Martha's Green Glass encompasses a very time-specific collection of glass that was produced exclusively for the Martha by Mail catalog from the late 1990s through the end of 2004. It is an assortment of glass for the home instantly recognizable by ardent collectors of jadeite, because of the unique shapes, markings and color variations. Martha's Green Glass was created for Martha by Mail by three of this country's most distinguished glassworks: Fenton, L.E. Smith and Mosser.
There are those who feel that the introduction of jadeite through Martha by Mail, flooded the jadeite collectors market, which has since caused confusion among budding collectors. This, along with the introduction of the Fire King 2000 line, continues to irk some collectors and vendors; once you get familiar with what was produced when, it isn't all too difficult to distinguish what is what. Others will tell you that the variations in color for this product line don't agree with their current collection of Fire King, McKee or Jeanette glass from the 1940s, 50s and 60s.
I agree that there is a clear difference in color saturation and color flow found throughout the Martha by Mail product line, but to my mind, it is what makes them collectible. Moreover, the fact that Martha's Green Glass was produced by glassworks in the United States for a very short period of time, furthers the notion of its desirability. The glass itself is substantial in weight and quite durable, making it ideal to use every single day.
It's incredible that there isn't much out there written about Martha's Green Glass. A few books have small mentions of the Martha by Mail jadeite, including the 'Jadite: An Identification and Price Guide', and the only online resource of good, reliable information which discusses this glass can be found by clicking here.
Although I do collect this glassware passionately, I don't own every single piece. Even so, I feel that certain jadeite pieces were overlooked when the designers were planning the merchandise. A set of green glass nesting mixing bowls would have been wonderful additions, as well as some canisters to hold foodstuffs on the counter. Cups and saucers or perhaps some mugs, to my mind, could have been added with great success.
There are those who feel that the introduction of jadeite through Martha by Mail, flooded the jadeite collectors market, which has since caused confusion among budding collectors. This, along with the introduction of the Fire King 2000 line, continues to irk some collectors and vendors; once you get familiar with what was produced when, it isn't all too difficult to distinguish what is what. Others will tell you that the variations in color for this product line don't agree with their current collection of Fire King, McKee or Jeanette glass from the 1940s, 50s and 60s.
I agree that there is a clear difference in color saturation and color flow found throughout the Martha by Mail product line, but to my mind, it is what makes them collectible. Moreover, the fact that Martha's Green Glass was produced by glassworks in the United States for a very short period of time, furthers the notion of its desirability. The glass itself is substantial in weight and quite durable, making it ideal to use every single day.
It's incredible that there isn't much out there written about Martha's Green Glass. A few books have small mentions of the Martha by Mail jadeite, including the 'Jadite: An Identification and Price Guide', and the only online resource of good, reliable information which discusses this glass can be found by clicking here.
Although I do collect this glassware passionately, I don't own every single piece. Even so, I feel that certain jadeite pieces were overlooked when the designers were planning the merchandise. A set of green glass nesting mixing bowls would have been wonderful additions, as well as some canisters to hold foodstuffs on the counter. Cups and saucers or perhaps some mugs, to my mind, could have been added with great success.
Let's go through the many images found in the former Martha by Mail catalogs so that collectors and would be collectors can become familiar with the style, color and shapes of Martha's Green Glass. It's important to know what you're potentially bidding on online or are purchasing at an antique's store. Oh yes, Martha's Green Glass has found its way into the 'antiques' market already and it is commanding quite a mark up.
NOTE: Keep in mind that I may not have every single piece that was offered from Martha by Mail on display here. Moreover, there are some images in this post that are shown as examples of the glass item in a different color, such as pink & milk glass. Many jadeite pieces were not marked, but those that were will have Martha by Mail (all caps), MBM, Fenton or an 'S' (this for L.E. Smith) somewhere on the vessel.
I asked a couple of collectors to tell me in their words why they started collecting this jadeite.
