Central Glass. 

According to... 

https://www.eapgs.net/full-images.php?idx=3130&pat=1330 

... Central’s Pheasant OVAL N0.758 Bowls were mentioned in two sizes on 

Central’s price list: 8 and 9 inches. Here, I am going over the 8" OVAL dish. 

Central’s 8-inch Pheasant dish was discontinued by 1891 because it no 

longer appeared on the 1891 price list. The lid displays either a plain or an 

etched pheasant finial decorated with ivy. The bird looks more like a 

mourning dove than it does a ringneck pheasant. Apart from etching on the 

finial, the rest of the lid is plain glass. The OVAL shaped footed base is in 

plain, unetched glass and has a starburst pattern on the bottom. Details on 

this Pheasant Bowl are excellent. 8" N0.758 Central Glass OVAL Pheasant 

Bowls are unmarked. 8" Pheasant dish measures 8 5/8" long. 

Thus far, no 8" OVAL Pheasant Bowls have been discovered in opal. 

They were not listed in opal as were a few Central Glass animal covered 

dishes. 


CENTRAL GLASS N0.758 8" Oval PHEASANT bowl 

The 8" OVAL lid will not interchange with the 8" ROUND footed bowl 

base because these are different molds. 

N0.758 8" Etched OVAL Pheasant Bowl was reproduced by Imperial 

Glass Company. Some reproductions were heavily frosted causing 

areas to look mushy. Base marked IG or LIG. Some lids may be marked 

the same. Some Imperial lids were unmarked. Beware of marriages of 

unmarked Imperial lids with Central bases. Imperial lids have less 

detail but are very convincing. Imperial Glass named their version of 

the dish ---Imperial #214 Atterbury Dove Box and Cover---. It is not 

understood why Imperial thought this dish was originally by 

“Atterbury” rather than “Central”. Imperial offered their Dove dish in 

milk glass, entirely in frosted and clear with frosted bird finials. 

Production of their dish ran between 1953-1980. 8 1/2" long. 

Central 8" Oval 

No. 758 Photos by www.ebay.com/str/ACCollectibleGlass 


central glass no.758 8" OVAL pheasant bowl 

Here you can see 

the starburst 

pattern. 

The base is entirely 

clear 

BELOW: You can 

see the foot on 

the bowl. 

This piece does not come away from the lid. I cropped photos to show details. 

Photos by www.ebay.com/str/ACCollectibleGlass 


CENTRAL GLASS N0.758 9" oval PHEASANT bowl 

N0.758 Central Glass Etched 9" OVAL Pheasant Bowl, 1882-1885, was 

original to Central Glass Company, not a reproduction. This dish looks 

exactly the same as 8" oval but is 9". 

Central’s Pheasant OVAL N0. 758 Bowls were mentioned in two sizes on 

Central’s price list: 8 and 9 inches. Here, I am going over the 9" OVAL dish. 

Central’s 9-inch Pheasant dish was discontinued by 1891 because it no 

longer appeared on the 1891 price list. The lid displays either a plain or an 

etched pheasant finial decorated with ivy. The bird looks more like a 

mourning dove than it does a ringneck pheasant. Apart from etching on the 

finial, the rest of the lid is plain glass. The OVAL shaped footed base is in 

plain, unetched glass and has a starburst pattern on the bottom. Details on 

this Pheasant Bowl are excellent. 9" N0.758 Central Glass OVAL Pheasant 

Bowls are unmarked. Because there is a one inch difference in 8" and 9" 

Central Pheasant dishes, 9-inch should measure 9 5/8" long. 

Thus far, no 9" OVAL Pheasant Bowls have been discovered in opal. 

They were not listed in opal as were a few Central Glass animal covered 

dishes. 


