Saturday, June 30, 2012

Glo-Hill Chrome Holloware - 10th in Canadiana Series

Glo-Hill Collectibles - 10th in Canadiana Series


Glo-Hill Corporation, was created in 1946 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada by brothers Sol, Paul, and Leo Globus along with their brother-in-law Harry Hill.  The family began as cutlers (making cutlery, flatware) but soon realized an opportunity in a burgeoning home entertainment market.

After the war ended, folks were staying close to home and hearth, holding dinner parties, playing cards, and generally entertaining themselves within the home.  Paul Globus was the innovative designer and created a line of chrome holloware entertainment serving pieces that filled this niche.  Art Deco styling that offered the affordability, versatility and easy care for casual entertaining that silverplated holloware did not.




Chrome canape serving tray with cherry red bakelite handles and feet.











A chrome mirror finish, easily cleaned, yet stylish with its bakelite accents. 
















Being situated on the river in Montreal, Glo-Hill had endless opportunities to source accessories from the North American eastern seaboard.  Bakelite was imported from the USA, glassware inserts were supplied by McKee, Glasbake and Jeannette and woodenware additions made domestically came from Baribocraft. 






Glo-Hill soon became national, sold in high end jewelry and department stores Canada-wide.  In their heyday, during the 1950's and 1960's, Glo-Hill employed 160. 

In Glo-Hill's "Gourmates" product line, a Creamer Jug, Lidded Sugar Bowl, Shovel Spoon and Serving Tray Set.



For more details, please click HERE 












Handles, legs, knobs all of swirled bakelite.











Carved into the leg handles of the tray, apple juice bakelite panels. 












Original gold foil label on the base of the tray shows the "Gourmates" logo.















Other pieces have "gh Made in Canada" incised/stamped into the chrome of the base.  Not all Glo-Hill pieces are stamped and labels are rare to find since they were usually washed off.


Chrome holloware items are popular again today, in the resurge of entertaining in the home, but Glo-Hill ceased business in the 1970's.  The secondary vintage market is strong, but condition is important and chrome pieces are often scratched or scuffed from years of use.  Inspect these items carefully!

Happy Treasure Hunting!

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