Vintage Swung MCM LE Smith Bittersweet Orange Swung Glass Vase EUC 🧡
This lovely L.E. Smith swung vase is in great condition. No chips or cracks. Bright vibrant bittersweet mix of orange to yellow. The vase measures 15 1/4” tall. Excellent display piece. Rest assured we will package with extra care to ensure safe delivery to its new home. 🧡🧡
Condition: great condition no flaws
Condition Issues: none
Dimensions: 15 1/4” tall, base 3 1/4” diameter, center 4” wide.
Age: vintage MCM
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History of LE Smith Glassware
LE Smith Glass Company, founded in 1907 in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, is well-known for producing quality glassware for both decorative and functional purposes. Over its long history, the company became recognized for its craftsmanship and innovation in glass design, particularly with its pressed glass items and high-quality pieces often used in home decor.
One of the most notable collections in LE Smith’s history is their swung vases, which are a distinctive form of glass vases known for their tall, elegant, and often exaggerated shapes. These vases are made through a glass-blowing technique that involves the glassblower swinging the hot glass at the end of a rod to create a long, flowing shape. This unique method results in an organic, fluid appearance that has made the swung vase a prized collectible.
The Emergence of Swung Vases:
Swung vases were particularly popular during the mid-20th century, mainly in the 1950s and 1960s. LE Smith’s swung vases were made using a variety of colors and styles, often featuring vivid hues like amber, blue, and green, and sometimes incorporating a mix of clear and colored glass. The vases were a key part of home decor, complementing the modernist designs of the era.
Design Features:
• Height and Shape: Swung vases typically have a long, slender neck that is sometimes gently flared or curved at the top, and they can reach impressive heights—sometimes up to two feet tall or more.
• Vibrant Colors: LE Smith offered a wide range of colors, with some of their most popular vases being in shades like amber, turquoise, and crystal. These colors helped make the pieces stand out in the home.
• Textured Glass: Many of the swung vases feature textured surfaces, with patterns like hobnail or diamond point. These textures add depth and intrigue to the overall design.
Influence on Collectors:
The swung vases became extremely popular with collectors due to their striking beauty and the rarity of certain color variations or patterns. While they were once mass-produced, some variations and limited editions have become highly sought after in the collector’s market. The pieces often carry a certain vintage charm, and their long, elegant lines are seen as quintessentially mid-century modern.
Decline and Legacy:
Although the company’s production slowed in the later years, the legacy of LE Smith’s swung vases endures. As the demand for glassware evolved, the company shifted focus, but swung vases remain iconic in the history of American glassmaking. Today, collectors and vintage enthusiasts continue to admire the craftsmanship and artistry of LE Smith’s swung vases, and they often appear in antique stores, auctions, and private collections.
In summary, LE Smith Glass Company’s swung vases represent a key period in American glass production, capturing the elegance and creativity of mid-century modern decor. Their distinctive shapes, vibrant colors, and textured surfaces make them highly coveted pieces for collectors and aficionados of vintage glassware.
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Swag’s Rating Chart
Excellent - NOS new old stock
Great Condition - excellent used condition
Good Condition - good used condition, may have wear from use but no flaws
Fair Condition - Has one or more flaws
Poor Condition - For parts or repair. Not functional
Antique - 100 years or older
Vintage - 25 years or older
Retro - less than 25 years old
Modern - less than 10 years
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Bin: E2