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 proud to showcase this stunning 1880s hand blown Cranberry glass epergne, from the famed Red House Glass Works, Wordsley of Stuart & Sons. Our exceptionally tall epergne consists of a deep ruffled round bowl, a tulip bulb center trumpet and 3 matching hanging baskets on fancy deep hemp twist crystal canes all with the proper brass joiner work. The pronounced stylized crystal petal pincered trail, was one of the facets seen in Stuart & Sons pieces. BUT, the defining item is the Stuart & Sons stylized raspberry prunts found on the bottom of each basket. Generally, Epergnes fit into 3 categories; 15 inches or less is a compact, 15.5 to 19.5 is an intermediate, while anything over 20 inches is full sized. Our English hand blown treasure at 22 inches tall, is considered towards the top of the spectrum. Measurements are 11.5 in diameter x 22 inches tall, weighing 4# 12 oz., and it is in unbelievable condition. It is Rare to find these 130 year old beauties in great shape. xxxxxxxxxx. Stuart & Sons is considered one of the Big 7 Stourbridge glass houses specializing in hand blown glass. In 11856, Freederick Stuart entered into a partnership under the name Mills, Webb & Stuart, at the Albert Iron Foundry in Wordsley, which he modified into glass works. Interestingly, Stuarts factory was just behind the HG Richardsons Red House Glass Works. Even more compelling, is the fact that Frederick Stuart was able to acquire the lease on the prior Richardson facility in 1881, and it stayed home for Stuart & Sons well into the 1930s, (reputedly 1936) even with the further addition of the adjacent White House Glass works in 1915. The business survived Frederick Stuart, being run by Ludwig Kny (1920s/30s), Paul Nash, Graham Sutherland, Eric Ravilious, H R Pierce (c 1939), and G John Luxton (1948). The same year of 1948, Stuart was bought out by Waterford Wedgwood, and the name was changed to Stuart Crystal, which finally closed down in November 2001.

XA - AG5 - excellent condition