Jack and Don are my new friends. New York Auctioneer Tom Burns gave Jack my number and told him that we should talk. Boy o boy was he right. You see Jack and Don have retired to Oregon and they built their house on a beautiful Oregon river specifically to house their collection. The tiled foyer with high ceilings is lit with a brass and crystal chandelier, with a beautiful lit mahogany umbrella stand. The fixtures have extremely rare white carnival Dugan shades. The raised living room has a turn-of-the-century Player Steinway grand with a 30 inch signed Daum Nancy vase with enameled swans atop it. A beautiful 3 color Cameo lamp sits on the Victorian rosewood living room set. Accenting the  formal living areas are a variety of large Lladros. From 15 inches to a museum piece at least 4 by 2 feet. I hastily jot in my notepad.....  “These are not your normal gift shop Lladros.” Their staircase is lit with a one cut Daum Nancy chandelier. A beautiful oil of a Victorian lady and the largest piece of Czech Amphora I have ever seen decorate the stairwell. Even though Statuary, art glass and porcelain surround me, I have yet to see their actual collection! Jack collects opalescent glass and his favorites are rare pressed and rare advertising pieces. While most people want the blown opalescent Jack found an interesting niche looking for, and procuring many rare and unlisted pieces. In fact Opalescent Encyclopedia author Bill Edward’s will include some of Jacks pieces in his soon to be released updated edition.  Don on the other hand is an advanced Carnival collector. I counted close to a dozen punch bowls, and I am sure there were several dozen pitchers. Rare Ice Creams and plates adorn the walls of collection room. Note the pictures and how rare the patterns are. The Corn vase is one of a few only corn vases in aqua opalescent. Dons knowledge of rare Carnival pieces was astounding, and I must admit to being overwhelmed by the beauty and information. It was a privilege to review Jack and Dons collection. It represents much more than a lot of money. It is a testimony to years and years of learning and collecting. Maybe something many of us aspire to.
 

If you have a piece you are looking for, have one to sell, or would just like to talk glass, call George at (541) 485-8601, gcblues@aol.com