Chance Pressed Glass Patterns

[Max]

Think so Max. It's the divided version of mine here:
http://yobunny.org.uk/gallery1/displayimage.php?pos=-764
Does the size match mine? Size: 256 mm x 155 mm

Thanks Anne!   :D

Mine's the same length, but slightly wider at 170mm.  I think they must have been a bit meaner with the nibbles in those days...lol The compartments wouldn't fit many peanuts in!    :lol:

Cheers for looking at yours for me. x

[David E]

Hi Max/Anne,

Yes, definitely the Britannia pattern. Only thing is, there might have originally been four removable inserts.

Following is a link to a photo of a circular divided dish that shows five inserts (four quadrants and a circular central one), scanned from the 1951 book, Mirror for Chance.

http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-2060

[Max]

Yes, definitely the Britannia pattern. Only thing is, there might have originally been four removable inserts.

I can see what you mean, but I doubt it.  :?  If there were too, then the nut-capacity would be even smaller!  :lol:  

Ooh and the sides of each section are sloping, so I think (dare I be definite?  Nooo! lol) that inserts wouldn't fit.  :idea:  :?

[Lustrousstone]

More variations to be added to the different sizes. Found a Spiderweb set in blue frosting today. Large bowl, gilt edge, two rows of frosting 9.25 x 3.25 in plus six matching small bowls 4.75 x 1.75 in. Last week found a medium bowl in clear plus four small bowls. Click to enlarge
Large (http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b217/lustrousstone/th_IMG_0519.jpg) small (http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b217/lustrousstone/th_IMG_0525.jpg)

[David E]

Well done Christine: I think this is the last coloured example I needed :D

They also look to be in pretty good condition as the gilt is normally quite worn from use.

[Lustrousstone]

They're pretty good. A little roughness on the edges and a couple of chips on the inner of the foot on the large bowl but the gilt is great

[David E]

Tonight I saw and handled my first piece of Orlak! :shock:  :D  

Because the only prior reference was oven-to-tableware, having a slight orange tinge, I was quite taken aback. I knew Chance also produced this range as tableware, but this was a clear glass tumbler, quite thin, measuring about 6" (15cm) with an interesting optic effect - like tiny pinches - that makes it look a little like optic-ribbed. BTW, there's no mistaking this ID as it has a quite large acid-etched 'ORLAK' logo on the base - suddenly everyone's an expert! :D  

The good news is that I'm OK to take photographs and the owner is quite local (and a Chance collector!)

Sadly, they saw the protrusion in my jacket pocket as I walked out of the door... :roll:  :lol:

[Anne E.B.]

David - Spider web creamer/small jug - clear - 3¼" high.  :wink:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/glassie/chance004-1.jpg

[David E]

Many thanks for the Spiderweb creamer photo, Anne! :D

I've now posted the Orlak photos - sorry, forgot to mention it earlier :oops:

[Anne E.B.]

What a surprise!  Never seen anything like that on my travels - oven or tableware.  I've lost count of the number of pyrex type ovenware pieces that I've broken or thrown away over the years because constant use has made them look tatty (all those burnt puddings :roll: ).  

Will look out for any Orlak now I know what they look like

[Max]

I don't think I've ever seen Orlak either.  It's like a fabulous cheap treasure hunt isn't it?!  Great fun!   :D  :D

[David E]

I personally think Orlak will prove to be the zenith of every Chance collector.

Please also note that the example shown on the web site isn't a common piece. The sprayed enamel decoration certainly isn't the norm and could either be experimental, a test run or short production run. Trouble is there's so little about it's hard to form an opinion.

When I have photoed the tumbler you'll see how diverse Orlak was. This is quite thin with small 'outdents' around the body. Think it was probably mould-blown and the logo (which I assume is featured on every piece) is either sand-blasted or acid-etched, whereas on the plate and ovenware it is part of the mould and around 1" (25mm) in diameter, so quite large and easy to spot.

Happy hunting!

[Lustrousstone]

Oh dear! Now I have to look at 'Pyrex' stuff in all those grotty house clearance boxes. When you mentioned sunken handles I thought I'd got a piece but it's Phoenix. Interestingly the Phoenix has been stamped in the mould mirror image and the Made in England the right way round! :shock:

[David E]

Ah yes, Phoenix is very close in style - they even produced octagonal shapes, I believe :wink: I imagine they gained some inspiration from Chance shapes as they started producing c.1935

The 'Orlak' logo does show correctly as you view from the top (reverse when looking at the base).

[Lustrousstone]

Another Spiderweb shape found today. A footed grapefruit  bowl like the tall sundae dish. Pic to follow.