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Help! Semon Bache and Co.?

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    Posted 14 years ago

    badrabbitg…
    (2 items)

    Hi everyone!
    I need your help finding something out about my flea market find. I fell in love with these 1950's amoeba shaped, glass and mirror tables the first time I laid eyes on them. I've been researching their label ever since.
    Their stamp reads "SEMON BACHE & CO., New York, City, EVALAST Genuine Electroplated, Copper Back, 11-17-59".
    All I can come up with is information on Jules S. Bache, an entrepreneur on wall street around the turn of the century. Even the woman I took them to for an appraisal couldn't come up with anything. To me, they are priceless but my insurance company doesn't see it that way!
    If anyone knows anything about this company, could you PLEASE let me know. Or, if you just want to comment on them I'd love your opinion! Personally, I think they are just too fun!
    Thanks in advance for your input!

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    Comments

    1. MsDowAntiques MsDowAntiques, 14 years ago
      SEMON BACHE was a mirror company -- probably some furniture company bought the mirrors and made the tables -- I can't find out anything more at this time -- I would suggest watching ebay. Good luck determining insurance value.

      _______________________________________
      Research notes:

      On Saturday, September 20, 1947, a U.S. federal trademark registration was filed for EVABRITE. This trademark is owned by SEMON BACHE & COMPANY, NEW YORK , . Trademarkia.com is a free search engine of publicly available government records. Trademarkia.com is not a law firm and does not represent owners & correspondents listed on this page.
      The correspondent listed for EVABRITE is ? of , , . The EVABRITE trademark is filed in the category of Lace, Ribbons, Embroidery and Fancy Goods . The description provided to the USPTO for EVABRITE is FRONT SURFACE MIRRORS FOR USE IN SCIENTIFIC APPARATUS, PROJECTORS AND MOVING PICTURE APPARATUS.

      The USPTO has given the EVABRITE trademark serial number of 71547389. The current federal status of this trademark filing is EXPIRED.

      http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:4fAUK64nIrwJ:www.trademarkia.com/evabrite-71547389.html+SEMON+BACHE+mirror&cd=5&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us



      SEMON BACHE & COMPANY
      WALL MIRRORS, HAND MIRRORS, AND MIRRORS...

      * that owner no longer owns the brand

      http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:d7FDFx87b4UJ:www.findownersearch.com/category-wall%2Bmirrors-brands.html%3Fsort%3Do+SEMON+BACHE+EVALAST&cd=5&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

      * company was in Greenwich Village -- as of 1940s -- according to a book called LASER
      http://books.google.com/books?id=VZ3dsdWRz6kC&pg=PA28&lpg=PA28&dq=SEMON+BACHE+mirror&source=bl&ots=-Htqiu73xD&sig=TQXG1xuG10HN3CnLYWARfoAHOYw&hl=en&ei=8-U8TIzpO8OC8gaY_tmkBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CBoQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=SEMON%20BACHE%20mirror&f=false

      Biographical dictionary of American business leaders - Google Books Result

      John N. Ingham - 1983 - Business & Economics - 2026 pages
      Semon Bache became one of the country's leading manufacturers of quality mirrors and glass fabricators. --he came to the US in the 1840s, died 1891 -- his son was Jules Semon Bache (financier/businessman) died in 1944

      http://books.google.com/books?id=KRjPBj19i-4C&pg=PA37&lpg=PA37&dq=SEMON+BACHE+mirror&source=bl&ots=UeqNrMveXS&sig=rxL8e35DIrw-wrS16xnwrd3pmcE&hl=en&ei=8-U8TIzpO8OC8gaY_tmkBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7&ved=0CCoQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q&f=false

      http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:C2Y5I9NUaLcJ:www.columbia.edu/cu/lweb/digital/collections/cul/texts/ldpd_6221441_000/pages/ldpd_6221441_000_00000060.html+SEMON+BACHE+mirror&cd=28&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

    2. badrabbitgirl badrabbitgirl, 14 years ago
      MsDow,
      Thank you so much for the information. You are obviously a better researcher than I am! You found more than I have in almost two years! YOU ROCK!!!
    3. MsDowAntiques MsDowAntiques, 14 years ago
      You're welcome -- I enjoy the challenge!
    4. Savoychina1 Savoychina1, 14 years ago
      MsDow...you're my hero !

