CF Monroe Dresser Boxes

In this guide, I will present the various lines of Charles Fabian Monroe's opalware hinged dresser boxes, a favorite of mine. CF Monroe's factory located in Meriden, Connecticut. The opalware was manufactured, the end of the Victorian period and into the Edwardian era around 1892 to 1916. 

CF Monroe opened his first shop back in 1880, mainly dealing in imported glassware, undoubtedly from both France and Bohemia at the time. He was also the head designer for Meriden Glass Co., often going abroad to discover methods of decoration from many years earlier. By 1882, he operated a glass decorating studio assisted by local artists. Monroe's firm was known to have employed the top decorators in the area, chosen for their talent and proficiency.  

He advertised first rate decorative glass, oil paintings and a high quality art line of bric-a-brac objects. The public was delighted with his wares and as a result, the Monroe opalware was a success and peaked around 1890. This prompted Monroe to expand his line. Most of the CF Monroe opalware examples are divided into three main categories: “Wave Crest, Ware” “Nakara,” and “Kelva.” 

Leading Business Men of New Haven County, by William Hale Beckford, 1887:

"CF Monroe Opal Glass Decorating Works, 49 State Street, Meriden. The tendency of our age toward the cultivation of æsthetic taste has of late years been so marked as to combine the ornamental with the useful in every practicable manner, and art has attained a high degree of perfection in beautifying a large proportion of the articles entering into the furnishing of homes and places of business. In the decoration of glassware, mantels, lamp shades, etc., a wide field of usefulness has been opened up to designers and painters, and the business has attained such proportions as to place it among the important of our industries. 

A wonderfully successful house in this line is that of Mr. C.F. Monroe, No 49 State street, Meriden, which, in a general sense and especially as supplementing the principal manufacturing interests of the city, has attained a prestige and prominence exclusively its own. Mr Monroe was for fourteen years engaged as a designer in some of the leading glass works and lamp manufactories in Boston and Connecticut, and is an artist of exceptional ability. During the past six years his genius and skill has been brought into requisition by the extensive lamp manufacturers and kindred industries of Meriden, and for five years he has conducted the most complete opal glass decorating works in New England. 

His establishment is desirably located for his purposes, the premises comprising three floors of the large building No 49 State street, and the extensive business he has developed necessitates the employment of sixteen painters and designers, some of whom are recognized masters of their art, and are from the leading glass factories of Bohemia. 

The work executed in this establishment comprises the designing and decorating of work to match rooms, on glass shades, lamps, vases, plaques, tiles for mantels and paneling, portraits, figures and landscape painting on china, etc., and many other fancy art novelties, and orders for the highest type of art work every description are executed in the most satisfactory manner at short notice. 

Special shapes and designs in decorated glass for silverware and brass goods manufactured to be used in combination with their goods. A very elegant assortment of lamp shades and table salt spills, etc., in the most beautiful designs,is to be found here Mr Monroe is a native of Providence, RI, and has been eminently successful in the profession to which he has devoted the best energies of his life." 

Monroe's firm purchased undecorated glass blanks from American glass factories, among them: Rodefer Glass Co, of Bel Air, Ohio; and Washington-Pairpoint.. 

Rodefer Glass was originally named National Glass Works which was established in 1869 in Bellaire, OH. The glassworks failed in 1877 and was purchased and operated by the Rodefer Brothers, Albert, Thornton and John, until 1898 when two of the brothers sold their share in the company which left Thornton the sole owner. Thornton Rodefer passed away in 1910 and his son CM Rodefer assumed ownership. Under his control, the company thrived into the 1920s and an additional plant was erected close to the original. The Rodefer family merged with Gleason and became known as the Rodefer-Gleason Glass Co. The company continued operation until 1982. Rodefer's glass works mainly produced a variety of blown and pressed items which they sold to other companies. Advertisements of the period stated that they offered "blown and pressed specialties in private moulds." From the 1890s until 1910, Rodefer supplied their opal glass blanks to be decorated at CF Monroe's decorating studio.

In 1894, the Mount Washington Glass Co. was acquired by the Pairpoint Glass Co., both of New Bedford, Mass. This merger combined Mount Washington's significant expertise in glass with Pairpoint's additional metalworking skills. Pairpoint supplied Monroe with their opaque, milky opalescent glassware molded in a variety of forms. 

The Monroe lines were not just confined domestic glass, as he was still importing blanks from France which would eventually be decorated in his studio. These undecorated objects were purchased in small quantities from unknown European manufacturers. I believe that the majority of these were the unmolded, plain round boxes and not the ornately molded shapes supplied by Pairpoint. the French imported pieces were decorated in the style of antique Sevres china. 

The blanks were of a milky to creamy white opaque glass which he dubbed "Wave Crest Ware", and patented in 1892. The majority of the glass blanks were blown in full size molds, although it is reported that some have been found without mold marks. Early boxes are round in shape, while others were square shaped with rounded corners. One of the more popular shapes was a swirl pattern known as the "Helmschmied Swirl" also known as the "Erie Twist". Other boxes had Baroque shell designs, rococo scrolling, fluting, ribbing, and a puffy mold affectionately called "Egg Crate" for its similarity. Each piece was beautifully decorated with gold and enamels. 

