Chattanoogans will soon have the opportunity to view – and purchase – one of the most broad-based collections of glass ever before seen in the area. According to antique appraiser and estate sale handler Jim Blair, this collection ranges from the 1890’s until just recently.
In addition to glass from every decade since the 1890’s, Mr. Blair also points out that there is a wonderful collection of books, postcards, toys, china, knives, coins, artifacts and fine glass to be had at very reasonable prices.
The estate sale is set to take place Saturday, Sunday and Monday, Aug. 14, 15 and 16, at 206 Hillcrest Road in the Brainerd area. Times are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, 12-4 p.m. on Sunday, and 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Monday.
When one enters the house it is akin to walking into a museum or high-end glass wares studio. Among the pieces available are some that are definite studio quality while others are high-end collectibles.
Mr. Blair is joined in his business by his son, Justin, who said, “I feel like I’ve grown up in the business.” Justin does most of the research for the father/son team. He said, “For the people that know these names and manufacturers, this will perk their ears.”
Among the names to whom he is referring are Fenton, Nancy Daum, Lalique, Westmoreland, and Bristol. In addition, there are two Victrolas, one Edison and one Brunswick, in working condition with authentic Edison recordings from the early 1900’s. Listening to them brings back memories from a by-gone age when this technology was the I-pod of the day. Their cabinets are in near perfect condition.
Other names that will be recognizable to collectors are Kelsey Pilgrim and Kosta Boda. Many of these pieces, as well as those previously mentioned, are signed by the artist.
Mr. Blair said that among his personal favorites among the offerings is a Viewmaster reel, made special due to the accompanying reels still being in their original packaging. He was also taken with a vintage hand-cranked juice press from the late 1800’s, constructed from cast iron.
Another unusual piece is a 1953 piece of Rookwood glassware. There is also a seven-piece Oertel Bohemian art glass set consisting of a carafe and six glasses. Mr. Blair also points out one of the most complete collections of 19th century Bristol glass from England. This particular set is made special in that it has hand painted birds where the usual pieces in this line were a floral pattern.
Of the Fenton pieces, there are 50 pieces including a Mulberry pattern of which only 1750 pieces were made. The collection also contains a beautiful light blue “Gone with the Wind” lamp.
There are also Sam Hogue paper weights and marbles which are signed and numbered, along with Irish depression glass and a Fenton pickle caster with tongs, circa 1890, that is hand painted.
Mr. Blair said, “I’ve never seen such a complete collection of Carnival glass. The last time I saw anything to compare there was a line formed when we opened with a huge rush on the tables and people grabbing for the items.”
This estate sale is special in that the house itself is also up for sale by the owner. It has three bedrooms and 1.5 baths, a backyard gazebo amongst a beautiful garden. There is a koi pond in which the fish themselves are up for sale.
The glassware is from a collection of over 30 years and also contains over 100 pieces of Ruby and Royal Ruby glassware in the fan and pineapple pattern from Westmoreland and Fenton.
For those interested in collecting other pieces of history there are Civil War-era clay marbles, Indian arrowheads and coins from around the world, as well as many pocket knives.
The sale is being handled by Blair’s Antiques, estate sales and property appraisals. For more information, they can be reached at 227-2270 or 883-2815.
(Email Dennis Norwood at sportswriter56@comcast.net; follow him on Twitter at DennisENorwood)