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Rose Point, BY: Cliff McNeil

Having spent the past 18-20 years collecting, buying and selling Cambridge glassware, I have come to the conclusion that the single most popular elegant glassware pattern is, undoubtedly, Cambridge's Rose Point.

This pattern had its “coming out” on January 7,1935 at a Pittsburgh trade show with a lot of fanfare and publicity. It was introduced as "the brides pattern". It obtained its name and design from the rare Rose Point lace, handmade by peasants in Belgium and much enjoyed by American brides. They smelled success, and they were right. The pattern was an immediate success. A success which has not diminished with time.

Rose Point is an acid etched pattern with its central design composed of a medallion containing two open flowers. The medallion is surrounded by trailing vines, open roses, buds and leaves. Further enhancing its appeal was the availability of a matching pattern of sterling silver desgined by Wallace Sterling.

Pope China Co. also was said to have produced a matching china dinnerware service, but I have not as yet been fortunate enough to find a piece of this. Anyone out there seen it?

Ebony Rose Point

The very lucky collector can find some pieces of Rose Point in color. The colors generally found are carmen, amber and ebony.

You can expect to pay premium dollars for those pieces and believe me, they are not easily found. The etch also displays nicely on Crown Tuscan. The good news there is you can find a number of pieces of Rose Point on Crown Tuscan for far less than the other colored pieces.

#3121 Stem

Although there were a number of stemware lines made, most collectors today collect either 3121 or 3500. How large is the service? IT’S REALLY BIG!!! In fact, it is so extensive that an entire book has been published by National Cambridge Collectors Inc. devoted entirely to Rose Point! Check our bookstore for it’s availability.

What should you do if you want to collect Rose Point or if you are already collecting Rose Point and want to know more about it? I would say, get the book, join the club, get on the net, i.e. the chat board and talk to other collectors. Learn which pieces are readily available and which are truly rare treasures. Remember, this highly sought after pattern is not only beautiful, but has been escalating in price steadily for years and will undoubtedly continue to do so.

How about its care? Some tips,

1. Don’t show it off in a sunny window. This could cause it to become “sun sick." This is a condition which turns the color of the glass and is irreversible. This can greatly diminish the value of a piece. This is caused by a reaction of some of the minerals utilized in the manufacture of the glassware to ultra violet sunrays.

2. Don’t put it in your dishwasher. Like any fine crystal it should be carefully handwashed.

3. Don’t leave water in your vases for extended periods or liquor in your decanters. “Sick glass” could be the result. This is a permanent clouding or staining which cannot be removed (except sometimes by a professional glass restorer).

4. Don’t use metal knives on your dinner or other plates as the glass is easily scratched and this lessens it’s value. It is best when stacking your plates to insert a liner such as a napkin or paper plate between them to prevent scraping or chipping when removing them for use or replacing them after use.

When purchasing your glass, remember, buying a chipped or damaged piece is not the same as buying one that is mint. There is little to no value to a damaged piece regardless of it’s scarcity.

What are the scarce pieces of Rose Point? There are a lot of them. The best way to find out is by educating yourself on this pattern, asking, reading, going to shows and keeping track on the net. Ask the dealers, we are all here to help and enjoy hearing from you. Where should you go to find Rose Point? Lucky you, you live in an era where feeding your glass habit is as easy as turning on your computor and clicking your bookmark to www.glassshow.com.

Membership to the National Cambridge Collectors Inc. is available for individual members at $17.00 per year and an additional $3.00 for associate members. Now you can get a 2 year menbership for $33.00 or 3 year for $49.00.

Send To:
National Cambridge Collectors, Inc.
P.O. Box 416
Cambridge, Ohio 43725-0416

Happy Hunting
Cliff McNeil

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