Photo* courtesy of Jim Thielen 

*I do not know if Jim’s dish is 8 or 9 inches as they look identical. I am just pleased that he shared it for all to see. 


central glass no.759 8" OVAL AND 9" OVAL 

“101” border pheasant bowlS 

Central Glass 8" OVAL and 9" OVAL Etched Pheasant Bowls with “101” 

pattern borders were likely item N0.759 on Central’s price list. Collectors 

suspect a sequential number after N0.758 was created due to plain and 

patterned footed bowl differences. We do not know. We do know 8- and 9- 

inch Pheasant bowls by Central Glass were offered in plain and “101” border. 

The “101” pattern, sometimes referred to as “Oval and Bar” or “Egg and 

Dart” was a named pattern that Atterbury and Company and Co-Operative 

Flint Glass Company used. Central’s pattern is not identical to these, but 

collectors use the term “101”. For sake of argument, we can consider Central 

Glass Pheasant bowls with “101” borders as item N0.759. 

Both 8- and 9-inch N0. 759 dishes were produced by Central Glass ca. 1882- 

1885. They were discontinued by 1891 because they did not appear on the 

1891 Central price list. Both lids display either a plain or an etched pheasant 

finial decorated with ivy. Apart from etching on the finials, the rest of each lid 

is plain, unetched glass. Both oval footed bases are in plain, unetched glass. 

Both sizes have a starburst pattern on the bottom. Both have a “101” border. 

Neither size is marked. 8" N0. 759 Pheasant dish measures 9 5/8" long. 

9" N0.759 Pheasant dish should measure 9 5/8" long. 

Thus far, neither 8- nor 9-inch OVAL N0.759 Pheasant bowls have been 

discovered in opal. They were not listed in opal as were a few Cental 

Glass animal covered dishes. 



central glass no.759 8" OVAL AND 9" OVAL 

“101” border pheasant bowlS 

OVAL Pheasant bowl showing “101” pattern / starburst design 

Unknown size, either 8 or 9" 

Photos courtesy of Ellaina Miller 


8" round E.A.P.G PHEASANT on footed bowl 

8" round E.A.P.G PHEASANT on tall compote 

According to the Millers of Riverside, Iowa, ROUND 8" Pheasant Bowls 

were also produced. No documentation has been found to prove Central 

Glass made them in round; therefore, the maker is still undetermined... most 

likely by a Flint Glass Company. Early American Pattern Glass (EAPG) Round 

Pheasant Bowl lids are found on two base styles: footed bowls and tall 

compotes. Footed bowls measure 3 7/8" high and have starburst patterns on 

the bottoms. Tall compotes measure 7 3/4" high. With help from Rick Miller, 

collector of EAPG Pheasant Bowls, I will do my best to describe these dishes. 

8" ROUND Pheasant Bowls are original Early American Pattern Glass. 

These round dishes were not on Central Glass price lists nor in Central Glass 

catalogs. We know they exist because they are in the Early American Pattern 

Glass database. https://www.eapgs.org shows them under Central Glass 

Company. The database shows round Pheasant Bowls and oval Pheasant 

Bowls in the same photo(s). Apart from measurement and shape, EAPG 

Pheasant Bowl lids look identical to Central Glass lids which also came in 

etched or plain. Both EAPG and Central Glass round and oval footed bowl 

bottoms have starburst designs and are otherwise plain. 

8" ROUND EAPG Pheasant Bowl lids display either plain or etched 

pheasant finials decorated with ivy. Apart from the topmost portion of the 

etched version, the rest of the dish is plain, unetched glass. Both ROUND 

footed bases are in plain, unetched glass; and one was produced in the “101” 

patterned border. Both round bases have starburst designs on the bottom. 

Tall compotes were made in plain, unetched glass and like the round, one 

had the “101” border. These compotes do not have starburst designs. 

Details on these EAPG Pheasant Bowls are excellent. 8" ROUND EAPG 

Pheasant Bowls are unmarked. Separately, bases measure 3 7/8" high and 7 

3/4" high. Overall height of lid with footed bowl is 8 5/8". Overall height of lid 

with tall compote is 12 1/2". 8" ROUND Pheasant Bowls measure 8 3/4" long. 

