Freshly Picked: The Timeless Allure of Jeannette’s "Baltimore Pear"

There is a specific kind of magic in finding a complete set of vintage glass that has survived the decades without a single flea bite or chip. This week, we’re shining a spotlight on a true American classic we just added to the shop: a Jeannette Glass Baltimore Pear Creamer and Covered Sugar Set.

If you’ve been following our journey at Bondgard, you know we have a soft spot for items that carry a story. The "Baltimore Pear" pattern is a bit of a legend in the world of pressed glass. While the design actually dates back to the Victorian era, the Jeannette Glass Company revived it in the mid-1950s, bringing that heavy, high-relief fruit pattern into mid-century homes.

Why we love this set:

• The Detail: Look at the "finial" (the handle on the lid). That kind of craftsmanship is exactly what we mean when we say "they don't make 'em like they used to."

• The Weight: This isn't flimsy glass. It’s substantial, crystal-clear, and has that satisfying "thunk" when you set it down on a wooden table.

• The Versatility: While it’s technically for cream and sugar, these pieces are Art Deco enough to look stunning on a modern bar cart or even a vanity holding jewelry and cotton rounds.

As we wish for Spring here in Galesburg, we’re looking for pieces that feel "Freshly Picked." This set, with its lush vines and clusters of pears, fits that vibe perfectly. It’s a piece of 1950s Americana that is ready to write its next chapter in a new home.

Check out the full listing here and bring a little bit of history to your morning coffee.

 The Relics and the Refresh: A Lesson in Value

I was reading a beautiful post today from a friend over at Cupola Ridge. She talked about a weather-worn relic she found in a field—something most folks passed by—and how it eventually found a sacred new purpose in her home. It got me thinking about the things we overlook, and the things we think are broken beyond repair.

In my work with Bondgard, I’m constantly drawn to the small and the fragile. I’ll find a lone demitasse teacup tucked away on a dusty back shelf of a junk store. It’s lost its set, its saucer is gone, and most people wouldn't give it a second look. But I see the square joints of its history, the "carved pockets" of its design, and I have to save it.

I think I’m drawn to them because I know what it feels like to be "weathered."

There were moments over these last few years—through the liver failure, the cancer, and even a heart attack just a week after my transplant—where I felt like that forgotten item in a field. I felt stripped of my purpose, unsure of where I belonged now that my body had changed so much.

But as the scripture says in Isaiah, "See, I am doing a new thing."

God has a way of taking what we think is a "disruption" and turning it into a "fresh assignment." I may not be the same man I was before the transplant, but I have been repurposed. My value wasn't lost in the hospital hallways; it was being transformed into something I never expected.

Now, when I’m out scouting with Rod, I don't just see "inventory." I see reminders that losing your original purpose doesn't mean you've lost your worth. Whether it's a fragile cup or a survivor like me, there is beauty in the new life that springs up after the storm.

MCM Peacock Blue Cylinder Vase

 A Splash of Mid-Century Elegance

There is something undeniably magnetic about Peacock Blue glass. It captures the light in a way that feels both architectural and organic. This 10.5-inch cylinder vase is a prime example of the bold experimentation seen in the late 20th century (circa 1970–1999).

Standing on a graceful pedestal base, the vase features a distinctive rigaree band—a decorative ribbon of glass applied to the body while still molten and then crimped into a textured, wavy pattern.

Murano or Empoli: The Italian Connection

While this specific piece is unbranded, its craftsmanship points toward the legendary glassmaking traditions of Italy. Collectors often find themselves debating between two famous origins for pieces of this style:

• Murano: Known for high-art techniques and intricate hand-blown details.

• Empoli: Famous for producing "Verde" and "Peacock" blue glassware that was exported globally during the MCM boom.

Regardless of its specific pedigree, the combination of the sleek cylinder silhouette and the ornate rigaree band makes it a "best of both worlds" piece—merging minimalist form with maximalist texture.

Styling the Cylinder Vase

Because of its 10.5-inch height and narrow 4 3/8-inch diameter, this MCM Peacock Blue Vase is incredibly versatile:

1. Single Stem Statement: Use a single Monstera leaf or a tall Calla Lily to emphasize the vertical lines.

2. Sunlight Showcase: Place it on a windowsill or a glass coffee table where the light can pass through the peacock blue glass to cast colorful shadows.

3. The Grouping: Pair it with shorter, amber-colored glass or clear crystal to create a tiered, colorful display on a mantel or sideboard.

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Product Specifications

Feature	Detail
Material	Hand-blown Glass
Height	10.5"
Color	Peacock Blue
Style	Modern / MCM
Feature	Clear Pedestal Base & Rigaree Band