We now have added to the 'Glass Reference Websites' a very useful file giving brief histories of Watford and Harbridge Crystal factories, which Anne has posted from details taken from this February's foyer exhibition at Cambridge Glass Fair. Exhibition pieces were loaned by Pauline and Maurice Wimpory.
The page from the Cambridge Fair includes only three pix of glass, so thought it might be an idea to shove a couple more on here - BOTH OF WHICH ARE EXAMPLES FROM HARBRIDGE CRYSTAL.
Unfortunately, when I found the biscuit barrel it didn't have its lid (by mistake I've now given it away) - plus a vase found in recent days, the height of which is 5.75" (145mm). The vase is remarkably clean...........so often older vases have acquired the dreaded 'bloom' from being used.
The Cambridge page also provides images of paper labels for both factories - but since these go missing, often, I've added a pic of the acid backstamp for Harbridge, which is on the underside of the vase..............there was neither a label or backstamp on the biscuit barrel.
Cutting on the vase shown here lacks the more strident boldness of pattern as seen in the biscuit barrel and the more distinctive designs on the Cambridge page, so maybe it's a product more from the latter part of the factories life i.e. mid to late 1950's, but only guessing.
Harbridge discontinued making glass around 1957 - although it appears their blanks were subsequently made by Webb Corbett for a few years afterwards - whether Harbridge continued with just the cutting of designs or whether W/Corbett did that as well, I don't know.
This vase does show what is apparently a particular Harbridge feature, which is the vertical 'V' or diamond-shaped cuts which occur on thier vases and bowl rims - most other producers used U-shaped thumbnail cuts.
The cutting on the biscuit barrel reminds me of the earlier Kny cutting style from Stuart, where the curved mitres are edged for light catching effect.
Would be very grateful if anyone is able to provide a date and possible pattern/design name for the vase - thanks for looking.
Harbridge were no better than the other factories in permanently marking the glass they made. They used an etched backstamp,' Harbridge England', and black foiled labels with silver lettering. Harbridge made a range of blanks that were not copied by others and this aids identification. They also edged vase and bowl rims with vertical 'V' or diamond-shaped cuts whereas most other producers used U-shaped thumbnail cuts.
Would be very interested if someone can give me a