3011 Figure Stem Line - Conclusion

by Janice Hughes & Lynn Welker
Issue No. 104 - December 1981

In conclusion to our series of articles on the 3011 Statuesque Stem Line, several questions have arisen which we feel have to be answered.

How are the nudes made and why do the sizes vary?

The nudes are made in three parts; the top, the stem and the foot. The top is either molded or hand blown into a mold. The stem is molded. The foot is hand formed. The three sections are then applied and annealed together. The fact that the top may be blown and the foot hand formed accounts for the difference in height of the overall piece and in width of the foot. There also seems to be some variation in the size of the connections on either end of the stem which may cause a difference in height. The fact that the tops of all items, except the comport and candlesticks, are ground and/or polished may also cause height variation. The only exceptions to this are the nudes which are actually part of the seashell line. The two sizes of seashell comports and the Flying Lady bowl, are made in only two sections with a hand finished foot being applied to the molded top (in the case of the comports, the stem and the top.)

What pieces have been reproduced?

The only known reproductions of the Cambridge 3011 line were by Imperial Glass Co. These include the cocktail and the large cupped comport. The cocktail has been reproduced in crystal top and foot with either an ebony or amber stem. The ebony cocktail reproduction can be determined by several ways. The top of the cocktail is 1/2 ounce smaller, is shorter and more narrow. If inverted, the Imperial cocktail will fit inside the Cambridge cocktail. The comport was reproduced with either a moonlight blue or verde (olive green) top, a satin stem and a crystal foot. The verde color was never made by Cambridge. As the production of these comports was so limited, we have been unable to find a moonlight blue comport to examine for differences.

There is a series of nude stemware from Europe that is called the Bacchus line. It is completely different from the Cambridge nude stemware. The figure is very narrow and has fewer features. Many of the pieces seen have a gold encrusted bowl or foot. When examined they are completely different from the Cambridge nudes and are not an attempt at reproduction of the Cambridge stemware.

Which nudes are hardest to find?

This is a hard question to answer. Here is a list of approximate rarity from the easiest shapes to the hardest shapes to find.

  • Cocktail (3011/9)
  • Brandy
  • Comport
  • Table Goblet, Claret
  • Champagne
  • Ivy Ball
  • Ash Tray
  • Candlestick
  • Cigarette Box (short stem)
  • Wine
  • Cordial
  • Sauterne
  • Banquet Goblet, Hock, Roemer, Tulip Cocktail, V Cocktail (all are equally hard to find)
  • Bud Vase
  • Mint Dish
  • Cigarette Holder
  • Cigarette Box (tall stem)
  • Covered Sweet Meat
  • Covered Candy

As far as color goes, it is difficult to say which is hardest to find. The following list takes into consideration both rarity and value.

  • Amber, Mandarin Gold, Emerald, Amethyst
  • Gold Krystol
  • Crystal
  • Ebony
  • Mocha
  • Royal Blue
  • Carmen
  • Pink
  • Pistachio
  • Tahoe Blue
  • Moonlight Blue
  • Smoke
  • Heatherbloom
  • Topaz

There may be some differences of opinion concerning this list; however, it is hard to generalize, because one color may be common in one item and rare in another. Decorations also add to rarity, with the etchings, and sterling and gold decorations adding greatly to the value of the item

We hope this series has been helpful, educational and has answered your questions.

Good luck and happy hunting.