HEISEY GLASS "ROMAN KEY", ANTIQUE JAM/JELLY COMPOTE, C. 1901-10

This adorable octagonal pedestal base, jam or jelly compote was made by the Heisey Glass Company of Newark, Ohio. It carries the identifying logo being that of a capitol “H” inside a diamond. It measures 7 1/2” Length by 3” Height and has a beautiful clear blank. The pattern is known as “Roman Key”.

COMMENT: Augustus H. Heisey, of German descent, opened his glass factory in April of 1896 in Newark, Ohio. There he operated it until his death in 1922; at which time his two sons, E. Wilson Heisey and T. Clarence Heisey continued operations until its closure in 1957.

The “H” inside a “Diamond” was to be the factory’s trademark and was registered in 1901. Although Augustus insisted on his pieces being signed, many pieces still left his factory unsigned. Prior to 1901, no pieces were signed; and some of his colored pieces, which were produced mainly during the twenties and thirties, were not always signed upon departure from the factory. After the early 1950’s, there were less and less pieces signed.

The success of this company was the quality and clarity of his glass as well as great designs in blown, pressed, etched and colored. He was a hit with the American people at the time and was surviving quite well during the war years when many factories were closing. He did not actually produce any American Brilliant Period Cut Glass, but did produce a line of glass which he called “Heisey’s American Crystal” which was actually “blown glass”.

Today, his glass is avidly collected. Many pieces are very moderate in price; however, like all glass, there are always more expensive pieces, depending on color, shape, design and pattern and rarity. Prices can go from one end of the spectrum to the other. Many books on the subject have been written and as we know a museum to house his glass is located in Newark, Ohio and is known as the Heisey Glass Museum.

All in all, why people seem to like his glass, other than what I have mentioned above, is because it has great clarity and sometimes looks like blown crystal.

Getting back to this specific piece! One is guaranteed to like it because it has a lovely Roman key design. Many people confuse this pattern with the “Greek Key” pattern. The two patterns are different and are not synonymous. The glass has a very pleasing touch of luxury of which effect he was known to have produced in many of his glass pieces; as well as a clarity that has a blown crystal-like effect.

Makes a very classy and affordable gift! It too is a very attractive collection piece.

CONDITION: Excellent!