Consolidated Glass Shaker (Leaf, Overlapping) in Blue

Blue shaker in the Leaf, Overlapping pattern by Consolidated Lamp and Glass, Circa 1896-1900.
The pattern consists of 6 overlapping rows of sharply defined leaves.  
Stands 1-7/8" tall. 
Would have been offered in several opaque colors, including: pink, blue (shown), green custard and white. Also offered in the color of "pigeon blood" in clear glass. Some colors would have been cased. 

Shakers made during this time often had unfinished, jagged rims as the manufacturer figured the caps would hide all the defects. 

Lechner (second edition, page 47) classifies this pattern as "very scarce". 

My replacement value $50.00

Moses in the Bulrushes

Moses in the Bulrushes

A chubby baby lounges among a scattering of flowers on a base embossed with bulrushes. 5" long covered dish with a lot of opalescence, 19th century, not signed (although attributed to McKee)
Shown in the Newbound Collector's Encyclopedia of Milk Glass on page 76 where the value is listed at between $200.00-$250.00. 
This particular piece has gold paint in a stitch pattern around the edging of the base. 

Better view of the bulrush base.

There are actually 2 versions of "Moses" with some noticeable differences:

He certainly is a well-fed baby!

• Moses in the Bulrushes (photos shown are of this version)

1. Has a bulrush base.
2. The lid is raised about 1/2" above the base.
3. Not signed.

• Moses on a split-rib base (not pictured)

1. Has a split-rib base.
2. The lid is much more flush with the base, rather than being raised.
3. Signed by McKee.
4. This version is a little more difficult to come by.

I have a theory as to why this piece of milk glass is so hard to find: the lid is extremely difficult to remove from the base. Your fingers can't get any traction, and just slip off. To remove the lid from mine, I flip it over in my hand and pull up on the base; much easier that way. I would imagine a lot of the lids were dropped and broken. Just a theory. 

What is a compote?

During the Victorian era, and well into the 1930's, a favorite dessert was fruit cooked in a sugar syrup. This mixture, either eaten plain, or served over cake or ice cream, was called a compote (or comport is another way to say it). The serving piece with a base, stem and flared bowl used to hold this favorite treat came to be called by the same name-a compote. 

This 19th century Challinor, Taylor Open Compote would have held fresh fruit on a Victorian dining table.

There are mainly 2 kinds of compote: open and covered. An open compote would be used for fresh whole fruit or yeast rolls, while a covered compote was preferred for anything with liquid, such as applesauce or fruit salad....or a blueberry compote :) Window screening was not widely used in Victorian households, so flying insects would have been a major problem during the warmer months. The covered compote, of course, helped to keep the pests out of the food.

This covered compote, with a hobnail pattern,  would be ideal for holding  applesauce or fruit salad.

The mistake many people make is to use the term "compote" for any piece of glass with a flared bowl supported on a stem. In order for a piece to be truly labeled a "compote", it must be able to hold at least several servings. It is a serving dish, after all, and should accommodate more than one person. As an example, a sherbet dish, although having a flared bowl supported on a stem, cannot be called a "compote" because it only holds a single serving of dessert. 

Although compotes (the fruity desserts) are not as popular today, compotes (the serving dishes) can still be pressed into many areas of service. They work beautifully as vases for fresh-cut flowers, as holders for fat, fragrant candles, or.... fruit bowls, or.... to hold a mountain of potato salad. Endless opportunities here!

And, just in case this post has gotten you in the mood for something sweet:

Berry Compote

1/2 c. sugar

2 tsp. cornstarch

2 c. fresh berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, or a combination)

1 T. lemon juice

Combine sugar, cornstarch and 1/2 cup of water in a saucepan, add berries.  Bring to a boil and simmer until thick, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Serve warm or chilled. 

Imperial Glass: Daisy Lattice Covered Candy

1950's Imperial Glass.

Lattice design to the base with daisies on lid surrounded by a twisted rope border. Finial is an artsy swirl. 

4" tall and 6.5" across.

IG logo on both the base and inside lid.

I love the pretty feminine appearance contrasted with the heavy 
substantial weight. 

Excellent condition.

My replacement value for this piece: $25.00