Mount Washington Glass: Premier Victorian Art Glass Manufacturer

Mount Washington Glass Company was one of the foremost American art glass manufacturers of the nineteenth century, operating in New Bedford, Massachusetts, from 1837 until its merger with the Pairpoint Manufacturing Company in 1894. Under the direction of William Libbey and later Frederick Shirley, the company produced an extraordinary range of decorative glass types that represented the pinnacle of Victorian American glassmaking. Mount Washington's output included Burmese, Crown Milano, Royal Flemish, Albertine, Peach Blow, and numerous other distinctive glass types, along with fine cut glass and decorated opal glass. The company's work was exhibited at major expositions and sold through the finest retailers of the era.

Identification and Marks

Mount Washington glass identification relies primarily on glass type, decoration style, and applied marks:

• Crown Milano: Identified by a pale opal body with raised gold enamel decoration, often floral or geometric. Marked with a purple crown and "CM" stamp on the base, though not all pieces carry the mark.
• Royal Flemish: Distinguished by stained glass-like raised enamel lines dividing the surface into sections of different muted colors. Marked with a "RF" cipher on some pieces. Among the rarest Mount Washington types.
• Burmese glass: Shades from salmon pink at the top to pale yellow at the base, produced by adding uranium oxide and gold to the glass batch. Patented by Frederick Shirley in 1885. Comes in both glossy and acid (satin) finishes. Thomas Webb and Sons in England produced a licensed version marked "Queen's Burmese."
• Peach Blow: Shades from rose-pink to pale blue-gray. Mount Washington's version is distinguishable from Wheeling and New England Peach Blow by its color range and matte finish.
• Albertine (Albert ware): Opaque glass with painted landscapes or figural scenes, often mounted in ornate metal fittings.
• Napoli: Clear glass with enamel decoration applied to both the interior and exterior surfaces.
• Lava glass: An extremely rare type with applied chunks of black basalt-like glass creating a volcanic texture.

Metal mounts on Mount Washington pieces were frequently supplied by Pairpoint, which produced silver-plated and silver fittings. After the 1894 merger, production continued under the Pairpoint name.

Types and Forms

• Table glass: Sugar shakers, salt and pepper shakers, toothpick holders, cruets, and condiment sets in Burmese, opal, and decorated glass.
• Vases: Large exhibition vases in Crown Milano and Royal Flemish, as well as smaller decorative vases in Burmese and other types.
• Lamps: Kerosene lamps and later electric lamps with Burmese, Crown Milano, or decorated opal glass shades and bases.
• Biscuit jars: Covered jars with silver-plated fittings, often in opal glass with hand-painted decoration. Among the most commonly found Mount Washington forms.
• Bride's baskets: Bowls in art glass set in ornate silver-plated frames.
• Dresser items: Jewel boxes, ring trees, pin trays, and perfume bottles.

Price Ranges

Condition Factors

Enamel decoration integrity is the primary condition concern with most Mount Washington glass types. Crown Milano and Royal Flemish pieces depend on their enamel work for both beauty and value. Worn, rubbed, or flaking enamel significantly diminishes value. Gold enamel is particularly vulnerable to wear from handling and cleaning.

For Burmese glass, the color graduation should be vivid and well-defined. Fading or unevenness in the pink-to-yellow transition reduces desirability. The acid (satin) finish should be uniform and free of water spots or mineral deposits.

Silver-plated metal fittings should be original to the piece. Mismatched or replaced fittings reduce value. Check for proper fit, consistent patina, and appropriate Pairpoint or Mount Washington markings on the metalwork.

Chips and cracks are particularly damaging to value in art glass, where the surface finish and color are integral to the piece's appeal. Even small chips can disrupt the visual effect of shaded glass types.

Collecting Tips

• Learn the physical characteristics of each Mount Washington glass type thoroughly. The company produced many distinct types, and proper identification is essential for accurate valuation.
• Be aware that Burmese glass was also produced by Thomas Webb in England (marked "Queen's Burmese"), by Gundersen-Pairpoint in the 1950s-1970s, and by Bryden and Fenton in later years. Only original Mount Washington production carries the highest values.
• Crown Milano marks can be faint or partially obscured. Examine the base carefully under magnification and good lighting.
• Royal Flemish is the rarest of the major Mount Washington types, and authentic examples command premium prices. Study the distinctive raised enamel line technique to distinguish originals from later imitations.
• Metal fittings often bear Pairpoint marks with date codes that help establish production periods.
• Lava glass is extraordinarily rare, with very few documented examples. Claims of Lava glass should be examined with extreme skepticism and verified against published references.
• Handle all Mount Washington glass with clean, dry hands. Skin oils can damage enamel decoration over time. Use padded supports for display to prevent contact wear.