Perry G. Mason (not the lawyer) - mail order, 1925 style.
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The Perry G Mason Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio ran a mail order business much like the more well-known Lee Manufacturing of Chicago. As far as we know, this is the first time that Mason's catalogues have been shown online to Carnival Glass collectors.
Judging by the image of Mason's business premises (left), it was on a smaller scale than Lee. The business model was however the same: they used agents all around the country to take mail order catalogues to customers, with rewards of discounted assortments, "free" gifts and premiums. Just like Lee Manufacturing, Mason was promoting a comfortable and immaculately furnished lifestyle! Also like Lee, Carnival Glass featured prominently in the mail order offerings from Mason, and in this catalogue from 1925 we have a huge selection of Carnival from Fenton and Imperial. |
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On this page, a set of Imperial Octagon goblets (one of Imperial's most produced patterns); a Fenton Holly bowl in a "bride's basket" wire holder;
a Fenton Orange Tree jelly, now called a sundae dish. |
Fenton ... and more Fenton! Butterfly and Berry sugar, creamer and a large sized footed berry; a Fenton Fine Rib vase. The open "sugar" being offered was actually the spooner in the table set - the sugar had a covered top. There was also a covered butter. Perhaps it was just too much of a problem to include covered pieces in the Fenton assortment?
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Imperial and Fenton Carnival Glass, and what seems like an iridescent stretch glass bowl on a black plinth. The Imperial "Mayonnaise bowl" is Pillar Flute. Beneath it is a magnificent Mikado comport - note the higher price. Note also that the black plinth was described as having a dual purpose - turn it upside down and it could be used as an ashtray.
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The Carnival Glass items above were all offered for the customer to purchase.
However, an essential part of the catalogue, and the mail order sales methods was the inclusion of a selection of items offered as gifts and as "premiums". The set of Imperial's Open Rose "berry or salad" set, below left, was shown as a "Special Extra Present". And how did the customer qualify? Simply if they spent $10 on orders from the catalogue! 
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Above, on the right is a truly spectacular array of a 26-piece set of Imperial pieces - mainly Lustre Rose / Open Rose * (bowls, water set and table set), which intriguingly has been matched with a set of (Imperial) Grape goblets. The set, described as "one of the most beautiful and popular of all the modern glassware designs", was offered as a "premium" for the agent with a $15 order - now, that was some sales incentive!
* By convention today, collectors call the collar based bowls Open Rose, all other pieces being called Lustre Rose. In fact, as is clear from this selection, they were the same pattern, all part of the same design/set for the table.
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* By convention today, collectors call the collar based bowls Open Rose, all other pieces being called Lustre Rose. In fact, as is clear from this selection, they were the same pattern, all part of the same design/set for the table.
Back to Sell it to me! homepage