Q: Helping our mother downsize her home, we came across this iron. We love the look but don’t know anything about it. Can you help?
A: You have a Silver Streak Iron, manufactured by Saunders Machine & Tool Corp., New York, and Corning Glass Works, Corning, N.Y., in 1946. It’s a wonderful example of postwar design. The Silver Streak’s aerodynamic form is immediately recognizable because of streamlining, a style that dominated the 1930s and focused on smooth lines, clean forms, and the impression of speed and efficiency. The addition of heat and fabric settings also streamlined the ironing process itself, as it removed the guesswork from the chore and allowed the user to determine how much power would be required for individual laundry items.
What is most indicative of the Silver Streak’s place in postwar design, however, is what it is made of–Pyrex. Developed by Corning Glass Works as a heat-resistant glass alternative to metal cookware, Pyrex made its debut in 1915. Its market expanded during World War II due to the demanding nature of wartime manufacturing, which restricted the use of metal for all other products. This metal shortage led to innovative design substitutions, as seen here: where metal would normally have been used, the Silver Streak iron employs Pyrex. The heat-resistant glass that worked well in ovens could now prevent burnt hands while ironing, and its moldable nature allowed for a more ergonomic handle. Although this new use for Pyrex was successful, the colored emulsion under the glass body couldn’t stand the heat. As a result, the colorful Silver Streak—which came in red, green, and silver, among other hues—was only produced for a short time. Silver Streak Irons are popular postwar design collectibles. Depending on condition and color, values can range from $400 to $2,000. We’ve seen a similar iron to yours sell at auction for $650.
Dear Lee,
As we welcome the new year, collectors love to reassess what’s “in” and what is “out.” The past year has seen a welcome return of flea markets and antiques shows. We have loved being able to go to shows and, of course, indulge our passion for collecting. The No. 1 rule of collecting is focus on what you love. But it doesn’t hurt to find out that the collectibles sitting on your shelf are worth more than what you paid.
Here is my list of what I think will be hot (and not) in 2023. And here’s a tip for the smart collector: Buying what is “out” is a smart way to indulge in something you like, and possibly be ahead of the curve when that item cycles back to the “in” list.
IN:
OUT:
All of us at Kovels wish you a very Happy New (Collecting) Year!
Photos: Morphy Auctions (beer sign), Morphy Auctions (robot toy), Fontaine’s Auction Gallery (cut glass bowl), Copake Auction (Blue Willow tureen), Etsy (Pyrex bowls)
In the 1970s Pyrex came out with limited edition Moon Deco casseroles. They were opaque white with red dots, black and red circles on the lid and a black underplate. They initially retailed for $5.95. Now, they can be worth $145 if they have all the parts, including the lid and underplate.
This is the time of year that many pull out a plate they haven’t seen for a year — the deviled egg platter, or egg plate, with its perfect oval indentations. Deviling is a term for mixing hot spices into foods. Serving deviled eggs is common during the Easter season. The deviled egg first became a popular snack to be served with drinks during the 1930s. Hundreds of different deviled egg plates of glass or china were made to showcase the appetizer. American egg plates can be found in many Depression glass patterns. Duncan & Miller Glass Company is thought to have the earliest version in the Early American Sandwich pattern. Imperial, Heisey, Spode, Lenox, Anchor Hocking, Fenton, Fire King, Fostoria, Hazel Atlas, Indiana, Jeannette, and Pyrex are just a few of the other well-known glass makers who make egg platters. During the 1950s and 1960s, many china patterns included a deviled egg plate. The egg plate’s popularity peaked in the 1950s.
Today, you can find deviled egg platters in thrift stores, flea markets and other online vintage sellers. Or you can just check your mother or grandmother’s china cabinet!
Here are some collectible platters for those who love the cooked egg yolk, mustard and mayonnaise mixture topped with paprika and put back into a half egg-white “shell.”
Carnival glass egg plate, amber iridescent, $33.
Photo: Dandelion Wishes
Pressed glass egg plate, colorless, $51.
Photo: The Benefit Shop Foundation Inc.
Vintage hand-painted egg plate, pottery, $38.
Photo: The Benefit Shop Foundation Inc.