Vitreon Queen's Lusterware Punch Bowl Set Mercury Fade Silver Ombre NOT THORPE
Why do people insist on calling these items "Dorothy Thorpe"???? Nothing like this is EVER Dorothy Thorpe. This is the Mid-Century Mod punchbowl set you've been searching for! Super cool silver-fade on the punchbowl. Punch cups sway toward the swanky side, with their clear footed base and stylized shape.
It's easier to imagine this set serving a rum punch garnished with pineapple than regular old fruit punch. If you are a fan of lusterware items you know what to expect: potential inconsistencies in the silver covering, etc.
This set has been well cared for. I've been enjoying it in my house for a couple years, using it as a display piece only. Time to move it on out to make someone else's living room extra awesome! This set just SHINES and adds a bit of space age optimism to any room.
Metal Caddy: Welds are secure, solid shape, only the slightest tarnish only visible under close inspection. Punchbowl: Mercury fade silver area is solid with no scrapes or signs of abuse. There are some slight water spots.I do not want to take any silver polish to this-don't know how well the silver holds up. The shiny silver does tend to hide issues like this though-- inconsistencies and water spots etc just disappear in the gleam of it. I tried to get a good photo of it. Measures 10.5" diameter at top, 5" diameter at base and 6 tall. Cups: No chips, no cracks.
One appears worn at the top, as if someone actually drank out of it! None of the other ones have that sign of use. Just sitting round, the worn silver at the rim is not immediately obvious. Two others have a small area where you can see the clear glass below the silver. These areas do not appear to be caused by scrapes or misuse.
Almost seems like manufacturing issue. Shine up nicely with a soft cloth. But, if you have ever tried to remove all the finger prints from lusterware, you know it can be crazy-making. Just run a cloth over them, relax, and let the shine of the silver take over. Ladle: Probably not original but definitely of that era.
This is NOT Dorothy Thorpe. The internet believes it is. That's what happens when one person makes a wrong attribution and then Google's robots start telling everyone that lie. Look, Dorothy Thorpe put out some excellent glassware. This punchbowl is just not one of hers. That being said, I have lots of DT in inventory right now: chip/dip bowls, champagne flutes, etc etc. I also have more Queen's Lusterware: wine carafe set, goblets, a chip/dip set. Anyway-if you are looking for shiny, flashy MCM glassware I can completely set you up! I will also be in the Portland area in April, so could arrange meeting there. How I Assess Vintage Pieces.Please note that my written descriptions are not AI-generated! These are written by a human physically looking at the actual piece. My listings are more than just a one line list of the dimensions. I strive to identify all flaws-even minor ones-in the listing, with both photos and descriptions.
This means you know what you are getting from me. Vintage items typically have light signs of usage: utensil marks, diminished shine to the glaze, scratches on the design, chips, crazing, and cracks. Problems: In the event of a problem, please contact me asap. Feedback I leave feedback within a week after your item is received.
I appreciate the chance to make things right. If you check out my feedback, you will see I do not often disappoint. Looking for Other Vintage Mid Century Modern Items? WAXWING MID MOD may be able to help!
Let me know what you are after. At any given moment I have 100+ items not listed yet!
I focus on mid-century modern plate sets, serving pieces, barware, glassware, stemware, vases, and art. You can find me under AstridWaxwing09 on various platforms.
I love reuniting orphan glassware with its pattern family! Franciscan, Noritake, Lenox, Stangl, Salem, California potteries, Dorothy Thorpe, McCoy, Hazel Atlas, Fire King, Anchor Hocking, Pyrex, and Corning Ware/Corelle are some of the brands I seek out and educate myself about. I'm drawn to kitchenware because kitchen is the heart of the home. The ritual of choosing a plate pattern when getting married is one of the first choices an engaged couple makes together. This is when they decide what image of "successful adulthood" they want to portray to their friends and family.
Often the bride had more control over these choices-but so much less control about most everything else. Women are still fighting for control over their lives, bodies, education, and destiny.