No round Pheasant Bowls have been discovered in opal. 

8" ROUND lids will not interchange with the 8" OVAL footed bowl bases, 

because these are two different molds. 

No known reproductions [Unless documentation ever proves these 

preceded Central Glass, in which case, Central would be the 

reproduction.] 




8" EAPG Pheasant dishes were most likely discontinued around the same 

time Central Glass ended theirs: ca.1885 or perhaps even before Central. 

There is no proof, but Central Glass may have borrowed the idea. Why else 

are the lids identical? There has been no documentation found on round 

Pheasant Bowls. Some collectors believe perhaps the EAPG Round 

Pheasant Bowl may have been made in Iowa City, Iowa in 1880, two years 

prior to Central Glass’ production. Many glass items made in Iowa City had 

no documentation. Whether it could have been made by Keota Glass Works 

in Iowa City or made by another glass factory located in Iowa City, we do 

not know. The key to this could be J. Harvey Leighton. He was a glassmaker 

in Iowa City in 1879 who once owned a glass factory near the Central Glass 

factory. His family members had ties to glass men who were tied to Central 

Glass Co. That’s not saying much. Many glass workers knew each other or 

worked with each other back then. All I can say is someone copied or 

borrowed the concept of Pheasant Bowls because although they were 

made in separate molds; they are too much alike. Who copied whom? 

According to author Mary Musgrove, who did extensive research on Iowa 

City Glass in 1964, “J. Harvey Leighton left Wheeling, WV in 1879 to join a 

group of Keota, Iowa people in establishing a glass factory there. This 

enterprise, however, proved to be less profitable than had been hoped and 

the factory was closed. According to Miss Kate B. Clover of Keota, who was 

a child at the time, Leighton then took the machinery off the hands of the 

Keota promoters and used it to start a new factory in Iowa City. This was 

Iowa City Flint Glass and MFG. Co. which Leighton established in 1881.” 

Musgrove’s book also reads: 

"History of Johnson County, Iowa," published in 1883 relates some 

information on the Iowa City glass factory, but J.H. Leighton is not among 

the community leaders whose biographies were included. "History of 

Keokuk County.'' published in 1880, however, does give a brief biography: 

"LEIGHTON, J, H., superintendent of the Keota Glass Works, Keota; born in 

Boston, Massachusetts, February 18, 1849; there he lived until about eight 

years of age, when he, with his parents moved to Wheeling, West Virginia;



he is a practical glass blower, having been brought up in the business from 

childhood, the New England Glass Works having been under the control of 

the Leighton family for sixty-five years; in 1874 Mr. Leighton started and 

operated glass works in Wheeling, West Virginia, which concern he 

operated for about four months; meeting with misfortune he lost all he 

had; being a young man of good judgment, and not easily discouraged, he 

at once went to work for Hobbs, Brockunier & Co. of Wheeling, where he 

continued for about one year, at the expiration of which time he went to 

Martin's Ferry, Ohio, remodeled and took charge of the old Excelsior Glass 

Works, now known as the Buckeye Glass Works, where he continued until 

1878, when he came to Keota and built and started the Keota Glass Works. 

“Mr. Leighton is a man of more than ordinary intelligence, good business 

qualifications, and deserves great credit and the help of the community for 

starting such an enterprise in Keota," The Iowa City glass factory was 

located on the northeast corner of Maiden Lane and Kirkwood Avenue in 

Iowa City, the official description of the site being the south half of Lot 6, 

and Lots 7, 8, 9 and 10, Block 2, Berryhill's First Addition, Mrs. Miriam 

Righter of Iowa City, in doing research for her book "Iowa City Glass," 

obtained the succession of title to this plot of ground from the Johnson 

County auditor, a record which shows transfer of title to this land to the 

Iowa City Flint Glass Manufacturing Company on June 9, 1880, However, 

Edward E, Rate, an Iowa City attorney and grandson of a later owner of the 

building, reported to Mrs. Righter that the abstract shows that title to the 

land was acquired on May 17, 1880. It is difficult to ascertain which is 

correct; it suffices that the company was incorporated in the spring of 1880 

and the site acquired shortly thereafter.” ---Iowa City Glass by MARY R. 

