Vintage 1940s Bartlett Collins “Golden Grapes” Frosted Etched Ice Bucket with Gold Trim – MCM Barware
Product Description:
Transport your gatherings back to the golden age of mid-century entertaining with this exquisite Vintage Bartlett Collins “Golden Grapes” Frosted Etched Ice Bucket, a hallmark of 1940s American glassmaking elegance. Produced by the Bartlett Collins Glass Company, an innovative Oklahoma-based manufacturer founded in 1914.
This piece dates to circa 1947-1949, during the company’s post-WWII boom when it specialized in affordable yet luxurious sand-etched and frosted glassware for the modern American home.
Bartlett Collins, known for its Sapulpa, Oklahoma plant and collaborations with decorators like those producing the iconic No. 806 Golden Grapes pattern, revolutionized barware with techniques like finely ground white sand spraying for a subtle “sugared” frost effect, paired with hand-applied 24K gold banding—a nod to the era’s optimism and opulence amid economic recovery
Product Features
Measuring approximately 5-6 inches tall with a generous 4-inch diameter mouth, this cylindrical ice bucket features a luminous clear-frosted crystal body that diffuses light like fresh snowfall, adorned with intricate etched motifs of cascading grape leaves, vines, and clusters that evoke bountiful vineyards under moonlight. The radiant gold trim encircles the flared rim and subtle footed base, adding a warm metallic gleam that catches candlelight or chandelier glow during cocktail hours. Unlike mass-produced Depression glass, Bartlett Collins’ Golden Grapes line blended functionality with artistry, making it a staple in upscale diners, Hollywood homes, and bridal registries of the time—perfect for chilling champagne, serving shrimp cocktail, or as a chic vanity holder for jewelry.
In superb vintage condition with the characteristic soft patina of age (light gold wear for authentic charm, no chips or cracks), this bucket whispers stories of lively 1940s soirées, from victory celebrations to suburban soirees. Ideal for MCM collectors, wine enthusiasts, or anyone curating a retro bar cart, it pairs beautifully with matching tumblers or decanters from the same pattern. As Bartlett Collins evolved into Anchor Hocking by the 1960s, pieces like this became rare treasures, symbolizing the bridge between Art Deco excess and modernist simplicity—pour in ice, add a sprig of fresh grapes, and let the etching sparkle like stars in a harvest moon.
Brand History
Bartlett Collins Glass Company History
The Bartlett Collins Glass Company holds a significant place in American glassmaking history, known for its innovative production techniques and distinctive designs that catered to the mid-20th-century market. Founded in 1914 in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, by H.U. Bartlett and R.C. Collins, the company emerged during a period of industrial expansion in the United States, capitalizing on the region’s access to natural resources like natural gas, which was essential for glass manufacturing. Initially established as the Sapulpa Glass Company, it was reorganized and renamed Bartlett Collins Glass Company in 1919, reflecting the partnership that would shape its legacy.
Early Years and Growth
Bartlett Collins began as a producer of utilitarian glassware, including bottles, jars, and basic tableware, leveraging Oklahoma’s growing industrial base. The company’s early success was tied to its ability to produce high-quality glass at competitive prices, thanks to the adoption of automated machinery and local fuel supplies. By the 1920s and 1930s, it expanded its offerings to include pressed and blown glass items, aligning with the demand for affordable household goods during the Great Depression. This era saw the introduction of colorful Depression glass patterns, though Bartlett Collins distinguished itself with more refined designs as the economy recovered.
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