Caprice Update
by Mark A. Nye
Issue No. 129 - January 1984
In the November 1980 issue of the CRYSTAL BALL, I described a Caprice bowl I felt was a production item, but was unable to locate a Caprice item number. It has since been learned this bowl was indeed a production item during the early years of Caprice and was listed as #64 9" four footed, two handled, oval bowl. It was discontinued prior to mid 1939.
In the February 1982 issue of the CRYSTAL BALL, I wrote of a piece that appeared to be a Caprice gravy boat. It is now known this is from the Krystol Shell line and is the #124 7" three footed, oval bonbon. (See following paragraph) This, however, in no way prevents it from being used as a gravy boat when using the Caprice dinnerware.
Early Caprice researchers included the following pieces in Caprice listings, based on catalog illustrations. Since then, thru additional research and examination of examples, it has been determined these items, while very similar to Caprice, do have pattern differences and are rightly called Krystol Shell or Sea Shell. While the pattern on the sides of the pieces is Caprice like, the design in the bottom is not Caprice. Adding to the confusion was the appearance of these items in Moonlight as well as crystal, together with pieces being found in Alpine.
- #120 6" 3 ftd. bonbon
- #121 5½" 3 ftd. bulb bowl
- #122 7" 3 ftd. bonbon, flat
- #123 7" 3 ftd. crimped bonbon
- #124 7" 3 ftd. oval bonbon
- #125 8½" 3 ftd. plate
Imperial reissued the Caprice #200 line of stemware during 1963 and called it Curlicue Crystal.
The #125 8½" three footed celery and relish was made in two styles: one with an all over pattern, including the bottom; the other with a plain bottom. It is not yet known which came first and why the change.
There are indications the open handled punch cup was never produced even though it did appear on a Cambridge price list.
A limited amount (15 pieces) of Caprice Alpine, Moonlight Blue and Crystal was being offered in 1950.
* = As of October 1983