For over 100 years the LE Smith Glass Company has created amazing hand made, pressed glass. A testament to LE Smith Glass' patterns and products is the longevity. Where many other glass companies died during or after the depression the LE Smith Company continued to thrive.
Headlights – History:
LE Smith Glass not only made the first headlight lens for the Model T, but they also created incredible bowls and other pieces all of which reflected the times and people's tastes. From tableware to gifts and beyond, this firm seemed to have a sense for the pulse of America.
The Color of the Times:
LE Smith integrated colors into their glassware around 1925. The predominant colors were cobalt, yellow, amethyst and green. However, the one thing that really separated Smith Glass from other companies was making black glass. While it looks purple against a back-light, when set down it's black. This particular type of glass is highly collectible.
Keys to Success:
LE Smith Glass recognized that consumers wanted affordable craftsmanship. So they designed tasteful, pressed glass that inspired pride, but without being too expensive. This won great favor in American hearts.
Another thing that was truly innovative about LE Smith Company was its attention to regional resources. LE Smith looked at the local gas, coal, silica sand and individual talent and turned them into a success story.
Other Highlights:
There are many highly collectible lines in the LE Smith Glass Company history. One is a lovely ruby-colored souvenir line that ended after the 1920s. Art Deco pieces are also highly sought after. Interestingly enough Smith also had animal figures akin to Metlox.
This kind of forward thinking shaped every year of the LE Smith Glass Company's production. If it were not for constant innovation, they would not have maintained a place in everything from Depression glass to cigarette lighters. Mind you, even as so many other contemporary companies social situations like 9/11 disrupted the bottom line. By 2004 Smith had ceased production until purchased by William Kelman.
Headlights – History:
Keys to Success:
There are many highly collectible lines in the LE Smith Glass Company history. One is a lovely ruby-colored souvenir line that ended after the 1920s. Art Deco pieces are also highly sought after. Interestingly enough Smith also had animal figures akin to Metlox.