Prior to painted decoration, Monroe's opalware glass blanks were were treated with a hydrofluoric acid bath, which rendered their lustrous surfaces mattified. Blanks which were not given the acid bath retained their glossy surfaces but their painted effects were mattified. Most blanks were given subdued background colors of black, lavender, ivory, pink, blue, green, apricot, yellow, rose, and royal blue. These enamels were then fired in a kiln which burned off the wax.

The main decoration was either transfer printed or hand painted with acid-reduced enamels, primarily in soft, delicate hues so favored by the Victorians. Once painted, the blanks were fired again. If raised enamel, gold coin enamel and gilding were applied, they required a third firing to fix them to the glass. The boxes featured an array of decorative motifs - flora, fauna and the delicate tracery of foliate motifs, seascapes and landscapes, figural cherub, Kate Greenaway style children, pastoral scenes of courting couples, and portraits of famous women such as Queen Louise. Other designs incorporated raised enamel dots and beading in intricate geometric patterns. 

Collectors have noticed that the decor was not of a commercial nature, but very similar to the earlier Mt Washington Glass Co's fine artistic work. Nothing was of an amateur hand, each item was decorated with precision and great care.  Albert Revi, editor of Spinning Wheel Magazine and numerous books on American glass stated: "While the Mt Washington Glass Co, New Bedford, Mass,. did not recognize or participate in Art Nouveau, one of its sister companies, the CF Monroe Co in Meriden, Conn., went full swing into introduction of fine art glass to the beauty-hungry public."

History of New Haven County, Connecticut, by John L. Rockey, 1892:

"CF Monroe's Decorating Works date their origin from 1882, when he began at Meriden on a small scale, extending his business until large works are occupied. The present plant, at the Waterbury depot, was built in the summer of 1888. It is a large frame, 2 stories high. In it are employed from 30 to 50 people, many of them being artists of high skill, and all having more than ordinary intelligence. Every of work is decorated, the paintings embracing designs from nature, landscapes, portraits and figures. The art novelties show the degree of skill in design and execution, many being the conception of Mr Monroe, who is a master in this art, and this establish is regarded as one of the leading decorating works in New England." 

Monroe's company offered hundreds of types of glass articles for utilitarian use. Most of the wares were made for ladies' boudoir use and included cologne and perfume atomizer bottles, jewel caskets, puff (powder) boxes, hair receivers, smaller jars meant for face creams, rouge or patches, glove boxes, pin trays and other related items. For the gentleman, other boxes were used as cigar humidors and collar and cuffs. 

Small boxes measured 3" diameter and stood 2" tall.

Larger boxes measured 7" diameter and stood about 4.75" tall.

American Druggist and Pharmaceutical Record - Volume 33, 1898:

"Wave Crest Ware. The CF Monroe Co. Meriden, Conn. have introduced a line of goods which is strikingly novel, and which will undoubtedly prove very salable. These goods comprise articles intended for wedding and holiday trade, such as puff, jewel and glass boxes, cigar sets, etc. Some idea of the artistic character of this ware is conveyed in the accompanying illustration. Copies of their beautiful catalogue containing prices and illustrated descriptions of this ware can be obtained by addressing the company as above. The bonbon tray illustrated herewith is a specimen of the work of the CF Monroe Co. It is made in opal, decorated in the most artistic manner, the grounds being of different tints and the decorations varied according to the designer's fancy. These particular trays are trimmed in gold plate, and are very attractive in every respect. The catalogue sent out by this firm to applicants mentioning this journal when writing them is one of the most beautiful and attractive pieces of work that we have yet seen, and a copy should be in the hands of every one of our readers. The cover in particular is unique and artistic in effect."  

The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - Volume 37, 1898:

"New Productions in Wave Crest Ware. As articles suitable for presentation purposes, the beautiful productions in Wave Crest ware of the CF Monroe Co. are perhaps unsurpassed in popularity by any lines of this character which come in to the jewelry trade. This season more than ever before the line of this company shown at their New York salesrooms, 38 Murray St., contains almost every article appropriate as gifts to both sexes that can be manufactured in this ware. Among these are many pieces like the bell here illustrated, whisk broom holders, etc., that are now made in Wave Crest for the first time. The greatest assortments among the presents for men are to be seen in the cigar and tobacco jars, ash receivers and like articles, while for the fair sex are jewel cases, glove boxe,s handkerchief boxes, ring trays and a host of small knick-knacks and ornaments dear to the feminine heart." 

Practical Druggist and Pharmaceutical Review of Reviews, 1898:

"The Wave Crest Ware is made only by the CF Monroe Co Meriden Conn. It is a new line of very novel and attractive articles for holiday and wedding presents. This illustration will give an idea as to the style, but it is better to write for their special P.D. catalogue, a large handsome book full of beautiful illustrations with prices from which they make an extra large discount, so that the goods can be easily retailed at less than the catalogue rates. If you do not wish to put in a line of these novelties for the coming holidays, by all means get their catalogue and a sample of the ware, so that you can show it to prospective buyers and take their orders for future delivery." 

