A lovely set of 7 Culver "Mardi Gras" rocks glasses. These glasses are the "tapered" style (vs. the Old-Fashioned glass style/shape). This pattern is the pinnacle of Culver. One of their most popular patterns during the Mid-Century through the 1980s and still incredibly popular today. Each glass depicts three different versions of a jester playing an instrument. In between the jesters are 22k gold "strings" broken by tiny gold starbursts and bold green/blue and yellow "globes". They have a nice, heavy feel to them. Truly a breath-taking pattern.
**Please note on THIS variation/pattern: this version is the non-jeweled version. Culver made several variations of this pattern including a version with jewels as well as a version without jewels. This non-jeweled version has large blue/green and yellow "globes" (where the jewels would be on the other version/variation). The "backs" of the jesters (when looking inside the glass and looking at the back of the jester) is a vibrant yellow-ish gold tone. Other variations included a darker blue or lighter blue/gray tone). Lastly, the "texture" of these jesters is more "raised" and 3-D like versus the other variations that appear more of a "flat" or smoother texture to the jesters. We explain this so that if you're trying to match existing glasses or you're looking for a CERTAIN varition, please send us a message and we can help confirm these are a match to yours!
A quick summary about this glassware maker: Culver started the application of the 22-karat gold to their glassware. Fun fact: the super-heated, roll-on process of gold remains a secret today. Culver comes in a variety of patterns including gilded mushrooms, owls, cats, wildlife, Egyptian or Asian inspired design themes, scrolling leaf patterns, holiday designs, sports motifs and many others. The Mardi Gras pattern is one of Culver's harder to find patterns and is the essence of Mid Century Modern glassware style.
Maker/pattern: Culver Ltd., Mardi Gras
Hallmarks: While the other earlier-made Mardi Gras varations weren't signed, this variation was. Four (4) of the three (3) glasses are signed "Culver" in gold cursive font. The other three (3) glasses do not bare the signature.
Measurements: 4" tall x 3 3/4" in diameter
Condition: Good vintage condition with minor signs of age and general surface wear and some gold loss. We like to be thorough when it comes to our sets, so here's a glass by glass summary:
Glass 1 - Minor wear and gold loss on a few of the "strings" and some minor gold loss on the edge of the Jester's cap/hat (see photo #9 as an example/reference, where our finger is pointing)
Glass 2 - Minor wear and gold loss on a few of the "strings" and some minor gold loss on the edge of the Jester's cap/hat
Glass 3 - There's a tiny smooth "bump" of extra glass on the rim (completely common with vintage glassware, that often occurs during manufacturing). Minor wear and gold loss on a few of the "strings" and some minor gold loss on the edge of the Jester's cap/hat
Glass 4 - Very good condition. No gold loss on the strings.
Glass 5 - Very good condition. No gold loss on the strings.
Glass 6 - Minor wear and gold loss on a few of the "strings" and some minor gold loss on the edge of the Jester's cap/hat
Glass 7 - Very good condition. No gold loss on the strings.
***Please note: Mid Century glassware often has imperfections (i.e. tiny bubbles in the glass, an extra dot of gold on the glass, a tiny smooth bump of extra glass on the rim, etc -- purely the nature of vintage glassware).
In short, these glasses are in good vintage condition with minor manufacturing occurrences and some minor gold loss. They display beautifully. Truly a stunning, magical set.
**On shipping: We take our packaging very seriously and carefully wrap all pieces well to ensure safe delivery. Please note: we are not making a penny on shipping. We pack our items securely to ensure safe arrival (especially our glassware, which means a larger, heavier box)! This set will be double-boxed.
****Important to note pre-purchase: Buyers, please examine all photos carefully as we cannot accept returns due to the fragile nature (the possibility of breakage when being shipped back) of our vintage/antique pieces. We try to explain the condition/description in an accurate and thorough manner but we ask that you please examine all photos carefully and ask all questions before purchasing an item as we are unable to accept returns due to the risk of breakage.