Toothpick holders are proof that just because an object is designed for utilitarian purposes doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful as well.
Some of the most beautiful toothpick holders are made of porcelain or glass and can have very unique shapes and patterns, though there are some highly desirable sterling and silver plate examples as well. As with other types of antiques and collectibles, values range from extremely affordable to very pricey, depending on scarcity, craftsmanship, and desirability. Because the variety is so great, I’ll just cover a few basics here to get you started and include links to organizations with a lot of expertise.
Glass
In its day, Pressed glass, sometimes called Pattern glass, was less expensive and more durable than crystal, but it was still made to be attractive. (There seems to be some debate as to whether Sandwich glass is the same as Pressed glass; in talking to antique dealers, many said that it’s the same thing, while others said there was a difference in manufacturing. I still don’t have the definitive answer!)
According to the Early American Pattern Glass Society, manufacturers began making pressed glass around 1850, with the majority being produced during the Victorian era in the 1880s. It remained popular until about 1910, when people became more interested in buying crystal. But when the Depression hit and money was tight, pressed glass became the affordable choice. Renamed Depression glass, new patterns and colors were created and its popularity surged again.
Pressed glass, cut glass, and satin finish toothpick holders are all undeniably very attractive and can be found in a rainbow of colors including amberina, ruby, canary, cobalt, amethyst glass, and milk glass; these are but a few examples. While some people collect according to material, theme, or style, others collect toothpick holders according to manufacturer such as Fenton, Fostoria, Westmoreland, or Mt. Washington.
Porcelain
Fine porcelain manufacturers like Nippon and RS Prussia have turned out what I personally consider some of the most beautiful toothpick holders. These miniature works of art can be adorned with detailed hand-painted or transfer patterns and can have embossing, handles, and pedestals. According to an article by Sandy Raymond of the National Toothpick Holders Collectors Society (an excellent organization with a wealth of information for anyone interested in collecting these little gems!), toothpick holders made by RS Prussia come in several finishes, including lustre, matte, pearl, glossy, iridescent, pearlized, and satin. Two of the most sought after designs are scenes and portraits.
No matter what the material, toothpick holders can claim any number of shapes including miniature vases, pitchers, urns or even loving cups; some may have a character or animal attached to the holder itself, or take the form of an open-topped Toby. Regardless of the style, in the end, toothpick holders are as charming as they are appealing.
Some of the most beautiful toothpick holders are made of porcelain or glass and can have very unique shapes and patterns, though there are some highly desirable sterling and silver plate examples as well. As with other types of antiques and collectibles, values range from extremely affordable to very pricey, depending on scarcity, craftsmanship, and desirability. Because the variety is so great, I’ll just cover a few basics here to get you started and include links to organizations with a lot of expertise.
Glass
In its day, Pressed glass, sometimes called Pattern glass, was less expensive and more durable than crystal, but it was still made to be attractive. (There seems to be some debate as to whether Sandwich glass is the same as Pressed glass; in talking to antique dealers, many said that it’s the same thing, while others said there was a difference in manufacturing. I still don’t have the definitive answer!)
According to the Early American Pattern Glass Society, manufacturers began making pressed glass around 1850, with the majority being produced during the Victorian era in the 1880s. It remained popular until about 1910, when people became more interested in buying crystal. But when the Depression hit and money was tight, pressed glass became the affordable choice. Renamed Depression glass, new patterns and colors were created and its popularity surged again.
Pressed glass, cut glass, and satin finish toothpick holders are all undeniably very attractive and can be found in a rainbow of colors including amberina, ruby, canary, cobalt, amethyst glass, and milk glass; these are but a few examples. While some people collect according to material, theme, or style, others collect toothpick holders according to manufacturer such as Fenton, Fostoria, Westmoreland, or Mt. Washington.
Porcelain
Fine porcelain manufacturers like Nippon and RS Prussia have turned out what I personally consider some of the most beautiful toothpick holders. These miniature works of art can be adorned with detailed hand-painted or transfer patterns and can have embossing, handles, and pedestals. According to an article by Sandy Raymond of the National Toothpick Holders Collectors Society (an excellent organization with a wealth of information for anyone interested in collecting these little gems!), toothpick holders made by RS Prussia come in several finishes, including lustre, matte, pearl, glossy, iridescent, pearlized, and satin. Two of the most sought after designs are scenes and portraits.
No matter what the material, toothpick holders can claim any number of shapes including miniature vases, pitchers, urns or even loving cups; some may have a character or animal attached to the holder itself, or take the form of an open-topped Toby. Regardless of the style, in the end, toothpick holders are as charming as they are appealing.
Check out Collector's Cottage for many examples of fine glass and porcelain pieces.
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