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Fruit Bowls / Punch Bowls - Part 1
A HUMAN INTEREST PARALLEL
Surrounding Fruit Bowls, Punch Bowls, Centerpiece Bowls,
Orange Bowls,  Banana Bowls and Large Open Compotes
By Diane Fry

I first wrote this account in 1996 in response to a call from Elaine Blair, Texas, requesting some clarification of: Centerpiece Bowls and Fruit Bowls. Her request brought home the fact that repeat of what becomes the obvious (after years of study and learning) is a very basic factor in the encouragement of those most recently afflicted with  Carnivalitis.  At that time, a simpler approach was taken to clarify the question. As I look at the same topic now, there seem to be more examples for consideration! From the look of things to come, we will approach the matter in three segments. (The subject became more complex with passing years! ~smile~)

This is written, knowing full-well that ANYTIME,  ANY of us go into print, we automatically step into the “line of fire” by those who have differing or more extensive knowledge. Braving that, let me REQUEST of any reader with additions to this article, PLEASE come forth - IN PRINT - so that I, as well, may profit, FOR CLEARLY - NONE OF US HAS ALL the ANSWERS!

Since definitions (sizes) of Carnival Glass cannot be stated in positive measurement, (each piece having been hand-shaped in most cases),  I will not go into the specifications of any piece mentioned. Two examples of any given pattern/piece may vary as much as a quarter inch, so let's not place too much importance on whether a Fruit Bowl measures 10 ½” or 11” across the top.  Centerpiece and Fruit Bowls can (in most cases) be defined by Pattern, which should lessen some confusion.

If, in research, one writer refers to “Centerpiece” and another calls the same item a “Fruit” Bowl, it could be a difference of opinion. Again, what is written here, IS  just that; my opinion. I'll stand on that, for I tend to reduce most things to the easiest of terms for quick understanding and easy explanation. The writer of articles MUST entertain the critics along with the admirers. (Perhaps this is the reason many find difficulty in writing.) Writing for public speculation requires “broad shoulders” and “thick skin”!  With this in mind, and able to “take the bitter with the sweet”, here we go!

A  STATEMENT  IN  GENERALITIES
Close OBSERVATION in terms of the method for marketing FRUIT BOWLS and PUNCH BOWLS in such as the BUTLER BROTHERS WHOLESALE CATALOGS leads us to the conviction that fruit bowls and punch bowls which sit upon bases, such as Twins, Fashion, Royalty, etc. are characterized as such:

Fruit Bowls (the ones having separate bases) are ruffled and generally too shallow to hold punch       ~(from a practical viewpoint.)  

Therefore, from the standpoint of manufacture, only the bowls having taller sides and more capacity for content can truly be considered Punch Bowls!

Some bases are shown ruffled and some are more round as one looks at the old Catalog ads.

RE:   Page 125, Imperial Catalog-1909 displays the Fashion straight sided Punch bowl sitting atop the base.

Page 130, Imperial Catalog-1909 displays the Fashion ruffled Orange or Fruit bowl sitting atop the base.

Having said all this: There are old catalog ads from Imperial and Cambridge, indicating the use of what many of us would consider fruit or punch bases, to be~~~~~~~vases! ```` Did I hear you say that you enjoy complexities?



FRUIT  BOWLS  /  PUNCH  BOWLS - PART 1
Northwood - Memphis Fruit bowl - usually perched atop what MAY well be a punch bowl base! This fruit bowl is ruffled, flared, and has shorter sides than the Punch bowl in the Memphis pattern, having an over-flange, when sitting on a base; whereas, the Punch bowl in Memphis pattern sits inside the base. ~~~ (see marigold punch set).

An amusing background story associated with this particular lime green bowl and ice green base is: it was taken to a ladies monthly luncheon (for a number of years) filled with coleslaw!!! It was explained to us that the color combination made a “big hit”! We found this set sitting on a narrow porch railing at dusk, after a long day of listing and evaluating some 300 other carnival pieces, preparing for an upcoming auction. The owners had neglected to tell us about the set, thinking they would continue to use it as described; until  we told them it was the most valuable piece in the entire collection!! With that, their intent swiftly changed course! (smile)

Use of this Memphis Fruit bowl and punch base, may be an extension of the idea promulgated from  misuse of the Stork in Rushes punch bowl perched on top of a Summers Day Vase, seen in books, and written accounts  for far too many years. For whatever the irrational reason, people seem to think every large punch/fruit  bowl without specific feet of its own,  should sit atop “something”, even if not intended………..the case with this Memphis Fruit bowl, I suspect. With firm conviction, I say to you: This Fruit bowl does not require a base, nor any of the cups which are often-times clustered around it!

These Memphis Fruit Bowls/Bases are found in additional colors of: Marigold, amethyst, green, white, and ice blue. The bowl/base measure 9” tall. The fruit bowl is 10” in diameter. (These measurements taken from our example).

