Up for bid on eBay is a Steuben Thomas Edison Plaque Luminar.
According to the seller, these were a special order for the Ford Motor Company in 1929. It was created to celebrate the Ford and Edison union of lighting. Ford had ordered only 300 of these and gave them to dinner quests that were part of the union celebration. Because it was created before 1933 it is considered part of the Frederick Carder period.
"This particular piece was given to father and son who owned an electric company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin," says the seller. "When their family was cleaning out the business they found this piece. It includes the original base which still works. The plaque has superficial scratches to the surface but no cracks or chips. There are some bubbles inside from when it was created. A few of these pieces have sold for $1,200 to $1,300 at auction without the stand. With the base this piece is worth much more. Not only is it an eye-catching piece but it also commemorates a historic partnership."
All I can say is WOW, in a good sense. Wonderful glass that Steuben. My folks had a Steuben Penguin. The pride of their collection.
Posted by: Dave Dubé | July 21, 2010 at 11:31 AM