Kenn states: I started collecting Jadeite (primarily Fire-King) after seeing the cupboards in Martha’s studio filled with the milky green glass. My collection was growing by leaps and bounds when Martha introduced “Martha’s Green Glass” through the Martha by Mail catalog. I immediately knew I wanted to add many of these pieces to my collection.
What I liked about the Green Glass collection from Martha by Mail was the unique designs. The cake stands had a traditional look, yet were also quite modern. The covered dishes (rooster, turkey, acorn, and others) were pieces that had a bit of whimsy – but were adaptable to a well set table at holiday time.
I always found the Green Glass collection to be sturdy and well made. Much to my surprise, being rather loyal to the deeper jade color of the Fire-King line, I liked the slightly lighter color of Martha’s Green Glass as well as the slight color variations within an individual piece. Several of my pieces have slight ‘swirls’ of color (typically on the underside of the piece) which only adds to the unique nature of the glassware itself.
For me, outside of the love of the color, it was about the design of the line, and the quality of the line. As each new Green Glass item arrived in the mail, I was never disappointed. Years and years later, the same Green Glass has held up quite well and is still put into frequent use.
Kevin writes: When these pieces were introduced in the Martha by Mail catalog, I was impressed by their quality, weight and proportions. They were priced less than what I was paying for original jadeite pieces (which has skyrocketed due to Martha's influence) at antiques stores, and made a nice addition to my Fire King collection.
The photographic glossary above, shows a small sampling of what was offered. Variations in sizes among some of these pieces, such as small, medium & large flower pots, fish dishes and leaf plates, are common.
B. Condiment Bowl (5"W x 3-1/2" H)
C. 8" Bowl
D. 5" Bowl (set of 2)
E. Hen Egg Plate (12-1/2"L x 11"W; 12 oz.)
F. Hen Dish (8-1/2"L x 6-1/2"W x 6"H; 12 oz.)
G. Creamer (5"L x 3-1/2"H; 12 oz.)
H. Faceted Tumbler (2-7/8"W x 4-1/4"H; 6 oz.)
I. Faceted Pitcher (6"H; 26 oz.)
J. Hobnail Shakers (1-3/4"W x 5-1/4"H) set of 2
K. Medium Flowerpot (3-3/8"H) set of 3
L. Hobnail Vase (4-1/4"W x 7-3/4"H)
M. Grape Leaf Dish (8-1/2"L)
N. Bunny Egg Cup (3"W x 3"H) set of 2
O. Turkey Toothpick Holder (3-1/2"L x 2-1/2"W x 3-1/2"H) set of 2
P. Covered Box Set; Includes large (3" x 3-1/2" x 5") and small (2-1/2" x 3-1/2" x 4")
Q. Handel Vase (5-1/2"W x 5-3/8"H x; 54 oz.)
R. Pedestal Vase (4"W x 6-1/2"H)
S. Nesting Rabbit Dish (5"L x 3-1/2"W x 4-1/2"H; 4oz.)
T. Melon Dish (5-1/2"L x 4"W x 6"H)
U. Fish Dish (8"L x 5"W x 3"H)
V. Turkey Dish (6-1/2"L x 5"W x 3"H)
W. Rolling Pin: modeled after a rare vintage find. An aluminum cap at one end can be removed to fill the pin with ice water so dough stays cool while you roll; tiny holes in the cap make it easy to sprinkle dough with water or flour. (14"L x 2-1/2"W)
X. Scalloped Cake Stand (11"W x 4-3/4"H)
These dainty egg cups were used by the catalog to hold candies, tiny bouquets as well as other items. The pressed glass, footed eggcup (3) came as a set of 2. The bunny egg cup was pressed from a 1950s mold.
A breakfast tableaux shows the iconic jadeite covered rooster sitting on the large 13" round platter. The covered honeypot is to the left, and below that is another round platter with four of the 5" bowls. Wedges of honeydew sit on the 8" soup plates, which are stacked on top of the 9-1/2" dinner plates. The small flower pots being used for egg cups measure, 2-1/4" high and came as a set of 4.
Covered Dishes
Martha by Mail: Covered dishes with animal themes were popular from about 1880 to 1910 and are very collectible today. Our modern versions are ideal for servings of soups or dessert, side dishes, or candy and nuts.
