Ice White Grape and Cable Master Punch Sets

By Gerald Thomas

Northwood’s master or banquet punch sets always command a lot of collector interest. The master punch sets (at least the purple ones) made their initial debut in 1911. Reference material is scarce discussing the production of master punch sets in ice or pastel colors. We do know that in 1911 purple sets were priced under $5.00. The master punch sets were shipped one set (bowl, base and twelve cups) per wooden barrel all packed in sawdust weighing 50 pounds.

I could easily devote several pages discussing the rarity, characteristics and values of Northwood’s complete line of magnificent Grape and Cable punch sets, but for now, I will focus on the ice white sets. Having said that, the next few paragraphs are devoted to discussions on rarity, quantifying reported sets, valuations and display considerations.

Northwood’s Grape and Cable master punch sets come in a variety of colors. Typically, we as collectors are inclined to believe marigold in all colors is the most common. Generally, a true statement, but this presumption does not hold true for all carnival glass patterns. So where do we find ice white Grape and Cable Master punch sets in the rarity color hierarchy?

Jim and Jan Seeck shared their thoughts with me on this subject. We are in basic agreement. Below I have listed the master Grape and Cable punch set colors -from the most common to the rarest: Purple, Marigold, Green, Ice white, Blue, Ice blue, Black amethyst (two known), and Ice green.

Ice white sets are fewer in number than purple, marigold and green. Many collectors want to know how many Ice white sets exist. This is a valuable piece of information when determining market value or bidding. With the intent of respecting individual privacy and acknowledging information that came to me indirectly, I have listed the known sets, condition reported to me and list either the state where the sets reside or initials of the owners. I trust the information provided will require periodic updating and revisions. Take note that several sets have changed ownership in recent years.

I have listed eleven complete sets. Thirteen sets, if the missing twelve punch cups are located for two incomplete sets. If I back out the damaged sets, we have ten complete perfect sets. Having quantified the sets, we should ask ourselves what a perfect complete set might be worth. Opinions vary of course; there are multiple factors to consider. I received two opinions on value. One opinion received was $5,000 to $10,000; the second opinion received was $8,000 to $9,000. I offer my viewpoint on value based on similar rarities sold/completed transactions.

Ice White G&C Complete Master Set Values

Premium quality: $10,000 to $12,000 (probably only three to four sets in this group); high quality iridescence, satiny finish, pinks, blues, vibrant gold. Top shelf pieces. Typical examples: $6,000 to $10,000 (seven to nine in this group); standard or subdued iridescence quality, possibly cloudy in appearance. Imperfect: $3,000 to $4,000; minor damage on non-focal points – rim or base chips. Major damage: $1,500 to $2,000; broken flange, cracked bowl.

Display Considerations

In discussing master punch sets with two collectors, I inadvertently discovered that some owners of these large punch bowls prefer to display the sets WITHOUT punch cups. I happen to display my marigold example without punch cups. The reason is twofold, 1) the punch cups take up a lot of surface area display space, and 2) the twelve cups visually distract or obstruct the full view of the punch bowl. Displaying a complete set usually requires a large table, flat topped buffet or china cabinet. Be mindful that this display venue exposes the cups to potential damage.

Summary

Not all punch sets regardless of pattern or color are created equal. Ice white Grape and Cable punch sets in pristine condition, with high quality iridescence are deserving of premium prices. These examples are typically well placed for future price appreciation.

The reported total number of ice white G&C punch sets in reality is not all that large. Punch cups in pastel or ice colors, whether it is Grape and Cable, Memphis, Acorn Burr or another pastel carnival pattern, take to heart that these punch cups are rare. If you come across quality examples, reasonably priced, buy them.

I enjoyed writing this article and wish to acknowledge the following individuals/organizations in alphabetical order who in many respects wrote the article, I merely held the pen. I believe I acknowledged everyone participating below, do let me know if I am in error. Larry Ashley, Brian Pitman, Don and Barbara Chamberlain, Robert Grissom, Christina Katsikas, International Carnival Glass Association, Mr. R. K. of Alabama, John Lee, Mavis Loescher, The late Don Moore’s article: What’s with Punch sets?, Tom Mordini, Emmett and Dorothy Morgan, Mickey Reichel, Jim and Jan Seeck, Lloyd Ward, and Jim Wroda

Most of my articles, I do copyright. This one I will not, as I feel it should reside in the public domain. February 17, 2015

This article first appeared in the ICGA Pump in the June 2015 issue and is reprinted with permission.