Wanted to Share the Blenko I Found Yesterday. Glass Lovers Only

[diggummup]

Found a "sleeper" estate sale yesterday. By that I mean it was posted late on Saturday, Craigslist only, showing furniture only. I found several things there but this is my favorite piece. It is a Blenko Minaret decanter # 5815m, stands 25 1/2" tall and the color is called honey. This decanter shape was an innovative and popular design produced between 1958 and 1967. It was only produced in this color from 1965-67 though. The original designer was Wayne Husted, a popular mid century designer for Blenko. The best part is, it was only $10. The wine bottle is just for size reference.

 

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[clovis97]

Nice find!!!!

I've found quite a few pieces of Blenko in the past, but never like that one!

That piece would sell fast at an antique mall that we sell at. Crazy fast, in fact.

 

[clovis97]

Dig,

How is the Blenko market these days? A few years ago, it plummeted, and very little was selling.

I went to an estate auction and the woman of the estate collected Blenko. There were literally boxes of it, and several people ran the prices through the roof because they too knew it was Blenko. Some of those pieces sold for big money, and the ebayer's that were going to strike it rich were trying to hawk it at the same flea market I sell at just a few weeks later.

The last time I studied Blenko, the only things that were commanding big prices were the 50's and 60's pieces like you have, but that was a few years ago or more.

 

[vpnavy]

Nice find and super supporting history diggummup. Thanks for sharing...

 

[diggummup]

Dig,

How is the Blenko market these days? A few years ago, it plummeted, and very little was selling.

I went to an estate auction and the woman of the estate collected Blenko. There were literally boxes of it, and several people ran the prices through the roof because they too knew it was Blenko. Some of those pieces sold for big money, and the ebayer's that were going to strike it rich were trying to hawk it at the same flea market I sell at just a few weeks later.

The last time I studied Blenko, the only things that were commanding big prices were the 50's and 60's pieces like you have, but that was a few years ago or more.

It's about the same I guess. It's the older pieces that usually get the most money. I have about 8-9 pieces that were made in 2001 and signed by Richard Blenko. They aren't worth too much yet. But I like them and they will stay in the cabinet for now.

 

[clovis97]

It's about the same I guess. It's the older pieces that usually get the most money. I have about 8-9 pieces that were made in 2001 and signed by Richard Blenko. They aren't worth too much yet. But I like them and they will stay in the cabinet for now.

I bought a few pieces at that auction to keep, just because they were cool. Two new bowls, probably from the late 90's, but they are beautiful with stunning color.

I should have added in my other post that all the Blenko at that auction were new pieces. Nothing was made before the 90's. They should have done their research before the auction started.

Are there any identifying marks on the older Blenko pieces? I passed up on several pieces last fall, but I am sure that they weren't Blenko. Any way to tell, for certain?

 

[diggummup]

I bought a few pieces at that auction to keep, just because they were cool. Two new bowls, probably from the late 90's, but they are beautiful with stunning color.

I should have added in my other post that all the Blenko at that auction were new pieces. Nothing was made before the 90's. They should have done their research before the auction started.

Are there any identifying marks on the older Blenko pieces? I passed up on several pieces last fall, but I am sure that they weren't Blenko. Any way to tell, for certain?

With Blenko, it takes a semi trained eye and a little knowledge. Nothing beats actually handling the glass itself though. Many pieces of Blenko are unmarked or they had a sticker on them that no longer exists. Knowing the colors also helps. There is much information online about Blenko glass, including catalogs that will identify specific pieces with a production number and other info.. Many people think that because something is bright, colorful and handblown that it is Blenko. Not true. There were/are several companies that did/do look a likes, repros, and similars including Empoli (which isn't a bad thing for vintage), Pilgrim, Viking, Kanahwa and others. Here is a few links concerning Blenko fakes and other info. relating to Blenko-

Blenko Archive - Fake Blenko and Similar Glass

glasshouse Newsletter Archive; essays, postings and information about Blenko and Empoli glass

Blenko Catalogs - The Blenko project : Advocate for growth and preservation of Blenko glass

Blenko Marks

Between all of these websites, you can find most of what you need to know about Blenko, short of actually handling and comparing items side by side.

 

[clovis97]

Thanks, Dig!!!!

 

[2Minnesota]

Love it!

 

[diggummup]

I just found another piece I had that I didn't even know was Blenko. No. 991 optic rib pitcher, can't tell if the color is aqua or juniper though.

 

[clovis97]

Pics of the pitcher??

 

[diggummup]

Pics of the pitcher??

I took a pic of it. It looks more green than blue in the photo. Now i'm not sure about the aqua color. Now i'm leaning towards the juniper. It does have a more bluish color looking at it in person though. It could even be Peacock.