Serenity 'Glass with Class'

All collectors are looking for that special shop or shopkeeper - Avid Blenko COllECTOR and Vice President of the Blenko Collectors Society - Larry Bartholf is 'That Shopkeeper' for many Blenko Collectors - Larry was kind enough to provide us with info and photos of the Glass Shop he owns in Texas.

Note: He does phone and email orders.

Serenity ‘Glass with Class’ the Crown Jewel of Historic Downtown Carrollton TXAnd home to “Wags von Floppy Puppy” and "Spats Houdini Damnit"Larry Bartholf didn’t grow up aspiring to be dealer in American elegant handmade glassware – things just sort of worked out that way.“We were sorting through some things left behind by my mother-in-law after she passed away, and found some antiques, including glassware.” “She had a wonderful collection that we decided we would try to grow.”Unfortunately some of our early experiences were not favorable, as Carol and I encountered some less-than-scrupulous dealers who preyed on our lack of knowledge about glassware.“We didn’t know what we were doing”. “But we kept going and eventually grew from a few pieces in a shared storefront to now having many thousands of dollars in glass inventory spanning more than one hundred years of production, by many different companies, several no longer in business.Serenity ‘Glass with Class’ carries several exclusive brands including Blenko Art Glass, Fenton Art Glass, Franz Collection fine Porcelain at their location at 1013 S. Broadway in Historic Downtown Carrollton TX.Serenity ‘Glass with Class’ also has a wide array of vintage Handcrafted American glassware by Fostoria, Tiffin, Cambridge, and other historic American glass companies.“We’ve established relationships with some of the best Glass artists and dealers from around the country.” “As a result we have a wide variety of merchandise from crystal nail files to fine porcelain tea sets from studio art glass pieces to dramatic accent pieces for the most formal table settings. All of this along side elegant handmade glassware from the 1880’s to present. Much of this inventory is handcrafted in America, with many items coming from companies that no longer exist.“That’s because glassmaking is a dying art.” “For numerous reasons- one is its very labor intensive. It is hot, dirty, hard labor. Your working in front of a furnace that’s got two thousand + degree molten glass in it which you are moving from place to place with metal pipes.” “Couple this with the rising cost of natural gas and raw materials makes for a very costly operation.”“The finished product can be exquisite, however, and all the more valuable for those who appreciate quality workmanship.” “It’s art.” Very much so, in the sense that when you look at the glassware that’s available today on the open market, from China or Europe, it is probably a product that ‘s never been touched by human from the time the raw materials are received at the factory until the final inspection.”Work done exclusively by machines takes away from the products crafted feel, there is no comparison in the overall quality.Prices range from less than $5 for glass “Faith Stones” to upwards of $500 for some of the stores more dramatic collectible handcrafted vases. Larry invites everyone to stop by, pet “Wags” and "Spats" learn about American handcrafted glassware, and enjoy the vibrant colors and exquisite art forms during normal business hours or to call 214-724-5081. We will research and identify your vintage American handcrafted glassware free of charge, just bring in a piece and we will do the rest.Happy Glass hunting and collecting to all!!!!!Serenity 'Glass with Class'1013 S BroadwayCarrollton TX 75006Website:

http://serenityantiques.com/Blog: americanglass.blogspot.comEmail: larry@serenityantiques.com

Phone: (214) 724 5081

#1 Blenko Chalice 22" X12" - 2007
#2 Fostoria Tobacco Jar and Ewer - 1890's
#3 Hawkes Cheese Server - 1880's
#4 Blenko 'Wild Rose" - 1944
#5 Osburn 'Black Cat' - 2008
#7 Fostoria American Hurricane with Chimney -1940's 1950's
#8 Fostoria American Bell candle (marked sample) - 1936 - 1958
Can you identify the photos?