Imperial Lead Lustre 643 with Experimental Vine Décor in Uranium Glass

We typically shy away from items in Imperial's ca. 1925 Lead Lustre line as they are not quite what was produced in the Free Hand line from 1923-24. This however is likely a ooak experimental / sample piece in form 643 and it grabbed our attention. It shows iridescent coloring and décor not found anywhere else in the Lead Lustre line, an applied vine decoration in a base glass colored with uranium. This is a very unique vase. We acquired it from Warren (bohemianglassandmore) in mid March of this year and were very pleased to receive it.
9" tall

Imperial created the Lead Lustre line in 1925 in an effort to follow up on it's financially failed attempt at producing a free hand art glass line. Free hand glass is more expensive to produce than mould blown glass, which the Lead Lustre line is. Victor Wicke wanted the look of art glass without all the expense. Lead Lustre glass was blown into paste moulds. They are regular iron moulds lined with a wet sawdust mixture. When the glass is blown into these moulds a steam envelope is created allowing the item to be spun inside the mould thus eliminating the mould seams. This achieved the look of true art glass without the expensive very skilled gaffers. It could then be stuck up, decorated, and finished.