Helmschmied Mfg. Co. designs and historical information

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ADC staff
artdesigncafé - design | Design Meriden | 20 September 2020 | Updated 28 December 2021
Helmschmied Manufacturing Co bottle top


Above, design for a top for pepper or salt bottles by Carl V. Helmschmied (design no. 37,243; 22 November 1904). For more information, see the entry below.


"... [Carl] Helmschmied was born October 30, 1863 in Steinschoenua, Bohemia, Austria, where a common school education was followed by a course at the Imperial Technical school of his native town... he felt that the field was too confined for a realization of his struggling ideals, and sailed for America.

Directly after landing in New York he went to New Bedford, Mass., where he became a designer for Smith Bros. manufacturers of decorated opal ware; at the end of two years he went to Trenton, N. J., and worked for Jesse Dean at china painting; two more years were spent in New Bedford with the Mount Washington Glass company as designer.

Mr. Helmschmied’s talents as a designer were recognized when he entered the employ of C. F. Monroe in 1886... He was also the leading designer there for sixteen years.

In 1903, he withdrew from that company and opened his own factory in the rear of his home and began to manufacture for himself. The corporation was known as the Helmschmied Mfg. Co. ... Colonial glass novelties and metal ornaments comprising shades, vases and other decorated ware... " (Excerpt from 1 January 1934 article listed below.)


To learn more about Carl Helmschmied’s work before he founded the Helmschmied Mfg. Co. in 1903/04, see the C. F. Monroe designs, exhibitions, design catalogues and historical information.



A. Helmschmied Mfg. Co. designs in collections (by year)


This webpage is in development.


Info/photo status: = info and photo online
= info online, no photo
= completely offline


1900s

c. 1903 - covered box

Helmschmied Mfg. Co. (c. 1903). Covered box, "Belle Ware". Opal with purple violets, gold-painted band along bottom. (Accession no. 2000.007.005. Viewed 21 September 2020. A00755-01).

  • Offline - Museum of American Glass, Millville, NJ.


B. Helmschmied Mfg. Co. historical information (by year)


Material status: = online
= link to more info
= completely offline


1900s

Various newspapers, magazines and other sources

(c. 1903-). Various newspapers, magazines and other sources - search engines. (21 September 2020).


1903 advertisements

See the ads


1903 - advertisement

Carl V. Helmschmied, Mfg. (11 December 1903). Advertisement: "You are cordially invited to inspect the... Belle Ware Novelties, consisting of strictly hand painted Glass and China. Show Room... 47 Reservoir Ave. ... " [with no illustrations]. Meriden Daily Journal, p. 11, col. 6. (Viewed 28 December 2021. R00437).

1903 - advertisement

Carl V. Helmschmied. Mfr. (19 December 1903). Advertisement: "Come to our show rooms at 47 Reservoir Ave. and inspect the beautiful line of hand painted Belle Ware Novelties... " [with no illustrations]. Meriden Daily Journal, p. 11, col. 6. (Viewed 28 December 2021. R00438).

1903 - advertisement

Carl V. Helmschmied, Mfr. (24 December 1903). Advertisement: "You are cordially invited to inspect The Belle Ware Novelties... strictly hand-painted Glass and China. Show Room, 47 Reservoir Ave. ... " [with no illustrations]. Meriden Morning Record, presumably p. 4, col. 5. (Viewed 28 December 2021. R00439).



1904 articles

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1904 - news brief

(13 October 1904). Will incorporate; Carl V. Helmschmied forming stock co. Meriden Weekly Republican, p. 3, col. 3. (Viewed 21 September 2020. E01416).

1904 - article

(13 October 1904; 2nd article). New firm organized; The Helmschmied Mfg. Co. incorporated Tuesday. Meriden Weekly Republican, p. 5, col. 1. (Viewed 21 September 2020. E01417-18).



1904 advertisements

See the ads


1904 - advertisement

Carl V. Helmschmied. (2 February 1904). Advertisement: "... Manufacturer of the Belle Ware novelties; suitable for wedding and Easter presents. Showroom 47 Reservoir Avenue... " [with no product illustrations, in presidential identification game contest format]. Meriden Morning Record, p. 6, col. 4. (Viewed 25 January 2021. R00442).

1904 - advertisement

Carl V. Helmschmied. (8 April 1904). Advertisement: "Fine display of Belle Ware novelties... Showrooms: 47 Reservoir Avenue" [with no illustrations]. Meriden Daily Journal, p. 4, col. 6. (Viewed 25 January 2021. R00440).

1904 - advertisement

Carl V. Helmschmied. (12 April 1904). Advertisement: "Fine display of Belle ware novelties... Showrooms: 47 Reservoir Avenue" [with no illustrations] Meriden Morning Record, p. 7, col. 6. (Viewed 25 January 2021. R00441).

