Cambridge Trademarks, Part II

by Mark Nye
Issue #377 - September 2004

In addition to the general line trademarks and labels, Cambridge also made use of a number of specialty trademarks and labels. As in Part I, the logos and trademarks shown here are not to scale.

Cambridge was using the type face Old English (sometimes known as Marriage) as early as January 1906. A full page advertisement in a January 1906 issue of China, Glass and Lamps (CGL) featured the company name in this type face. They continued to use this type face and catalogs issued in the late 1930s and after had the company name in Old English on each page. However, it wasn't until 1947 that the word "Cambridge" in Old English type face was registered with the U.S. Patent Office. Then, five years later in 1952 and 1953 the word Cambridge in Old English appeared as a stand alone feature in trade advertisements

Probably the first specialty trademark to be used was the Triangle C with the words "Made In U.S.A." beneath it. This mark has only been reported on Azurite pieces. It is known in two versions; one appears to be done in coin gold while the other is in black and both are applied to the surface of the glass.

From the same time period comes a single reference, in CGL, to a label on gold encrusted Azurite pieces. Dated January 23, 1922 an article about the Cambridge Glass Co. contained this statement: "On the gold-encrusted 'Azurite' ware, the Cambridge Glass Co. has placed a gold label bearing the wording: 'Cambridge Art Glass, Ohio, U.S.A.'" Writing in the September 1990 Crystal Ball, NCC member RaNae Travers reported finding an Ebony Community Line No. 114 vase bearing this label. Quoting RaNae, "The label is very small, about the size of a dime....The color is actually a bronzish-brown." Perhaps the color changed with age as it was almost 70 years old when found. RaNae drew the label to show members the placement of wording on the label.

Also rarely seen is a circular label containing a triangle in which is printed the words: "22K GOLD CAMBRIDGE." The sample in the author's collection is on an Ebony covered candy, gold decorated. This label has also been reported on an "Emerald (light) green bowl with a gold encrusted floral pattern." Dating of this label has not been precisely determined but it would be in the time period 1922-1928. The known examples of this label are in poor condition and not reproducible. The label shown here is a recreation of the original.

The color Crown Tuscan was introduced in Fall, 1932. For about two years, 1932-1934, gold decorated pieces were often marked with their own trademark consisting of a Crown, the word Tuscan, a Triangle C and MADE IN USA. The latter is spaced around the triangle, beginning on the left side and going clockwise.

During the 1930s several other lines had their own specialty trademark and, in most cases, label. These include the etchings Elaine, Valencia, Minerva, Rose Point and Ye Olde Ivy and the enamel decoration known as Japonica. In addition, a general label was developed for Rock Crystal. Only Japonica did not have its own label, the trademark appearing in enamel on the underside of the piece. Below are some examples of these labels.

When Crystal Ball Article published its book on Rose Point, it was realized the condition of the known existing Rose Point labels would not allow satisfactory reproduction. Consequently, the label was recreated in the general style of the original and it is the recreation that is shown here. It is the actual Elaine and Rock Crystal labels that are illustrated. Valencia, Minerva and Ye Olde Ivy are readily recognizable, although infrequently seen.

For "TABLE ARCHITECTURE", a part of the Pristine line, a trademark was registered and what appears to be a specialty label developed. The latter appears on a catalog page dating to the late 1930s and again on a page included in the 1940 catalog even though it includes the Triangle C. The registration application was filed March 27, 1937 and claimed use of the term "TABLE ARCHITECTURE" since March 15, 1937. An actual example of the Table Architecture label has not been seen by this writer.

Another special label was created in 1951 by the original company in celebration of its 50th year. Measuring 32 mm or 1¼ inches in diameter, it is doubtful it was used on glass. However it did appear on booklets and in advertising. It is printed in black on gold foil.

Introduced in January 1952, the Cambridge Square line was recognized for its unique design but proved difficult to make. The original company did not register the name Cambridge Square but just before the reopening of the plant in March 1955, the new company did. Prior to the 1954 closure, the original company did design and use a Cambridge Square logo in the form of black and gold enamel on a metal display sign, This sign measures approximately 1-3/4 inches by 2-3/4 inches. It is not known if this logo, in the form of a paper label, was every used on an actual piece of glass.

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