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How to Measure Cambridge Glass Swans
How to measure SWANS made by the Cambridge Glass Company, Cambridge, Ohio
Six Sizes of Cambridge Glass Swans
left to right: 3", 4½" 6½", 8½", 10" & 13" |
Measuring Swans by Frank Wollenhaupt published April, 1976
Updates to the article appear in square brackets [ ].
Accompanying photographs are not those published with the original article.
"How do you measure a Cambridge Swan?" Have you even been asked this question? In this article we will attempt to explain how to measure them, plus give you as many facts on swans as we have available."
The Cambridge Swan was introduced to the trade in December, 1928. An ad in the December 17, 1928, issue of China, Glass and Lamps, states that the useful and decorative Swans were available in transparent colors, but does not mention available sizes. A photo taken of the Cambridge Glass Company's display at the Ceramic Exposition in March, 1929, shows Swans in five sizes – 3”, 4½”, 6½” 8½” and 10”. To add to the confusion an ad in the June 24, 1929, issue of China, Glass and Lamps states that the Swans were available in four sizes – but does not mention what they were. It does, however, tell us the available transparent colors were Peach-blo, [light] Emerald, Crystal and Ebony. A later ad states that the Swans could be retailed from 25¢ to $5 each.
An ad in the April, 1930 issue of China, Glass and Lamps, stated that the Swans could be had in Satin Finish Crystal with beak in Coral Red. A July, 1930 ad read as follows: “Glass Swans from Cambridge are distinctive table accessories. They are offered in a variety of sizes from three to thirteen inches, and in a choice of [light] Emerald, Peach-blo, Crystal and Ebony. Swan candleholders used with the large Swan flower holder, make an attractive centerpiece. Our line of decorated Swans includes acid etchings. Send for illustrated booklet.” To date we have not found any of the illustrated booklets that are mentioned. If you have one, perhaps you could share it with us.
Measuring 3", 4½" & 6½" Swans |
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The 1930 Cambridge Catalogue offered these suggestions for the use of the Swans. The #1040 - 3” was to be used as an individual nut or mint; the #1041 - 4½” was to be used as a candy dish; the #1042 - 6½” was to be used as a candy dish or with a label as a Mayonnaise set or with a 2¼” flower block as a small centerpiece. The #1043 - 8½” was to be used a bon-bon dish or celery holder or with a 2½” flower block as a centerpiece. The #1045 - 13” was to be used with a 3½” flower block as a centerpiece and #1041/1050 - 4½” was a candleholder. The 1933 Cambridge Catalogue states the Swans were available in 3” and 8½” sizes in Crown Tuscan.
In collecting Cambridge Swans a person will be able to see three different body types or styles. The earliest Swan (#1042) has an all over feather detail along with short, bobbed wings. The second type (#1040) is a Swan with the wings up and only half of the feather detail when compared to the first type. [Later information revels that the first type with complete feather detail was available in all sizes up to 13”.] Both the first and second style can be found signed. [This statement applies only to the 3” size.] The third and last type looks like the#1040 in shape but has no feather detail. At this time we know of no signed Swans in this style. (This is the style that is being produced now by Mosser Glass Company.)
Measuring 8½", 10" & 13" Swans |
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By 1940 we find that Cambridge has added anther Swan to the line – #1221 - 16” Swan Punch Bowl and #1221 - 5 oz. Swan Punch Mug. To date these Punch Bowls and Punch Mugs have been seen in Crystal, Milk Glass and Carmen.
For simplicity a number of people have taken to the idea of giving the various sized Swans numbers instead of trying to talk measurements. The [Cambridge] numbers are as follows: #1040 - 3” is #1; #1041 - 4½” is #2; #1042 - 6½” is #3; #1043 - 8½” is #4; #1044 - 10” is #5; #1045 - 13” is #6; #1221 - 16” is #7. [Not everyone uses this numbering scheme.]
No. 1040 - 3" Swan
The Swan is measured from the front breast or chest, to the back of the tail or tail feathers. (see above) One last point to remember – Swan measurements may vary by ¼” to ½”, usually in the larger sizes due to settling since they were so much heavier than the smaller sized Swans.