Pairpoint Glass Company

American glass is among the most valuable glass in the world and among the best of the best in glassware, made by Pairpoint. Founded in 1837 in South Boston as Mt. Washington Glass Company, Pairpoint is the oldest operating glass works in the country. Examples of Pairpoint's timeless designs can be found in the decorative arts collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Entire books are devoted exclusively to the history of Pairpoint and a quick look at the keen bidding for Pairpoint on eBay proves that it's as popular and coveted today as it was back at the turn of the century. In 1880, not long after Mt. Washington Glass Company moved from Boston to New Bedford, it merged with Pairpoint Manufacturing a silver and metalworks company founded by Thomas Pairpoint the world-recognized British silversmith and designer. The new Pairpoint Company began designing extraordinary pieces some mixed metal and glass, some were all glass. And while many of the company's earlier lines are highly collectible, Pairpoint's puffiesare among the most sought after examples. These metal-based lamps feature ornate, polychrome glass shades and fetch thousands of dollars at auction. Glass is an art form and as such is in a continuous state of transformation. Pairpoint quickly established itself at the forefront by consistently inventing new techniques and stylistic trends that are copied to this day. In addition to the famous puffies , Lava, Peachglow and Satin glass were first created by Pairpoint glassblowers. Pairpoint also has a long history of providing custom glass and crystal commemorative pieces and trophies to some of America's most prestigious sporting clubs and organizations. In 1974, Pairpoint began issuing limited edition pressed cup plates that have become highly collectible. There are now about 100 different patterns to collect.