Newsletter #6		Other Newsletters
October, 1999

This month's newsletter is an original article written by Mary Walrath "exclusively" for the The World of Glass Exclusives, Etc. We hope you enjoy it!!

"Staying Wide Awake While the Sleepers Sleep"

By Mary C. Walrath

It is human nature for collectors and investors to collect wisely and to invest shrewdly. So, they aim to stay ahead of the game by recognizing the best available items at prices which prevail while the sellers remain unaware of potential appreciation or future trends. But how much are they overlooking?

Up to about 35 years ago, everything old was ignored and acquiring the new was considered a status symbol. Old furniture, for instance, was hauled to the dumps and the new was considered prestigious. Garage sales overflowed with the old priced at pennies rather than dollars. Now today, things are just the reverse. This seems to be especially true in the glass world. The hunt is on for the old, thus creating high prices, while the new is being passed up and almost totally disregarded. At any rate, this seems to be the scenario at flea markets, field shows and the malls.

From about the mid 70’s through the mid 80’s, contemporary glass moved very slowly. Dealers and shop owners, instead of ringing up the sales, spent time rearranging their stock and dusting the shelves to conceal stagnant turnover. We need only to think of such giants in the industry as Fostoria, Imperial, Westmoreland, Seneca, Tiffin, and many others now no longer in existence. Just recently, Viking , closed its doors.

Even Fenton found the going to be far from easy as it slid into the 80’s. Burmese, as an example, moved slowly. As an illustration, the Fenton Violets On Burmese, produced for Levay in the 80‘s, was a discouraging inventory for many dealers. The Aqua Opalescent Cactus pieces and all limited edition exclusives were a drag on the market, resulting in close-outs as low as dealer cost only to now stir up the hunt and pay dearly. At the 1996 Fenton convention, the 6-pc. Violets On Burmese fetched $750.00 , while the next in line felt devastated because she was just a minute too late.

Imperial Slag was also a very slow mover. Advice or suggestions by caring dealers was interpreted as sales tactics. Stressing that the Jade Slag was in the catalog for only one year was like water falling off the duck’s back. Eagle boxes and Rooster boxes, which originally retailed for $20.00, now easily bring $120 if they can even be found. Prices on all slag are now out of sight, but even more so, it’s just not out there at any price.

While attending the huge Bouckville, New York annual show last month, I saw only one piece of slag -- a flat Red Satin rose bowl for $145 -- and no bargaining. So, while hunting for older pieces only, the contemporary heritage has disappeared for many and the prices have sky-rocketed out of sight. Knowing that hand-crafted glass produced today requires the same techniques used to produce the old, I do not, for a moment, hesitate to acquire as much of the new as possible. Surely, the manufacturers’ prices will never be any lower, ...availability will eventually disappear, ...and the market values will inevitably bring regret to those who hesitated.

As I focus on so much of the new lacking desirability in the eyes of walk-in customers, I am well aware of the fact that Fenton’s sales performance is increasing continuously. So, if the new is a slow seller in shops, how does that justify increased shipping? I think the answer is simple. If there are over 800 showcase dealers and the item is limited to 1250, 1500, 1750, 2250, or 2500, simple math paints the picture. Allocations in many instances are limited to 2, 3, or 4 of an item. So, more than ever, it behooves a serious collector to get well acquainted with a reputable dealer. Fenton is to be commended on the steps they have taken to mark their seconds to protect the ultimate owner from buying less than first quality, at the price of first quality.

So what are the greatest sleepers today? In short, it’s what is being produced right now!! No longer do companies stock their warehouses. "On to the next" prevails. For instance, Fenton just came out with a magnificent Aquamarine Dolphin. Guess what? It is already discontinued. I consider all Fenton to be highly collectible and investible. Smith Glass is still much over-looked as a whole. The "Moon and Stars", produced in the 70’s, is now much sought after at premium prices. Punchbowl sets, Epergnes, Water sets, and signed pieces are very desirable. Imperial Coin plates are still much overlooked. I, for one, am very eager to collect everything I can with the year 1976. Realizing how popular all "Occupied Japan" still is, I pay much attention to what is marked "West Germany". All Goebel offerings deserve attention. I especially love the "Co-Boys ", too. All limited edition exclusives are certainly quality and rarities worth owning both as a collectible and as an investment, but most of all, becoming family heirlooms. Burmese, especially the glossy, is extremely desirable.

In light of everything out there, it behooves all collectors to become extremely knowledgeable in what is being reproduced. I was startled to learn, just recently, that Tiffany, Steuben, Galle , and many other well-known names are being reproduced. So don’t always believe the signatures you see.

The subject of ‘sleepers’ is so broad that much research even into the old is necessary. It is now no longer necessary to wait years before a collectible becomes heritage. We’re in the 90’s....what are we noticing about the 80’s, as a starter?

I could write pages and pages on this subject, but I am going to summarize all my thoughts in one sentence: "Cherish the New, for as sure as God made green apples, it will become Old." How I wish I owned the Burmese Epergne, now closely touching $1,000. While some laugh going to the bank, I like to sing knowing I bought something new and beautiful for a song.