This lovely 1930s French Art Deco black glass vase set features a silver-deposit decoration around the top and a striped geometric pattern. Each piece is marked on the underside with the monogram "F" for Fains. This type of glass is often called "black glass" or "black opaline," but it takes on a rich amethyst-purple hue in bright light.
Dimensions:
Note: Manufacturer, Verrerie de Fains-Les-Sources
On March 8, 1864, Auguste Schmid purchased an old brewery in Fains to convert it into a glass factory. Associated with Germain-Emile du Houx, owner of a glass factory in Hennezel (Vosges), they founded the Verrerie A. Schmid et du Houx (September 3, 1864).
The factory gradually expanded with several improvements: a second furnace was commissioned in 1871, the Halle was enlarged in 1882, blown and pressed glass were produced in 1929, and an automatic furnace was commissioned in 1946.
The factory will change its name several times. From "A.Schmid et du Houx" (1864) to "Vve du Houx et Lucien du Houx" and "Verreries Veuve Marquot et Fils" in 1912, and finally "Compagnie Française du Cristal" (Daum) after the merger of the five factories of Bayel (Aube), Vannes le Chatel (Meurthe and Moselle), Vallery-Stahl (Moselle), Portieux (Vosges), and Fains (Meuse).
The group will employ 2,300 people, including 255 at Fains, and its production will reach 12,000 pieces at its peak.