The following treasure is from the living estate of Ailene & Buddy Ford; noted dealers and lifelong collectors of exceptional antique & vintage heirlooms. The Ford estate presents highly valuable items from a diverse group of genres, 95% + in excellent condition. This exquisite estate has something for every eclectic collector! xxxxxxxxxxx. The AEAA is very pleased to present this marvelous brides basket, which includes an 1886 Hobbs Brockunier ruby Dew Drop pleated bowl, and a later model (1930s), nicely fitting hand hammered floral stand. Our Dew Drop bowl was presented in 1886, and was so popular that it was produced in almost 20 separate colors. The complete unit stands 8.25 x 7 x 8.5 inches tall, weighs 2# 8 oz.(bowl measures 5.75x5.75x2.5" tall & weighs 1# 3 oz.), and is in excellent condition. xxxxxxxxxxx. In 1845 John L. Hobbs and James B. Barnes leased and latter purchased an idle glasshouse which was known as the South Wheeling Glass Works. Mr. Hobbs and Mr. Barnes were former employees of the New England Glass Company. Mr. Barnes an engineer designed and constructed the furnaces at New England Glass. Mr. Hobbs was the foreman of the glass cutting shop at New England. In 1849 John L. Hobbs died the company changed their name from Barnes, Hobbs and Company to Hobbs, Barnes and Company. James F. Barnes was James B. Barnes son. Father and son owned more than 50% of the stock in the company. After James B. Barnes death J. L. Hobbs son J. H. Hobbs entered the business. We must also assume there was a change in owner stock ownership in favor of the Hobbs family. In 1863 James F. Barnes retired resulting in John H. Hobbs controlling the Company. He took in two new partners, James Leighton (chemist and glass Blower) and Charles W. Brockunier (bookkeeper). The company name was again change to J. H. Hobbs, Brockunier and Company. They produced flint glass or clear glassware including bar wares, lamps, lamp chimneys, commercial containers and apothecary ware. Between 1845 and 1870 Hobbs had extensive growth which more the doubled their production output. The compamy names changed from Barnes, Hobbs & Co. (1845-1849), then Hobbs, Barnes & Co. (1849-1856), and finally J. H. Hobbs, Brockunier and Co. (1863-1881). The most recognized name, simply Hobbs, Brockunier & Co. was in operation from 1881-1888, when the partnership was dissolved, leaving only John L. Hobbs, and his new company Hobbs Glass Co. The entity lasted only until the U.S. Glass formation in 1891.

XA - AG37 - Excellent condition