MUSGROVE (1964). 

It is a possibility EAPG Round Pheasant Bowls were made in Iowa City 

ca.1880. If ever proven, Central Glass OVAL Etched Pheasant Bowls would 

become known as the replica/reproduction because Central’s did not debut 

until ca.1882. 



TOP LEFT: Clear Finial / TOP RIGHT: Etched Finial 

BOTTOM LEFT: Clear Finial / BOTTOM RIGHT: Etched Finial 

Bottom two bowls have Oval and Bar/Egg and Dart 

or “101” style patterns on their rims. 

Photos courtesy of the Collection of Rick & Renee Miller of Riverside, Iowa 



Starburst design / Photos by May Ridolphi Eason 

Round base with “101” pattern 

Photo courtesy of May Ridolphi Eason 



LEFT: Clear Finial with plain compote 

RIGHT: Frosted Finial with “101” border compote 

Photos courtesy of the Collection of Rick & Renee Miller of Riverside, Iowa 


Central Glass TURKEY BOWL 

Central Glass Turkey Bowl was 

an original, not a reproduction. 

This is “THE TURKEY DISH” 

which started it all. It was 

produced in 1890. Central Glass 

patterns were produced and 

labeled in numerical order. 

Central Glass animal dishes 

each had their own item 

numbers: 

Hen -707, Duck-727, Fish-747 

and Pheasants-758 & 759. The 

Turkey dish was not assigned a 

number. It was listed under 

miscellaneous after N0.949. 

This Turkey may have been an 

experimental item or one that 

Central had not planned to be 

in their regular line, such as a 

Holiday or seasonal item. 

BELOW: Other item numbers 

were listed after 993, but were 

written in red ink. 

1891 Central Price List, courtesy of Sid Lethbridge 


Central Glass TURKEY bowl 

Opal Turkey Bowls were written in red handwriting thus added to the 

original 1891 price list. The word Opal, along with a higher price, was 

written next to Etched Turkey. Plain was NOT listed. We know from the 

price list that etched and opal (milk glass) Turkey Bowls were produced. We 

do not know if unetched (plain) Turkey Bowls were regularly produced by 

Central Glass. 

An April 12, 1890 edition of American Pottery & Glass Reporter advertised 

new Central Glass Turkey Bowls... "Central Glass Co. has a brand-new 

specialty…It is a bowl made in the shape of a Turkey, in plain, etched, and 

opal. There are two parts, the bowl and the cover, the latter consisting of 

the head, back, wings, etc. The bowls hold about a quart and can be used 

for various purposes." 

From this ad, we know for certain Turkey Bowls were already being 

produced by April of 1890. Also from the ad, we know that unetched, plain 

Turkeys were mentioned. This led me to question the colorless Turkeys. It 

was not normally the practice of Central Glass Company to produce 

unetched animal covered dishes. Even mostly unetched N0. 758 & 759 

Pheasant Bowls had some 

etched areas. According to a 

1905 article by M.W. Gleason, 

ALL PLAIN GLASS WENT 

STRAIGHT TO THE ETCHING 

DEPARTMENT. 

This 1907 newspaper article had information about 

M.W. Gleason. It came from The Brooklyn Daily Edge. 

Today, we see far more colorless Turkey Bowls than we do etched or 

opal. In fact, I have only seen one etched Turkey Bowl and am aware of 

three opal Turkey Bowls. Colorless Turkey Bowls are plenty in number. I 

believe most plain, unetched Turkey Bowls we see today were produced by 

U.S. Glass in 1898, and not by Central Glass Company in 1890-’91. As 

collectors, we understand some were indeed by Central Glass, but we 

would never know the differences in them as they both used the same glass 

mold. 


central glass company Turkey Bowl 

A May 22, 1890 edition of Crockery & Glass Journal quoted this on Central 

Glass Company... “also have a novelty in the shape of a turkey gobbler with 

head up and tail spread, beautifully etched.” We know from this quote only 

etched Turkey Bowls were mentioned, not unetched (plain) nor opal 

Turkey Bowls. 