Covered dishes played a large part of the Martha by Mail jadeite collection. This Easter table shows white milk glass bunnies (these were made in jadeite) and a covered hen dish, as well as pedestal vases.
There aren't a lot of photographs of the covered Cabbage Dish which was introduced at the beginning of 2001. The dish measures, 7"W x 4" H with a 4" diameter bowl underneath the lid.
The covered Melon Dish (lower photo) is sitting next to an a covered Acorn Dish with sugar squirrel. The latter measures, 7-1/2" x 6" x 4" with a 12 oz. capacity.
Perfect for a spring celebration are these covered bunnies. The larger bunny has ears that rest along the body of the bunny, and is surrounded by a nest of eggs along the base of the lid. The smaller bunny has upright ears, and seems to be perched a bit higher up. Both bunnies have basket-weaving along the base of the bowls.
This is another fine photograph of the Hen Egg Plate & Hen Dish.
The dishes A3 & A4 are examples that I haven't seen quite as often as those in the A2 group. A3 is known as 'Little Chicken' and measures 5-3/8"L x 4-1/8"W x 4"H. The adorable A4 dish is known as 'Spring Lamb'. The recumbent lamb lid sits atop a picket fence base. The dish measures 5-3/8"L x 3-7/8"W x 4"H.
A single ice cream scoop sits inside the bowl of the small bunny.
The Beehive Honey Pot stands on a footed base and the domed lid has a slot for its tiny serving spoon. It measures 2-3/4"W x 4-3/4"H. The square boxes on the bottom left are known as 'Covered Box Set'. Sold as a set of 2, the small box measures, 2-1/2" x 3-1/2" x 4" and the large box measures, 3" x 3-1/2" x 5". The box holding toast is known as 'Faceted Covered Dish'. Martha by Mail states, "this style of dish was created in the 1950s to store candy. Use the dish without its lid to serve slices of toast; covered, it houses anything from jewelry to desk supplies." It measures (6" x 6" x 4"H)
Here are other photographs showing the faceted tumblers, as well as the covered boxes.
A trumpet vase can be used for so many different arrangements, but the grouping of hydrangeas here is perfect. The trumpet vase measures 6"H and holds up to 30 oz. The small dish next to the vase was sold as a 'Salt Dish' and came as a set of 2. Those measure 7/8"H x 3-1/8"W.
The stack of three L.E. Smith cake stands (8", 10" & 12") have honeypots (without the lids) and the votive candle buckets. To the right you can see the faceted Fenton tumblers. The tumblers were sold by the glass or as a set of 4.
The 'Bucket Votive Holders' were sold as a set of 4, measuring 2-3/4" x 2/-3/4" each. The catalog states, "these charming votive holders resemble little wood buckets- right down to the tiny groves in their "planks".
Here is a perfect example of how varied the color can be in each piece of Martha's Green Glass. Swirls of pale green mixed with the jadeite are very common among certain pieces. This 'Faceted Jug' was made by Fenton and measures 6"H x 7" from spout to handle.
This is the very collectible 'Pressed Glass Basket' made by L.E. Smith. "The heirloom-quality basket is made of substantial hand-pressed glass using a 1940s mold. The basket has a feather design, creating a scalloped edge. Weighing just under 7lb., it makes a sturdy vase when used with a flower frog." The basket measures, 7" x 13" x 10-1/2"H.
A hobnail vase was turned into a bedside table lamp for the catalog. "The shape of an antique pressed-glass vase appealed to us so much, we wired it to make a lamp; we are pleased to offer a replica to you. Perfect for a bedside table in a guest room or nursery. Stands 16" tall; silk shade has a 10" diameter."
This unusual dish is called 'Pressed Glass Bunny Plate'. It was offered in pink (shown), jadeite and milk glass. It measures 6"L x 4-5/8"W x 1/2"H. States the catalog: Use this detailed plate as a butter dish or a spoon rest.
