Stunning vintage LE Smith large Moon and Stars basket in Woodrose Pink. Created with a 4-part mold and an applied handle, this pressed glass basket features a footed design and scalloped edging on the rim and base.

This is a very sturdy and functional piece of glass! It can be used as a centerpiece filled with fruit, candy, or flowers. Its classic style makes it a great fit for many décor styles including Cottagecore. Or, use it as décor or a gift for Easter, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, or even Baby Girl Shower.

Interesting fact: The L. E. Smith Glass Company contracted with the Weishars' Island Mold Company to produce glass pieces from their Moon and Star molds. The agreement held that the molds would remain the property of Island Mold Company and L. E. Smith Glass would pay royalties for each piece produced. Smith never owned any of the Moon & Star molds, they only leased them from the Weishars company.

Perfect vintage condition. No chips, cracks, scratches, or repairs observed.

DETAILS: • Dimensions: Height: 9", Width: 5.5", Length: 9", Weight: 2lb 4oz • Manufacturer: LE Smith • Design: Large Basket • Pattern: Moon & Stars • Markings: Unmarked • Place of Origin: Mount Pleasant. PA • Date of Manufacture: c1985-1994 • Materials: Pressed Glass • Color(s): Woodrose Pink • Status: Discontinued

HISTORY: Though the L.E. Smith Glass Company was founded by "Lew" Smith in Jeannette, Pennsylvania, in 1907, the company is better known for the glassware it produced from 1910 to 1921 at its factory in nearby Mount Pleasant. There, L.E. Smith manufactured mustard jars (along with the mustard that filled them), fruit jars, jelly jars, and headlights for Henry Ford's Model T, among many other products.

By 1920, Smith, whose namesake founder had left the company in 1911, had purchased a new factory in Greensburg, PA. It was here that the company made a range of milk glass pieces, from figural animals to vases and planters. L.E. Smith was also known for its small novelty glass items, from tiny pianos and pistols to diminutive telephones, many of which were sold as containers for candy. Other mainstays of the Smith catalog during these years were lamps, both oil and electric, whose pressed-glass shades and bodies were manufactured in a range of colors. Smith even made electric lamps in the shapes of sailboats, melding novelty with utility.

In 1971 Smith finally jumped on the carnival-glass bandwagon that had begun in 1907 by Fenton. The first pieces of L.E. Smith carnival glass were actually commemorative plates bearing the profiles of John F. Kennedy and Abraham Lincoln.

In January 2005, William A. Kelman, a Pittsburg businessman, bought the assets of Smith Glass including equipment, inventory, machinery and receivables. He formed a new company, Port Augustus Glass Co. LLC, which was named after a town in his native Scotland. The intention was to preserve nearly a century of glassmaking history at one of the last handmade glass factories in the USA, but ultimately it was not to be, and the business closed.

ADDITIONAL SHIPPING INFORMATION: • Items are shipped by USPS Ground Advantage with standard $100 insurance unless otherwise agreed upon. • Multiple purchases will have a combined, lower shipping rate. • Because I primarily use recycled materials to securely package your valuable items, accurately calculating shipping costs in advance is challenging. While I may initially estimate high, any shipping cost overages of $1 or more will be promptly reimbursed. • If an item is broken during the shipping process, the buyer is responsible for submitting a claim to the USPS. Please ensure you keep the label/receipt and all original packaging to demonstrate proof. Refer to the USPS website or your local post office to obtain a claim form.

IMPORTANT DDV SHOP NOTE: • All antique/vintage items in my shop are sold "as-is/as-found" and priced accordingly for their condition. I only complete a light cleaning on items allowing new owners to determine the level of aging and character they wish to preserve. This includes all metal patinas and discolorations. • All antique/vintage items are by definition “used” and usually show signs of age and/or use. Buying vintage items online assumes some risk. Be sure to view all photos as they are part of the description and condition. I do my best to provide descriptions and/or photos of any wear, damage, or manufacturing flaws I find to help you make your purchase decision. I do not accept returns unless the buyer can prove that the items weren't accurately described or photographed. • I personally research each item I sell and do my best to provide accurate information in my listings. I am a hobbyist vintage collector but not an expert, so if I missed something and you would like additional information please contact me before you buy.

Darling Della Vintage helps vintage lovers and collectors fill their spaces with joy by offering locally sourced, high-quality vintage items at fair prices.

Didn't find what you were looking for? Please view my shop for additional unique and exceptional vintage items.