As previously stated, I have only seen one etched Turkey and it is 

beautiful. In fact, it was the missing link to proving beyond a doubt that 

Central Glass produced the Turkey. Up until recently, this large Turkey dish 

was thought to have been produced by U.S. Glass. There was in depth 

research done by a veteran collector who presented his research to a milk 

glass society. He had set out to prove Central Glass produced a large 

standing turkey dish. 

There had been 2 mentions of a Turkey in 1890 literature in his research 

which I shared before. Both Crockery & Glass Journal and “American” 

Pottery & Glass Reporter stated that Central made a Turkey, but only one 

mentioned the size... a full quart. 

While gathering photos for this book, I hadn’t realized a glass buddy of 

mine owned an etched Turkey. He is an avid glass Turkey collector. One day 

while we spoke, his Turkey came up. When he sent photos to me, I couldn’t 

believe it. It was an etched Turkey Bowl! I had known of plain and opal but 

none of us had seen the etched. The etched was of utmost importance 

because the 1891 price list had Etched Turkey on it. It was the missing piece 

to the puzzle. Because of my friend Michael Joyce and our very long phone 

discussions about all things glass, and because of Sid Lethbridge and 

Jeffrey Swantek, I am proud to share that Central Glass indeed produced 

the Turkey Bowl. I cannot stress enough how important it is for collectors 

to collaborate. This is how we learn things! 



Central Glass Company introduced Turkey Bowl as a specialty item early 

in the year of 1890. By 1891, the Turkey was on their price list. It had no item 

number. Unfortunately, Central never had a cataloged photo of the Turkey. 

Central Turkey Bowls were produced in plain, etched and opal (white). 

Central Glass Company took pride in their flint glassmaking abilities. 

Wheeling, WV has rich history in flint glass making. Though Central 

produced flint glass, their Turkey Bowls were not made of flint glass. There 

will be no “ping” to their unetched Turkey. I have asked countless 

collectors to test the ping on their clear Turkey dishes. None said yes. 

Central’s plain Turkey is hard to identify as it is identical to the U.S. Glass 

Turkey. 

Central Glass Turkey Bowls have criss-crossed/waffled patterns under 

their bases extending to the edge*. The right foot stands out further than 

the left. Opal is ***RARE***. Etched is ***VERY RARE***. 8 7/8" high. 

Later in 1891, Central Glass joined the U.S. Glass combine and 

surrendered their Turkey Bowl mold to U.S. Glass. 

Using the original Central Glass mold, U.S. Glass continued production 

of the Turkey dish in crystal (colorless) and Polychrome painted (paint 

applied over colorless turkeys). In 1898, U.S. Glass advertised the 

Turkey which stated plain or make decorated. 

In 1926, Czech Turkeys were produced. These are similar to Central 

Turkey Bowls as they also have fully waffled patterns and the right feet 

are also extended further than the left. These were produced in many 

clear colors. The pattern under the tail is different and Czech Turkeys 

are only 8 1/2" high. 

In 1930, Cambridge Glass produced a Turkey with a fully waffled 

pattern in many clear colors. Right feet extend further than left. Tail 

feathers are almost nil. Pattern under tail is different. 

It is not known what became of the original Central Turkey mold. 

*L.G. Wright reproduction Turkey pattern does not extend to the edge of the base. 

Wright Turkey was not made using original mold. 


