By Mike Horine Glass from the period between 1850’s to about 1910 is called Early American Pattern Glass (EAPG) or simply “Pattern Glass” but most collectors just call it EAPG. During this time frame there were hundreds of glass companies making table ware, in what is estimated to be as high as 3,000 different patterns. However, some of the patterns had only a few items, and some only one, but the rest had several items in each pattern. Glass from this period was first known as Flint Glass, until in the 1860’s when the flint or lead was needed for the war effort. Therefore a new clarifying agent was needed to produce a crystal color glass. Glass then became known as “Non-Flint” or “Soda-Lime” glass. One of the most widely known series of glass from this period is U. S. Glass’ “The State Series” which features patterns named after 38 different states. They started with pattern #15029 better known as Indiana and finished up with #15084, New Hampshire. This series started in 1897 and ended in 1903.
One of the more popular patterns from this series was the #15057, but was better known as Colorado and was first manufactured in 1898. By 1904 U. S. Glass had produced thirty five patterns bearing the names of states.
Many collectors of the state patterns would say there were thirty eight (38) patterns, not thirty five (35). They would be correct. There were three patterns made prior as state patterns before U.S. Glass started their program. These states were Dakota, Idaho, and Montana: all produced by Ripley & Company of Pittsburgh, PA., before Ripley became a member of U.S. Glass in 1891. The first, Dakota was manufactured around 1885 followed by Idaho and Montana. An important note on two of these patterns, Idaho and Montana were that they were blown, not pressed. The Montana pattern is known to have the fewest items produced in their line. A pitcher and tumblers were the only items of record.
American Pattern Glass Table Sets coauthored by Gene and Cathy Florence is a great source of information.
Email
Follow Us