Posted 11 years ago
mikelv85
(1232 items)
When I first saw this I thought what on earth is this ?? Then I thought a minute and turned it over. Hmm... it's hollow inside and it has a water ring at the top. Ok a wall pocket without the holder. Close...but in fact it's a car or limo vase made of carnival glass by the McKee glass company. Very popular in upscale cars from the 20's and 30's. It's not marked and missing the small metal band holder which was mounted to the cars center pillar and most likely stayed behind. I would imagine it's long gone with the car by now. There probably would have been a pair as well. What an unusual piece to find at Salvation Army today ! -Mike-
Limousine or Car Vases:
Courtesy of : carnivalheaven.com
The ads displayed in the Complete Book on McKee clearly indicate the intended use of these vases. We can vouch for having seen the bracket inside a 1932 Nash Sedan, and a 1920 Ford Model T.
One more interesting aspect for their use was as grave site flower holders. The points on the bottom of these vases would most certainly have been capable of penetrating the ground without much effort.
McKee Glass Company History
Courtesy of : carnivalheaven.com
In the trade it was said that the words McKee and glass have been synonymous for over a hundred years. McKee Glass Company started operation as McKee and Brothers Glass Works, manufacturers of crystal glassware, in 1853. It started as a large concern and always maintained a large business in production and decorating and consequently was always ready and able to handle volume business.
The factory was situated originally in Pittsburgh, PA on the South Side, from 1853-1888. Later, following development of extensive natural gas fields, the company moved to Westmoreland County and settled in a town which the workers at the plant formed. The town was named Jeannette (after Mrs. McKee), and was founded by H. Sellers McKee, the owner of the McKee plant. Jeannette is located approximately 27 miles east of Pittsburgh. The town of Jeannette continued to expand and by 1929 had a population of over 18,000 in the area proper. The town also grew in glass operations and by 1929 boasted eight different glass manufacturing plants. The city became world renowned for its glass and has been appropriately nicknamed “Glass City.”
nice write up ..Mike
Why thank you Roy ... :)
This very interesting. I like reading about the companies that manufactured glass. I think it helps me recognize their specific designs. As a matter of fact, I purchased a beautiful candlestick this past weekend and after doing research I concluded it was made by McKee.
Very interesting!
I loved when the VW came out with a holder for a vase