The 'Grape Leaf Dish" came in two sizes, small (8-1/2") and large (11"). "Serve cheese, fruit or hors d'oeuvres on this delicate grape leaf. Pressed from the original 1936 mold."
The table setting here confirms the jadeite color spectrum that is common for the entire Martha by Mail Green Glass product line. The Grape Leaf Plates are among the lightest in color, while the Scalloped Cake Stand runs on the darker side. As a collector of this glassware, I find it extremely fascinating to see these distinctions.
Here is a fine example of the Scalloped Cake Stand.
"Modeled after a vintage stand in Martha's collection, this stand adds a decorative flourish to cakes and other desserts. Fluted base stands 4-3/4" high and the plate is 11" wide.
Used to introduce Martha's Green Glass, the cover of the summer 1998 issue of Martha by Mail, has a stack of cake stands, along with bucket votive holders and beehive honeypots.
This photo shows a clear cake stand on top of one made in jadeite. The cake stands give a very clear profile of the cake plate as well as the base.
The Holiday 2004 catalog, the last ever to be printed, shows a single cake stand next to the footed 'Dessert Cups'. The dessert cups were sold as a set of 4, each measuring 3"H x 4"W.
The green glass is a natural around the holidays. This is from the Holiday 2004 catalog.
The Hobnail Dessert Collection includes: Flared Compote (6" W), Dessert Cups (set of 4; 4-1/2" W) and Pedestal Cake Stands (6" W, 8" W or 10-1/2" W). These were some of the last pieces of jadeite that were producers before the catalog folded.
I hope you've enjoyed this retrospective overview of Martha's Green Glass. If you're a budding collector of jadeite and would like to start with some Martha by Mail Green Glass, visit online auction sources and keep your eyes opened at flea markets, antique stores and even tag sales. I've had individuals show me pieces selling for a few dollars! It's good to become familiar with the shapes of the Martha by Mail line.
The glorious pieces of jadeite made during this era continue to grace many homes today, because of their enduring charm and quality. The fact that many of these pieces solidly command prices double to triple their original price, suggests that collectors can't get enough of the green glass. It is a testament to its appeal, excellence in craftsmanship and its beautiful, timeless design.
Enjoy collecting your Martha by Mail jadeite!
WOW! This is an incredible post. Thank you very much for pulling all this together. I think I am going to pin every picture here!
ReplyDeleteWell done, my friend! A great look at Martha's Green Glass! I do love my collection!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kenn and Kristin! This post was long overdue and I'm glad it's finally out there. Someone had to do it! :)
ReplyDeleteI started collecting fire king jadeite years ago. I was going for that vintage farm house theme at the time. I have always been a gardener and reader. So years ago I started watching martha on TV every morning. Mainly interested in the gardening topics. And fell in love with the gardens and home on turkey hill. Well I continued to watch through the years. And continued to purchase fire king jadeite, Martha's jadeite and any other green glass out there. I use it all. Thank goodness it's still around! I miss her tv show and catalog terribly. But thanks to you David you are keeping it alive and very well I must say! Keep up the good work. You put so much work into it! Smiles.
ReplyDeleteBTW. Martha's jadeite r some of my favorite pieces.
ReplyDeleteDavid I have a question for you.
ReplyDeleteI bought some green glass from Macy's years ago. Repo jadeite. No markings or stamp. Heavy like restaurant ware. Can u identify? Ill send u a pic. ; )
Coco, I haven't had time to ask people about that Macy's jadeite. Yes, do send me a pic and I'll put it through my jadeite gurus! :)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your green glass and many thanks for the encouragement!
David
I wonder if there is a site that lists every item in the Martha by Mail green glass. Did she sell measuring cups?
ReplyDeleteThis blog post tells you everything that was ever made in green glass for MBM. Measuring cups were never made for the catalog.
DeleteThanks. I must have misread the post.
ReplyDeleteI have a reamer that is marked MBM in green glass.
ReplyDeleteAwesome!! Thank You for all the work you put into this! I am new at collecting Jadite, and this was an awesome post!!!!!
ReplyDelete