Collections » Artifacts

Victorian Burgundy Glassware by Fostoria, circa 1933-1943

Goblet
Sherbet
Dessert Plate
Salt Cellar
Creamer
Sugar
Wine Decanter
The Fostoria Glass Company, renowned for its elegant and finely crafted glassware, produced the Victorian Burgundy collection between 1933 and 1943. This exquisite line showcases the artistry and innovation of Fostoria during the height of its production. The Victorian Burgundy series is particularly notable for its deep burgundy color, achieved through a meticulous glass-making process that infuses the glass with a rich, amethyst hue.
Fostoria’s Victorian Burgundy glassware exemplifies the blend of utility and beauty, capturing the essence of early 20th-century American glassmaking. Each piece in this collection is a cherished example of Fostoria’s dedication to quality and design, making it highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs of fine glassware.

Ahooga horn made by Spartan from Ford Model A

This authentic Ahooga horn from a Ford Model A (1928-1931) is an exemplar of early automotive acoustics. Invented by Miller Reese Hutchinson and popularized by its distinctive sound, this horn served as an essential alert system in an era when cars were becoming a common sight on American roads. The horn operates through a unique mechanical system featuring a spring steel diaphragm and a cog wheel. When engaged, it produces the iconic Ah-oogah sound, a noise that has since become synonymous with vintage automobiles. This horn not only provided practical road safety but also became a cultural symbol of the automotive boom in the early 20th century.

Sternau & Co. Coffee Percolator

This is an early 20th century, Arts & Crafts style, coffee percolator on an alcohol-based heating stand that is made from copper, glass and ebonized wood by the American copper appliance firm of Sternau & Co. There is a patented date of 1901 for some of the proprietary elements in this piece. Though this was more likely made slightly after 1901. S. Sternau was established in Brooklyn, NY in 1893 and they made chafing dishes, percolators, and small appliances. They produced canned heat and what is now known as Sterno brand cans.

Kerosine Chamber Lamp

The design includes a small handle, making it a finger lamp, which allows for easy carrying around the property. These lamps were widely used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries before the advent of electric lighting.

The lamp in the photo has a traditional design with a metal burner, which would hold a wick to burn the oil, providing a reliable source of light. Such lamps are now popular as collectible items and are appreciated for their historical value and decorative appeal. They come in various designs, sizes, and glass colors, with some even having distinctive patterns or painted decorations.

This particular lamp, with its clear glass and simple handle, is a good example of a functional yet elegant piece from that era. It would have been used in homes for lighting purposes and is now sought after by collectors for its vintage charm and practical design.