Beaded Watermelon

I recently added another slice of beaded watermelon to my collection!



Gillinder Hand Vases

Gillinder hand vases (photo above) were produced in 1876 to celebrate the centennial of the United States. The 7" vase was made of heavy lead crystal featuring a hand holding a sheath of wheat and bearing lettering on the base/cuff reading "Centennial 1876". Reproductions began appearing in the 1990's (photo below).  Gillinder "style" hand vases frequently appear on eBay in ice blue, green, pink, cobalt blue and clear/unfrosted glass. These reproductions are of unknown origin (probably China) and are often erroneously referred to as depression glass and antique/vintage. They can be spotted quite easily. They are slighlty shorter, more crudely molded and lack the "Centennial 1876" lettering on the base (comparison photo below).