Dugan - The scarce Persian Garden (ruffled) Fruit bowl which sits atop a base having Big Basketweave design is available in white, purple/lavender, and marigold. There is one known fruit bowl in amethyst which has sides “straight up”, or ice cream shape. There are no known PUNCH CUPS in this pattern. Persian Garden Punch bowls are (not ruffled).

Imperial - Fashion, Royalty, and Twins  patterns in fruit bowl/base combinations exist.

Fashion punch sets in marigold are fairly available. A smoke colored ruffled Punch/Fruit bowl/base sold for $4500 at the 2005 Woodsland Convention auction.

The ROYALTY pattern is very difficult to collect in either the punch or fruit set combinations. Punch bowl/base and cups known only in marigold. Fruit bowl and base are known in marigold and smoke.
Galen and Kathi Johnson supplied the photo showing the Royalty pieces in this segment! We thank them for their participation in this project! We first met them in downtown San Diego while all of us were on the way into an auction, along in the mid `80s. Galen always came to visit us and have a meal when his work brought him to our town. They are great folks to have for friends and they have come a long way into their collecting habits since that day when we first met! Many fine examples of carnival glass have found a path into their abode. A finer couple you could never hope to meet along the “trail”! They are always the same………..wherever you meet them……….gung ho for great examples of glass!
The base used for these bowls is the same as the one used for the Long Hobstar and Hobstar and Arches fruit bowl and base. It carries the Hobstar and Arches design.

Twins - Fruit bowl and base combinations are probably the most familiar of all the fruit bowl/base combinations. These marigold sets have always been popular with collectors. Other shapes available in this pattern: 9-10” berry bowls, 5-6” berry bowls available in marigold, helios and smoke; along with a Bride's bowl in a metal holder - in marigold. We saw a smoke Fruit Bowl set in Lance Hilkene's room at the 2005 Woodsland Convention in Columbus, OH.

 
MEMPHIS Fruit Bowl sitting on top of a punch base
MEMPHIS Punch Set in marigold
MEMPHIS Fruit Bowl sitting on top of a punch base
MEMPHIS Punch Set in marigold
MEMPHIS Fruit Bowl - Lime Green  -  Punch Base-Ice Green. Appears that this fruit bowl was designed to be used without a base.
 MEMPHIS Fruit Bowl - Lime Green  -  Punch Base - Ice Green. Appears that this fruit bowl was designed to be used without a base.
 Dugan PERSIAN GARDEN 2 PC. Fruit Set
Dugan PERSIAN GARDEN 2 PC. Fruit Set
 FASHION Fruit Bowl as it appears in the 1909 Imperial Catalog.
FASHION Punch bowl & Base as seen in the 1909 Imperial Catalog.
FASHION Fruit Bowl as it appears in the 1909 Imperial Catalog.
FASHION Punch bowl & Base as seen in the 1909 Imperial Catalog.
 FASHION Punch bowl as it sits beside the other ad showing bowl on base.
Ruth Herrington's FASHION Punch Bowl-(left) and Fruit Bowl-(right) Sets from a 2002 article.
FASHION Punch bowl as it sits beside the other ad showing bowl on base.
Ruth Herrington's FASHION Punch Bowl-(left) and Fruit Bowl-(right) Sets from a 2002 article.
 
FASHION Punch or Fruit Set in Smoke.Brought $4500 in April 2005
FASHION Punch or Fruit Set in Smoke.Brought $4500 in April 2005
 
Imperial ROYALTY ruffled fruit bowl & base with punch cups
ROYALTY Punch Bowls and Base as they appear in the 1909 Imperial catalog
Imperial ROYALTY ruffled fruit bowl & base with punch cups
ROYALTY Punch Bowls and Base as they appear in the 1909 Imperial catalog.
 Imperial TWINS Fruit bowl & base in marigold.
This ad for the TWINS Bowl is shown in the 1909 Imperial Catalog.
Imperial TWINS Fruit bowl & base in marigold.
This ad for the TWINS Bowl is shown in the 1909 Imperial Catalog.
 
Smoke TWINS Fruit Bowl and Base. Seen at 2005 Woodsland Convention in Lance Hilkene's room.
Smoke TWINS Fruit Bowl and Base. Seen at 2005 Woodsland Convention in Lance Hilkene's room.


Fruit Bowls / Orange Bowls - Part 2

 Dean & Diane Fry-5/05

Whatever the task, God will make sure we have “an abundance for every good work”-2 Corinthians 9:8

God uses us to do His work
If we will just obey;
He freely gives His love and power
To serve Him every day. ---Sper

God's call to a task includes His strength to complete it.


Should you care to contact the Frys, their email address is:

dndn74@embarqmail.com



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