The Pharmaceutical Era - Volume 21, 1899:

"The CF Monroe Co. of Meriden, Conn., now occupy as their New York salesroom the large store at No 28 Barclay street, where their Wave Crest ware for 1899 can be seen."

Geyer's Stationer.,1900:

"The demand for the popular Wave Crest Ware has been so great that the factory of CF Monroe Co. at Meriden, Conn. has proved very much too small. The capacity of the plant is being enlarged four fold. Work on the new buildings is being pushed as rapidly as possible and every thing will be in shape to fill all orders in time for the Holiday trade." 

Glass & Pottery World - Volume 10, 1902

"JJ Knoblaugh, representing CF Monroe Co of Meriden, Conn., is at the Palmer House with a full line of rich cut glass, Wave Crest ware, wedding and holiday novelties...The line of Wave Crest ware shows some of the most artistic hand painted goods on the market and the figures and faces are the work of an artist in every sense of the term. In certain of these figures the faces are especially fine, the expression being seldom equalled in goods of this character. These goods are shown in the Wave Crest gems, jewel boxes, vases, fern dishes, clocks and a number of novelties. Mr Knoblaugh arrived on the 11th inst and will remain about ten days then start on his Western trip. He has been covering this territory for three years and is well known to the trade." 

The Jewelers' Circular - Volume 79, Issue 2, 1919:

"CF MONROE IS MOURNED. Former Cut Glass Manufacturer Passes Away at His Home in Meriden, Conn. Nov 20, Chas. Fabyan Monroe for many years a leading cut glass manufacturer of this city, died at his home, 37 Parker Ave N., last evening following two months' illness of typhoid fever. He was 64 years old and had been a resident of Meriden for 40 years. He leaves a widow, two nieces: Mrs AB Squire, of New Haven, and Miss Marian Taft, of the same city, and two nephews: Walter G Taft of New York, and George A Taft, of Providence, RI. 

Mr Monroe was born in Providence and when quite young moved to New Bedford, Mass. From that city he came here about 40 years ago as a flint glass expert and then opened an art decorating room on W Main St, which he continued until he outgrew his quarters and moved to a more commodious location on State St. It was at this time that he designed the Wave Crest ware. 

Later Mr Monroe built a factory on W Main St., near Waterbury station with the cooperation of the late Horace C Wilcox. The CF Monroe Co., was the mainstay of the West Side and employed during the height of its prosperity about 200 hands. When the company ceased its activities, Mr Monroe turned his interest to other things and became the head of the decorating department of the Edward Miller & Co's plant. 

He was not only a skilled mechanic and manufacturer, but was an artist of real ability. He was an enthusiastic yachtsman and interested in all kinds of sport. Funeral services will be held this morning at 10 o clock at the home." 

 

After decoration, the boxes were fitted with gilt brass, bronze, Britannia metal, or silver plated hinged frames and some are propped up on ornate rococo feet. The metal frames were attached with plaster of Paris. Their interiors were fitted with padded silk linings in gentle shades of gold, rose pink, pale blue or gray, when intended to be used as jewel caskets, other boxes were not lined with silk as they were intended for use as powder or cream boxes.

Although in use since 1892, Monroe trademarked his Wave Crest line in 1898, followed by the highly artistic Nakara and Kelva lines which focused on elaborate painted decoration in the Art Nouveau fashion. Wavecrest was decorated in soft, pastel shades and the glass blanks had highly embossed details, which were sometimes gilded. It resembled fine imported bisque articles, in white and delicate tints, artistically decorated with muted flowers and figures. In fact, early mentions of it mistake it for porcelain.

House Furnishing Review - Volume 2, 1893:

"A VERY pretty variety of porcelain [sic], called the Wave Crest ware has been patented by C. F. Monroe & Co. , of Meriden, Conn., This is something entirely new and attractive." 

The Nakara line, introduced around 1900, was defined by its matte surfaces, deeper colors, unusual shapes, and accents of raised and beaded gilt embellishments. The Kelva line, introduced around 1904, is more exotic in my opinion. It featured pastel florals against a batik-like mottled background which was applied via daubing either with a rag or sea sponge.

Dating guide:

• Wave Crest - 1898 to 1916
• Nakara - 1900 to 1916
• Kelva 1904 to 1916.

When the CF Monroe factory closed its doors in 1916, the building and equipment were bought by Edward Miller and Co. Many of the Monroe decorators went to work for the new firm, taking their own brand of decorative knowledge with them. Some of the artists, trained at CF Monroe went on to work for the Handel Lamp Company, reverse painting the glass shades.

Some pieces are signed. Wave Crest might bear any of three marks: "Trademark Wave Crest" in black, a red banner mark or paper label "Wave Crest Ware Patented Oct 4, 1892." Kelva and Nakara are marked as such. Pieces marked "CFM" may turn up as well. However, the CF Monroe trademarks including Wavecrest, Nakara and Kelva are not always present on the boxes. Collectors should familiarize themselves with the distinctive shapes and decoration of these boxes so they can be recognized even if found unmarked.

Gallery of Wave Crest Ware:

Gallery of Nakara Ware:

Gallery of Kelva Ware: