New in Cambridge Showrooms - Part II

by Mark A. Nye
Issue No. 162 - October 1986

This is the second in the series of articles dealing with Cambridge advertising copy and description of Cambridge wares taken from trade journal articles. These articles continue to supplement my presentation at the 1986 Convention. Bear in mind, if the source is an advertisement, complete sentences were not always used; hence the grammar or structure may or may not be complete or proper. None the less, this type of material makes for not only interesting, but also information reading.

China, Glass and Lamps, February 1930 - "One of the newest and most appealing lines of special glassware to appear on the market for 1930 is the 'Springtime' line being introduced by the Cambridge Glass Co. Flower bowls, console sets, vases, etc. are included in the Springtime offering which is striking with its embossed design in clear glass which is emphasized by a frosted background. Another group from this factory features black glassware in artistic combinations on new and unusual shapes."

China, Glass and Lamps, January 1930 - "A study of the Cambridge line will acquaint the buyer with many pertinent facts. A product made by a responsible firm - giving assurances of standard quality. A glassware line which offers opportunity not for one time sales, but cumulative sales and profits. An exhibit of accomplished realities in the manufacture of glassware in a galaxy of every popular color of arresting brilliancy and innate beauty - with a deftness of design. Artistically correct as well as practical."

China, Glass and Lamps, January 1930 - "Naturally, one would expect to find some new and interesting items when calling at the sales rooms of the Cambridge Glass Company, 184 Fifth Avenue. and in this respect, he will not be disappointed. This firm is showing some cocktail sets which are the last word in articles of this kind. Two of these are illustrated, one of which is square with footed tumblers to match. This carries an etching of a Grecian dancing girl, in varied poses, on all four ides. It is known as No. 1020-1021. The other shaker is the Moderne, with a new double-lipped top. This is decagon in shape, as is the footed and matching tumbler, and has an all-over etched design of climbing rose which is certainly attractive. Where desired, trays may also be had, either plain or with an attractive pattern. These sets may be had in colors of emerald, peach, willow blue, and amber, and the square shape is also made in ebony…It would be impossible to find more attractive cocktail sets than these by Cambridge."

China, Glass and Lamps, March 1930 - "This unusual aquarium has a bird in prominent position. It is etching No. 736 and is a product of the Cambridge Glass Co. Made in various colors."

China, Glass and Lamps, January 1937 - "Below is shown one of the Cambridge Glass Co.'s newest etchings, the 'Wild Flower.' It is made in a full line of stemware and flatware, as well as vases. The design may also be had in the same range of items in a gold encrustation."

China, Glass and Lamps, September 1939 - "Among the ten new pieces recently added by Cambridge Glass Co. to its popular Colonial line called the 'Mt. Vernon' are the ball jug, No. 95 with a capacity of 95 ounces, the three-part celery & relish, No. 200 and the 11-inch celery, No. 96."

Pottery and Glass Salesman, March 1940 - "The established beauty of the ever popular glass hat reaches the peak in attractiveness with this series of four delicate etchings - Rose Point, Blossom time, Wildflower and Chantilly - From Cambridge Glass. Beautifully executed in fire-finished crystal with a hand rolled rim, the items are also available in plain, cut or engraved designs."

American Home, March 1941 - "Pristine - Chaste Crystal in the Modern Manner. The flawless beauty of this creation derives from the pure form of its modern motif executed in the richer brilliance of famed Cambridge Crystal."

American Home, May 1941 - "'Beautiful' as Bridal Lace. From a superb selection of exclusive Highlighted Etchings. The traditional beauty of the old Rose Point lace is here faithfully translated to the graceful forms of fine Cambridge Crystal. By a special technique, Cambridge hand craftsmen capture in every delicate tracery a rich, luminous glow wholly unlike ordinary frosted etchings. Available in Rose Point, Diane, Blossom time, Chantilly, Wildflower, Portia, Elaine and Candlelight."

House Beautiful, November 1942 - "Cambridge Authentic Hand-Cut Rock Crystal. With a brilliance that rivals the fire of precious jewels, Cambridge hand cuttings bring to your table an atmosphere of noble luxury and true sophistication. Each design is a work of art, individually, hand-cut on pure, graceful forms, created from Cambridge crystal. Although lavish in beauty, Cambridge cuttings are moderate in price. At good stores everywhere. Cambridge hand cuttings are perfect gifts, always appropriate, always cherished, always remembered."

Crockery and Glass Journal, February 1942 - "Minton Wreath - A challenge to ornateness in rock crystal cuttings is seen in this new, delicate handling of an old motif. Individually hand-cut in rich Cambridge crystal. Minton Wreath has proved to be as quickly saleable as it is entirely personable."

Ladies Home Journal, June 1943 - "Cambridge presents Arcadia Leaves of Ice Crystal Engrave Their Beauty on New and Lovely Shapes - Latest expression of America's supremacy in glass-making. Arcadia combines freshness and originality of form with an entirely new decorative treatment of finely engraved leaf patterns which give matchless sheen and brilliance to the crystal ..."

Crockery and Glass Journal, April 1948 - "When we saw the latest brain child being exhibited at the Cambridge Glass Co. at 212 Fifth Ave., NYC, we were simply enthralled. The display possibilities of these candelabra and epergnes were as numerous as the arrangements which can be concocted from the many handsome available parts."

China, Glass and Lamps, May 1949 - "An innovation in smart crystal table appointments has been introduced by the Cambridge Glass Co. under the name of 'Cambridge Arms.' The new glass includes two or more four-holder candlestick arms which can be joined by socket arrangement into as many as 30 different decorative combinations. In addition to the use of candles, glass vases, sparkling prisms and peg-bottom nappies in which to float flowers also offer striking effects."

Better Homes & Gardens, December 1950 - "Where elegance is good taste - Cambridge etched crystal. Do you aspire to be a perfect hostess - with the finest of table appointments for your family and guests? Then, please do consider Cambridge Etched Crystal. Of beauty rare, this exquisite American handmade glassware is truly the crowning touch for festive settings, and the most appreciated of bridal gifts. The delicate lace-like designs are etched on clearest crystal and highlighted for extra brilliance. Choose from eight exclusive open stock patterns, (including the new Roselyn) available in complete settings, moderately priced."

Crockery and Glass Journal, April 1951 - "A delicate new etching called 'Daffodil'; has just been brought out by Cambridge Glass Company ... to go with the widely advertised silver pattern of the same name by Rogers Brothers. Daffodil is etched on the very modern 'Pristine' stemware shape and includes both tall and low goblets and sherbets and matching square plates ... 'Sweetheart,' another new stemware line just out, is also modern in styling ..."

Crockery and Glass Journal, January 1952 - "Daffodil, Newest of fine Cambridge Etchings. Daffodil is crystal in its loveliest, most elegant form. It is a new, fresh design aglow with brilliant light. And the graceful shapes make daffodil especially appealing for fine table settings. Daffodil is among the royal family of Cambridge etchings ..."

Can't you just hear the trumpets sounding as the "Royal Family of Cambridge Etchings" appears upon the scene, preceded by the "salteers and pepperettes" marching in formation! Collect Cambridge.