Heisey No. 300 Pattern Catalogue circa 1899

A. H. Heisey & Co. (1896-1957) was an innovator and leader in the glassmaking industry. In addition to introducing hundreds of new designs in glassware and numerous improvements to the glass production process, Heisey also pioneered new ways to market glassware. Heisey catalogs and price lists were periodically issued by the company to enable glassware buyers to order their products for retail sale. The documents provide detailed information about the available items in each pattern line, including pattern number, size, description, colors, decorations and wholesale pricing. Heisey No. 300 Pattern Catalogue illustrates Heisey’s Peerless pattern which was named by an early glass researcher based upon original Heisey advertising that described it as “The Pattern Without a Peer.” The introduction of this pattern by Heisey marks the beginning of the revival of colonial style glassware characterized by plain panels and flutes. It was followed by several similar designs that gradually replaced the previously popular imitation cut glass Victorian patterns. Many other glass companies also followed with their own versions of colonial glassware. Although the catalogue is undated and unnumbered, it was probably issued in 1899 when Peerless was introduced.