Central Glass TURKEY Bowl 

Here is an example of a colorless fully waffled Turkey Bowl 

Note the waffle patterns on each 

Clear Turkey photos are 

courtesy of Michael Joyce 

Central/U.S. Glass L.G. Wright 

Glass Collector's Digest Vol VIII No. 3 

ID Large Turkey Jam Jars pg.57 

by Frank Chiarenza 


Central Glass TURKEY Bowl 

Central Glass/U.S. Glass in plain & Etched by Central Glass 

From the collection of Michael Joyce, here was the missing link, 

the etched Turkey Bowl by Central Glass 



All photos are courtesy of Jeffrey Swantek 



All photos are courtesy of Jeffrey Swantek 



Illustration of floral pattern by Central 

Glass/ U.S. Glass shared from 

Frank Chiarenza's article 

in 

Glass Collector’s Digest 

Swantek Turkey 

Joyce Turkey 


central glass 

BIBLIOGRAPHY: Central Glass: 

Online: ohiocountywv.advantage-preservation.com/viewer/? 

i=f&by=1886&bdd=1880&bm=9&bd=bd=14&d=09141886- 

09141886&fn=wheeling_daily_intelligencer_usa_west_virginia_wheeling_1 

8860914_english_1&df=1&dt+10 -SEPT 1886 ARTICLE 

Online: https://www.ohiocountylibrary.org/wheeling-history/hobbsbrockunier-glasswheeling-wv-18862736 

-RESEARCH 

Online: https//:www.ohiocountylibrary.org/wheeling-history/2717 - 

RESEARCH 

Online: www.cambridgeglass.org/articles/9396/96crystalball275b.php - 

ETCHED GLASS 

Book: https://www.eapgs.net/full-images.php?idx=3130&pat=1330 - 

PHEASANT/NOTES BY SID LETHBRIDGE 

Online: https://opensalts.us/References/Catalogs/US/USA- 

CentralGlass1880s-bW.jpg -CENTRAL FISH CATALOG 

Correspondence: with Rick Miller, collector of EAPG Pheasant Bowls - 

MEASUREMENTS/DESCRIPTIONS “Thank you Rick! I couldn’t have done it 

without your help.” ---JP” 

Online pdf: 

https://pubs.lib.uiowa.edu/annals-of-iowa/article/id/10847/download/pdf/ 

State Historical Society of Iowa. Iowa City Glass by MARY R. MUSGROVE 

(1964) -RESEARCH 

Online: https://www.patternglass.com/Factory/IowaCity/index.htm 

-RESEARCH IOWA CITY FLINT GLASS CO. 

Online: silo.tips_iowa-city-glass-the-annals-of-iowa-mary-r-musgrovevolume-37-number-5-summer-1964-pps-issn-no-known-copyrightrestrictions.pdf 

-IOWA CITY GLASS BY MARY R. MUSGROVE 

Online: https://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/webbin/serial? 

id=crockeryglassj -CROCKERY GLASS JOURNAL RESEARCH 

Article: The Central Duck (with Frog), The Central Duck (with Frog) Covered 

Dish Central Glass Company Wheeling, WV by David Schepps. Source: ALL 

ABOUT GLASS The Voice of the Glass Collecting Community Vol. III N0.4. All 

About Glass is a quarterly magazine produced by West Virginia Museum of 

American Glass -BLUE OPAL DUCK, BLUE CLEAR DUCK, PAINTED DUCK. 


central glass 

BIBLIOGRAPHY: Central Glass: 

Booklet: Glass Collector’s Digest, VOL VIII, N0.3 ‘Identifying Turkey Jam 

Jars’ by Frank Chiarenza PG 60 -FLORAL ILLUSTRATION 

Correspondence: with Sid Lethbridge -USE OF HIS RESEARCH 

Correspondence: with Jeffrey Swantek -Collaborated -CENTRAL TURKEY 

Correspondence: with Michael Joyce -FROSTED CENTRAL TURKEY 

Thank you for for your permissions! 

Family of Frank Chiarenza 

Early American Pattern Glass Society 

Museum of American Glass 

ALL photo contributors

Central Glass

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