October 2009 Alerts on Confusing Collectibles

A reproduction of the Heisey 461 Banded Picket basket is on the market. It’s selling online and in retail stores in a box that advertises it as “Shannon Crystal by Godinger: Colonial Crystal Basket.” It’s the same 8-inch height as an original, but has no “Diamond H” mark and the bottom is not ground. The glass is not as high-quality as Heisey—it’s wavy, too shiny and shows impurities. A green sticker attached to the bottom of the repro says, “Shannon Crystal, Designs of Ireland, Handmade Crystal, China.” Godinger is a New York importer and manufacturer, according to its website. Retailer sites say that Godinger’s Shannon crystal line is made in Slovakia. The new basket sells for about $20; an original Heisey basket goes for $125-$160. (Heisey News, July 2009)

Advertising fans were popular giveaways from about 1880 to 1910. Many were distributed at hotels, restaurants, department stores and churches. Most were made with a stiff circle of paper and a stick handle. Now the fans are being copied on “aged paper” and sold to wholesalers. Beware.

Russel Wright’s American Modern pitcher has been reissued in a mottled pink glaze. The new earthenware pitcher is being sold in the gift shop of New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MOMAStore.org).