      http://books.google.com/books?id=CGmhthcZf0kC&pg=PA352&lpg=PA352&dq=Semon+Bache+%26+Co+furniture&source=bl&ots=pU-_qCAJAw&sig=NDhGBdz3rzEpjHPGF92OTQaRq_Q&hl=en&ei=6Wg-TKa2GMG88gaN7N2hBA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CCYQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=Semon%20Bache%20%26%20Co%20furniture&f=false

      This lawsuit references the muirror company (American Beauty plate mirrors) and Semon Bache furniture division.
    5. MsDowAntiques MsDowAntiques, 14 years ago
      I love google books! They do all the hard part.

      Please correct me if I am wrong, and know that this is a fun exercise and learning experience for us all -- the key to searching IN THE BOOK with google books is the search box in the left hand column.

      When you search that book with the words SEMON BACHE and FURNITURE -- using the in-the-frame search box on the LEFT, not the search box at the top -- the results show Semon Bache referenced along with the Cronk Chicago Furniture Co -- so I still don't think Semon Bache made furniture. Here's the search link I used:

      http://books.google.com/books?id=CGmhthcZf0kC&pg=PA352&lpg=PA352&dq=Semon+Bache+%26+Co+furniture&source=bl&ots=pU-_qCAJAw&sig=NDhGBdz3rzEpjHPGF92OTQaRq_Q&hl=en&ei=6Wg-TKa2GMG88gaN7N2hBA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CCYQ6AEwBA#v=snippet&q=Semon%20Bache%20FURNITURE&f=false

      The link that you put doesn't show the word 'furniture' in the results, even though it appears in the top search box (but not in the left-hand search box, which is the critical one).

      So, I think it is still a mystery as to who made the tables.

      As to value, I'd say that since they are not marked with any well-known furniture company, and that Semon Bache and EVALAST don't seem to come up connected to anyone company or companies, that the value would be much less than if they were attributable.

      Humbly submitted.

    6. Savoychina1 Savoychina1, 14 years ago
      Dear Humbly, you are right. This is fun AND enlightening. You over estimate me...I simply google the hunt till I find something. Top box, left box...with my memory I could never reproduce the trail. However I will concede to you on this. Under "Handbook of the United States Tariff:containing the tariff act...pg 83 mentions furniture manufactured by the George C. Flint Company (New York)...containing mirrored plates, manufactured by Semon Bache & Co. Same handbook, page 96, Shows Hawkes Furniture Company (Indiana) also making furniture with mirror plates from Semon Bache.

