Consolidated Lamp and Glass Company: Art Deco Glassware

The Consolidated Lamp and Glass Company, founded in 1893 in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, became one of America's most innovative glass manufacturers during the Art Deco era. While the company initially produced oil lamps and utilitarian glassware, it achieved its greatest artistic success in the late 1920s and 1930s with lines like Ruba Rombic, Catalonian, and Martele, which rivaled the best European art glass of the period. Today, Consolidated's Art Deco production is avidly collected, with Ruba Rombic pieces ranking among the most valuable American art glass of the 20th century.

History and Production

• 1893: Founded in Coraopolis, PA; initially produced oil lamps, globes, and shades
• 1920s: Introduced innovative art glass lines under designer Reuben Haley
• 1928: Launched Ruba Rombic, a revolutionary cubist-inspired glass line -- among the most important American Art Deco glass designs ever produced
• 1926-1930s: Produced Martele, Catalonian, Dancing Nymph, and other art glass lines
• 1932-1936: Factory closed during Depression; reopened briefly
• 1942: Company permanently closed; molds were sold to other manufacturers, including Phoenix Glass Company

Key Lines and Patterns

• Ruba Rombic (1928-1932): Angular, cubist-inspired forms in smoky topaz, jungle green, lilac, silver, and other colors; designed by Reuben Haley
• Martele (1926-1930s): Relief-molded patterns including Bittersweet, Dogwood, Iris, Tiger Lily, and Line 700 (various birds and flowers)
• Catalonian (1927-1930s): Textured glass with an antique appearance, featuring bubbles and irregularities reminiscent of old Spanish glass
• Dancing Nymph: Figural pattern featuring Art Deco female figures in relief
• Con-Cora / Cosmos: Later decorative lines with floral patterns

Identification

• Ruba Rombic: Unmistakable angular, faceted forms; not marked, but the design is unique and immediately recognizable
• Martele patterns: Relief-molded floral and bird designs; some pieces marked "CONSOLIDATED" or with a paper label
• Color identification: Colors have specific names (Jungle Green, French Crystal, Honey, Reuben Blue) documented in company catalogs
• Phoenix vs. Consolidated: Phoenix Glass acquired some Consolidated molds and reissued patterns; Phoenix pieces tend to have crisper molding and may have different color palettes

Auction Price Ranges

Condition Factors

• Chips and flakes: Even minor chips on Ruba Rombic's sharp angular edges significantly reduce value
• Color consistency: Evenly colored pieces are preferred; uneven coloration suggests production defects
• Relief sharpness: Martele pieces should show crisp, well-defined relief patterns; worn or shallow molding indicates a later pressing
• Surface wear: Scratching or cloudiness reduces value, particularly on clear crystal pieces
• Completeness: Lamps should have original bases, fittings, and shades

Collecting Tips

1. Ruba Rombic is the crown jewel -- any piece in this line is desirable; Jungle Green and Lilac are the most sought-after colors
2. Distinguish Consolidated from Phoenix -- Phoenix Glass reissued many Martele patterns; Consolidated originals generally have softer detail and different color palettes
3. Martele patterns offer excellent value relative to Ruba Rombic and are beautifully decorative
4. Catalonian glass provides an affordable entry into Consolidated collecting with its distinctive rustic texture
5. Color dramatically affects value -- unusual or rare colors in any line command premiums over common clear or white examples
6. Jack Wilson's "Phoenix and Consolidated Art Glass" is the essential reference for attribution and identification