National Depression Glass Association
Preserving America's Glass Manufacturing Heritage
America's Symbol: the Eagle
by Gwen Shumpert
Glass Review - July 1986
Since July brings us "Independence Day" I thought it would be appropriate to bring you a patriotic theme. Our American glass companies evidently found a good subject in one of our country's symbols -- the eagle -- so let's take a look at the different styles.
All photos referenced in the text appear at the end of this article.
The first photo, top right, is a magnificent 8" tall bookend from New Martinsville Glass Co. The base is in the shape of a shield, 5" long x 3¼" wide, the quality of the glass is excellent.
Directly below that is the Cambridge bookend, 6" tall on a 4½" base. The glass is top quality and, as you can see, there is less detail than the New Martinsville eagle. Imperial Glass Company reproduced this in July, 1964 and discontinued production January 1, 1968. they called the figurine "Elegant Eagle"; it was not sold as bookends. There was no trademark on any of these eagles.
Now lets look at Imperial's own design. The middle photo at right shows their candle adapter that can be used many ways. There is a candle well in the back of the ball (the eagle is "standing" on it). The peg base fits into any candle holder and some flower frogs as pictured. You will find this eagle included in the popular "Candlewick" line and also in the "Federal Column" bookends as pictured in the photo at top right. The eagle is 5" wing to wing and is 5½" tall (including the peg base). The base of the "column" is hollow, 4½" tall and measures 5" at the base. There are 7 column and 7 stairs at the top. These bookends make even book collectors notice them!
The bottom left photo is Fostoria's bookend. The half circle base is 4½" wide and the eagle stands a bit over 7" tall. The glass is top quality and there is good feather detail on the wings.
And finally, bottom right is Fenton's "American Bicentennial" paperweight in red slag (Patriot Red) produced of course, for the 1976 celebration! The detail is great and the eagle sits on a round 4" hollow base. The Fenton logo and the words "American Bicentennial" with the dates 1776-1976 are embossed inside the base. Remember, this is the only figurine shown that bears a trademark (it's also the only one in color).
Let me close this article by wishing each of you a happy and safe 4th of July - I hope the postal service is on the ball and you receive these greetings on time!
 New Martinsville |
 Imperial "Federal Column" |
|---|---|
 Cambridge |
 Imperial on flower frog |
 Fostoria |
 Fenton Bicentennial |