      So you are right...Semon made the glass plate...someone else assembled it ! Touche'
    7. Carolyn, 14 years ago
      I just pulled a wood framed mirror out of my sons trash, it was left behind when his nieghbors moved out.The back of the mirror was stamped with the same stamp thats on your table only the date reads 11 07 49 and it does'nt say genuine electroplated copper back, everything else is the same printing.On the right side of the stamp is a very large XM.I've done just like you...searched the internet and came up with nothing except your page.If you discover anything more I'd love to know , like you I'm very interested to find out about this mirror.In the mean time its getting cleaned I will hang it and enjoy.Carolyn
    8. Savoychina1 Savoychina1, 14 years ago
      Hey, Carolyn, how about a picture of the mirror and the stamp ? !
    9. Carolyn, 14 years ago
      I'll get right on that pic, I've done some more looking since I last wrote and read about Semon Bach,without the e at the end who came to America from bovaria in 1843 and became one of America's biggest glass manufacturer's.His uncle advised him to add the e the last name. He died in 1891 and one of his many children kept his company going.Unfortantly they did'nt give his childs first name, Jules semon bache was one of his sons but I don't know if he was the child that took over the business.I will get that pic taken and get the site I read this from
    10. Carolyn, 14 years ago
      Ok, I googled glass maufacturer semon bache and on the first page you'll see New York states prominent and progressive men htt:/www.archive.org/stream/newyorkstatespro04hrr/newyorkstatespro04hrr_d and this is where I read about this gentleman .There are 2 articals one right after the other.
    11. david, 14 years ago
      i have two end tables and a coffee table that are labeled with same info and looke just like these i would like to know what you have found out about them i cant seem to find out what they are worth
    12. Christina, 14 years ago
      Hi. I haven't found anything out! I'd love to see a picture of your coffee table though, I bet it's awesome!
    13. david, 14 years ago
      i also have a fourth table , i am not sure what it is for but it is two tier glass on top mirror on bottom just like the other coffee table and end tables i took a picture w my phone and i wll see if i can send it to the site i am on the road sales and dont get much time for this kind of thing but i am curious about these tables a
    14. Christina, 14 years ago
      David,
      Thanks for responding. I know it must be difficult to find the time when you are traveling. I am so wowed by the fact that you have four of these tables, and more than a little jealous! Can you tell me where you found them?
      I'd still love to see pictures if you can find the time!
      Thanks again!
    15. david , 14 years ago
      i got them from a friend who i was helping move a older lady into an assisted living facility and she wanted me to have the tables i believe they were quite expensive , of course i didnt ask , i really dont have the space or area to keep them but i would like to know their value , i lost my job recently due to layoffs and could use the space and money , ill try to get a picture on soon let me know if you find out value please thanks, Dave the date on the back is 12/07/1959
    16. Christina, 14 years ago
      Dave,
      I've been trying to find a value for these tables for over two years. So far, I've got nothing. You are the first person I've come across who's seen anything like them. I would like to sell mine too, simply for the fact that they make me a nervous wreck! All that glass!
      Maybe one of these days I'll be able to afford an appraisal. When that day comes, I'll be sure to let you know.
      Good luck and God bless!
    17. tracymorris, 14 years ago
      yes i have three of the same tables was wondering about the co and what they are worth they are stamped 4-17-1958
    18. Vickie Carter, 14 years ago
      I have a mirror with Revlon etched in upper right corner and the back is stamped with this same Semon Bache & Co. 12-12-50. I don't know anything either, just that I too have a mysterious mirror.
    19. Paul G, 14 years ago
      Semon Bache Mirrored Coffee Table...in mourning. I recently found a pristine kidney shaped 3 legged-table in a 2nd hand shop shop, similar in style to the header pics posted. stamped S&B 1959-Glass top, mirrored 2nd tier. It was to be the centerpiece of a mid-century Italian redecoration. On the ride home, in a near traffic accident lockup- the mirror broke.
      I now learn the 3/8" mirror glass is no longer manufactured in the US. Regrettably 1/4" is not recommended by the seasoned glaziers I've spoken with as the span punctured by 3 table legs will leave it very likely to crack. Does anyone know of the source for 3/8" Mirror? An old slab or a reliable source of import?
      Slab size needed approx 48"x32".
      I am absolutely inconsolable over the situation. Any help or guidance is sincerely appreciated.
      Paul
    20. Paul G, 14 years ago
      To follow-up. If anyone has an S&B coffee table in whole or in part, they would like to part with? Let's chat :).
    21. Loretta Kearney , 13 years ago
      Semon Bache and Co. was the oldest mirror and glass co. in NYC. It was on Christopher St. in Greenwich Village. My father was their bookkeeper.
    22. Henry DelTosto, 13 years ago
      The company was located in a building at the corner of Grewnich & Morton St. in NYC. The tradename "Everbrite" was coined by my father, Enrico Henry DelTosto, who ultimately became president of the firm when it was purchased by United Industries in the 1960's.
    23. WalrusDroid, 9 years ago
      My ancestors created the Semon Bache & Co., so I might know a little bit about the subject. Jules Semon Bache's father created the company in 1898 after moving to New York City from Bavaria. It was a glass manufacturing and importing company. Jules Semon Bache was born on November 9, 1861. When he was older, he inherited the company from his father. Surprisingly, was a passionate art collector as well as an incredibly successful banker and business owner. The company closed down around the 1960s. However, Semon Bache died in 1944. Before he died, in 1941, he helped to create the New York branch of the Escholier Club (Semon Bache was a large fan of broadway theatre). If you'd like to know more of the company and Jules Semon Bache, here's a Wikipedia page: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jules_Bache
    24. Dchoarder Dchoarder, 9 years ago
      I still have 4 of these tables I will follow up with pictures if anyone would care
      to see them , they are in storage and my wife will never agree to using them in the
      house , so someone should put them to good use .

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