RARE Straus "Columbus" Footed Decanter

FSG0432

Condition: EF

Price: $975.00

Description:

L. Straus & Sons of New York, NY -- one-time owner of the Macy Department Store in New York -- produced some of the finest cut glass of the American Brilliant Period.  They excelled in the quality of their blanks; their unique shapes; their original, appealing and unsual designs; and the precision of their cutting.

This beautifully-crafted 13-inch tall footed decanter is a great example of their best work.  The "Columbus" design is very deeply-cut and completely wheel-polished to a mirror-like brilliance on a clear, colorless, best-metal blank.  The maximum diameter is 5-inches and the lapidary stopper fits perfectly.  The piece still weighs a heavy-for-its size 4.0-lbs. 

A handled, quart decanter cut in the "Columbus" design is shown on page 17 of the 1893 L. Straus & Sons catalog (an ACGA reprint); the catalog noted that "No.457, quart decanter, no handle, to match," was available.  This exact unhandled decanter, from our personal Straus collection, is shown with the handled version on page 111 of LABAC's Cut Glass Research Notes RN4.  Information regarding LABAC may be found in the 'Identifying Glass' section of our website.

"Columbus" is one of the very rare Straus designs.  The quality of the cutting is amazing.  The asymetric oval panels that contain hobstars and fields of triple-miter-cane are cut in compound curves.  Despite the asymetry and double curves, each and every one of the hobstar's 24-points are contained within the miter outline.  A rare and beautifully-crafted piece of American Brilliant cut glass that displays to advantage.