All About Culver MCM Glassware
All About Culver MCM Glassware
Culver LTD, or Culver Glass, were producers of some of the highly coveted and collectible vintage glassware out there. The company became an icon during the Mid Century for their use of 22k gold incorporated into the designs of their glassware lines.
A Brief History of Culver Glass
Culver Ltd. was founded in Brooklyn, New York, in 1939, by Irving Rothenberg. The company produced glassware with decorations that were decorated using a variety of different methods in their early days, including acid-etch, sand-blasting, hand painting, and silk screening. All that changed however, in the late 1950s, when the company began using 22k gold to decorate their glassware lines. More to come about that later... Irving ran Culver successfully until his death in 1987, after which his son, Mark 'Mickey' Rothenberg took over operations of the successful company. Irving had moved the company to New Jersey in 1980 and in 1996, Mickey sold Culver to the Moderne Glass Factory. After selling his father's company, Mickey would take over operations of another glassware company until his death on 9/11/2001. Tragically, Mickey had been killed as a passenger on the terrorist hijacked plane from Newark to San Francisco that crashed in Pennsylvania as a part of the 9/11 attacks.
Becoming a MCM Glass Style Icon
The late 1950s brought a new design method to Culver, Ltd. The company had begun using a top-secret super heated roll-on method of applying the gold foils to their glassware. To this, day the details of this process remain unknown. Whatever their method entailed, it worked. The popularity of the brand and its gorgeous 22k gold decorated barware glass soared and so did sales. The company would go on to produce over 75 different patterns of vintage barware glasses and accessories until the late 1980s when Culver Ltd. stopped production of their own glass and instead began using "blanks" purchased from other glassware companies. The glass produced and distributed by Culver was sold only at high end department and jewelry stores and could often be seen displayed on black velvet among the store's other finer offerings.
Most Popular MCM Culver Patterns
Throughout the company's history they were known for producing some of the most beautiful and collectible of all vintage glassware. Out of the over 75 patterns attributed to Culver, there are a few which are more desirable than others. The following is a list of some of those more popular patterns of the iconic 22k mid century barware.
- "Valencia"- "Valencia" was released in 1962 and is hailed as the company's most popular pattern line. It features gorgeous gold gilding and Moroccan style filigree trellis with emerald green triangles in the centers of the openings in the trellises. On eBay, a nice set of "Valencia" mid century barware, including the ice bucket, tongs, 6 glasses, and the carrying caddy rack, was sold for $250!
- "Prado Green"- Another 1960s pattern was called "Prado Green" and features the iconic 22k gold decorating scrolls checkered with green squares. A set of 8 highball glasses will cost you around $99 while the martini pitcher runs another $75.
- "Pisa"- "Pisa" is a textured mid-century line featuring the 22k gold with green ovals. A set of 8 lowball glasses sold on eBay recently for $160 while a set of 8 highball glasses sold for $99.
- "Antiqua"- "Antiqua" is much simpler than the other styles discussed here with it's design being featured as a crackled 22k gold band around the top and bottom of the glassware with oval shaped openings spaced along the band. A set of eight "Antiqua" lowball glasses recently sold on eBay for $115.
- "Seville"- Released in 1960, "Seville" is often harder to find in good condition than some of the other popular patterns by Culver, like say, "Valencia". The design motif of "Seville" is that of 22k gold and turquoise diamonds.
- "Paisley"- "Paisley" was released alongside the other mid century favorites and is decorated all over with a red and gold design motif. A set of six lowball glasses in the "Paisley" pattern were recently purchased for $90, while a set of four highball glasses sold for $65.
Identification
The label used by Culver has been changed a few times since their founding in 1939. Originally, a silver script Culver was included in the design, and then in the 1960s-1970s, they changed to block lettering. Many pieces made after the 1970s are unmarked and in addition to being included in the glassware's design, foil and paper labels were also both used. Most pieces that you find marked "Culver" are from the 1950s-1960s. After the company sold to the Moderne Glass Factory, many of the mid century patterns would be produced without the Culver named being included.
Culver Glass Today
After being sold to the Moderne Glass Factory in 1996, Culver's patterns were produced, although in low numbers and a definite lull in production can be seen after the death of Mickey Rothenberg in 2001. Many seasonal and holiday patterns are being sold on the Culver brands website. They are signed Culver and can add some classy elegance and style to any holiday gathering!
Other Well-Known MCM Patterns By Culver
From top-left: "Cannella" , "Toledo Black", "Mushrooms", "Mardi Gras" (jeweled jester), Second row: "Florentine", "Gold Herringbone", "Chevron in Silver", Third row: "Owls", "Tyrol", "Chantilly Gold"
Well that's all I've got for you on the iconic MCM glass company, Culver LTD. If you haven't checked out this week's new Think Ya Know? Thursday, do it now and check your knowledge of vintage glassware sets. Be on the lookout for a special Easter post coming this weekend and there's still time to save 30% on unique, vintage gifts for Mom at TheVintageVixenShop Mother's Day 30% off Sale. Free Shipping included with every purchase! Come back next week for a look at vintage glassware Swanky Swigs.
Until then, Happy Hunting!
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