1904 - advertisement

Helmschmied Mfg. Co. (13 December 1904). Advertisement: "... Belle Ware Novelties... adapted as Gifts for the Holiday Season: Beautiful Hand-painted Vases, Salad and Fruit Dishes, Pie and Cake Plates... " [with no illustrations]. Meriden Daily Journal, p. 9, col. 7. (Viewed 29 October 2020. F01701).

1904 - advertisement

Helmschmied Mfg. Co. (16 December 1904). Advertisement: "... Open evenings... Belle Ware novelties... Beautiful hand-painted vases, salad and fruit dishes, pie and cake plates... jewel cases, cracker jars ... pepper and salts... and a fine selection of water color paintings... " [with no illustrations]. Meriden Daily Journal, p. 10, col. 1. (Viewed 25 January 2021. R00444).



1904 - patent - design for a top for pepper or salt bottles

Carl V. Helmschmied. (22 November 1904; filed 9 April 1903). Design no. 37,243; serial no. 151,935: Design for a top for pepper or salt bottles. (Viewed 21 September 2020. E01408).


1905 articles

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1905 - news mention

(January 1905). Glassware, china, pottery [news]: "The Helmschmied Manufacturing Company, of Meriden, Conn., has been incorporated and will manufacture glassware of various kinds". House Furnishing Review, p. 35. (Viewed 21 September 2020. E01419).

1905 - news mention

(18 December 1905). Gifts for Christmas; where to get them [with mention of Helmschmeid Mfg. Co.]. Meriden Daily Journal, p. 10, col. 5. (Viewed 27 December 2021. D01961).

"The ’Belle Ware’ and ’Colonial’ art glass made by the Helmschmied Mfg. Co. is meeting with a ready and deserving sale at their show rooms on Reservoir avenue. They are beautiful products and make very fine gifts." (Excerpt from above.)


  • See worldcat.org for possible locations, or contact area public library.



1905 advertisements

See the ads


1905 - advertisement

Helmschmied Mfg. Co. (3 January 1905). Advertisement: "... Belle Ware Novelties; adapted as gifts for the holiday season: Beautiful Hand Painted Vases, Salad and Fruit Dishes, Pie and Cake Plates, China Bric-a-brac, Jewel Cases, Cracker Jars with our famous FROSTING, Peppers and Salts... " [with no illustrations]. Meriden Morning Record, p. 7, col. 2. (Viewed 28 December 2021. R00446).

1905 - advertisement

Mrs. B. C. Post, Meriden, CT. (8 November 1905). Advertisement: "Agent for C. V. Helmschmied’s hand painted china... Belle Ware vases and bent glass ware; For weddings and holiday novelties... " [with no illustrations]. Meriden Morning Record, p. 8, col. 7. (Viewed 25 January 2021. R00449).

1905 - advertisement

C. V. Helmschmied Mfg. Co. (5 December 1905). Advertisement: "Christmas gifts of; The ’Belle Ware’ hand painted novelties in Glass and Shades, etc. Hand painted Satin Sofa Pillow and Pin Cushion Covers. The ’Colonial’ Art Glass Shades, Globes, Vases, Jardinieres, Photoholders, Fern Dishes, etc., are always appreciated. Larger display than ever at factory showrooms... 47 Reservoir Ave. [Meriden, CT]". Meriden Morning Record, p. 4, cols. 6-7. (Viewed 21 September 2020. E01407).



1906 advertisements

See the ads


1906 - advertisement

Helmschmied Mfg. Co. (8 November 1906). Advertisement: "Fine display of Belle Ware Novelties; Showrooms: 47 Reservoir Ave. ... " [with no illustrations]. Meriden Weekly Republican, p. 3, col. 7. (Viewed 23 October 2020. F01635).

1906 - advertisement

Helmschmied Mfg. Co., Meriden. (14 November 1906). Advertisement: "Thanksgiving presents... You are invited to call and inspect our large and beautiful stock of goods for Thanksgiving presents, in Decorated and ’Colonial Art Glass,’ Lamps, Portable Gas Lamps, Hanging Fixtures, etc.; also Vases, Jewel Cases, Cake Plates, Brush and Comb Trays, Cracker Jars and Nut Bowls... " [with no illustrations]. Meriden Daily Journal, p. 9, cols. 1-2. (Viewed 9 December 2021. R00453).

1906 - advertisement

Helmschmied Mfg. Co. (6 December 1906). Advertisement: "Fine display of Belle Ware Novelties; Showrooms: 47 Reservoir Ave... " [with no illustrations]. Meriden Weekly Republican, col. 7. (Viewed 21 September 2020. E01398).



1907 - news mention

Meriden, April 23. (25 April 1907). Meriden concerns enlarging; some $200,000 to be expended upon industrial plants [including mention of Helmschmied Manufacturing company]. New Haven Morning Journal and Courier (Connecticut), p. 5, col. 4. (Viewed 21 September 2020. E01379).


1907 advertisements

See the ads


1907 - advertisement

Helmschmied Mfg. Co. (6 June 1907). Advertisement: "Fine Display of Belle Ware Novelties... " [with no illustrations]. Meriden Weekly Republican, p. 3, col. 7. (Viewed 17 November 2020. F01876).

1907 - advertisement

Helmschmied Mfg. Co. (10 December 1907). Advertisement: "... Colonial art glass; bent glass and leaded shades" [with no illustrations]. Meriden Morning Record, p. 9, col. 1. (Viewed 21 September 2020. E01410).

1907 - advertisement

Helmschmied Mfg. Co. (24 December 1907). Advertisement: "... Hand Painted China Jewel Cases, Glove Boxes, Vases, Pin Trays, Bonbon Dishes etc. ... " [with no product illustrations]. Meriden Morning Record, p. 3, col. 1. (Viewed 29 June 2021. R00259).



1908 advertisements

See the ads


1908 - advertisement

Helmschmied Mfg. Co. (11 June 1908). Advertisement: "... Colonial Art Glass; Bent Glass and Leaded Shades [with no illustrations]. Meriden Weekly Republican, p. 3, col. 1. (Viewed 22 October 2020. F01626).

1908 - advertisement

Helmschmied Mfg. Co. (13 August 1908). Advertisement: "... Colonial Art Glass; Bent Glass and Leaded Shades" [with no illustrations]. Meriden Weekly Republican, p. 3, col. 1. (Viewed 10 November 2020. F01867).



1908 - patent - illuminated flower-pot

Carl V. Helmschmied. (14 April 1908; filed 2 May 1907; renewed 20 February 1908). Letters patent no. 884,924; serial no. 371,480; renewal serial no. 416,929: Illuminated flower-pot. (Viewed 21 September 2020. E01409).

1909 - advertisement

Helmschmied Mfg. Co. (7 January 1909). Advertisement: Colonial Art Glass; Bent Glass and Leaded Shades [with no illustrations]. Meriden Weekly Republican, p. 3, col. 1. (Viewed 10 July 2021. R00462).


1930s

1934 - spotlighted article - C. V. Helmschmied passes away

(1 January 1934). Local artist, manufacturer dies suddenly; C. V. Helmschmied is stricken following welcoming 1934 [with photo of Helmschmied; see excerpt at the top of this webpage]. Meriden Daily Journal, p. 1, col. 4, and p. 2, col. 3. (Viewed 30 December 2020. E01098).

1936 - article mention

(17 April 1936). Meriden’s history day by day for 50 years [with mention: "1934; Jan. 1— Death of C. V. Helmschmied"]. The Meriden Daily Journal [Fiftieth Anniversary issue (1886-1936)], unknown page number. (Viewed 26 November 2020. F01936).


1960s

1968 - article mention

Revi, Albert Christian. (March 1968). American Art Nouveau lamps [with mention and illustration of Carl Helmschmied lamp / flower pot design]. Spinning Wheel, pp. 15-7. (Viewed 21 July 2021. R01567).

1968 - article mention

[18 June 1968 (or 16 June), stamped on clipping]. Book on period glassware lists Gianotti as advisor [with mention: "Howard Gianotti, local antique dealer... American Art Nouveau glass... Helmschmied Manufacturing Co. ... "] Presumably Morning Record (notation on clipping "MR") (Meriden, CT), page number unknown. (Viewed 8 August 2020. AAA00622).

  • Offline - Meriden Public Library, "Meriden - Industries - Glass" file.
  • Offline - Meriden Public Library, newspapers on microfiche.

"... The Helmschmied Manufacturing Co., of Meriden located on Reservoir Avenue, was formed in 1904... [Carl V.] Helmschmied, who started out with a capital stock of $10,000, later maintained a showroom in New York City and in Chicago, Illinois.

"After his factory was closed, Helmschied continued to work, mainly by himself in the back of his residence at 47 Reservoir Ave., decorating glass and chinawares until his death in 1934..." (Excerpt from above.)



2010s

2012 - book mention

Tobin, Diane. (2012). Meriden Glass Companies section, mention: "1903-39; [Carl] Helmschmied left C. F. Monroe’s and opened his own glass decorating business." In The Meriden Flint Glass Company: An abundance of glass, (unknown page number). Charleston, SC: The History Press. (Viewed 9 October 2020. F01434-35).



Click the following link to see designs and documentation for other historical companies from the Meriden area, and those that were connected to the International Silver Company; go to the historical Meriden design overview page and scroll down to section D: "ISC, predecessors & divisions" and E: "Other featured companies".