The Chalet Crystal Swirl Base
Just as there are iconic Chalet Artistic Glass forms, there are iconic Chalet base styles as well. Three are most obvious – the 2 and 4 footed pedestal base probably spring to mind most readily but, it is the third and the most elegant, the Chalet crystal swirl base, that this article examines.
Three iconic Chalet base styles:
Close-ups of 3 crystal swirl bases. All are from “splash” vases:
The crystal swirl base was used as the “go to” style on many designs but we have also seen it used to add variation to the typical. The swirl of the base is always clear crystal, but it often reflects colour from the piece itself. This illusion depends on both the height and depth of the base and the colour saturation of the piece it supports.
“Clearly” crystal.
Base reflecting colour of the vase. From the collection of Deborah Patterson.
Variation in height of the crystal swirl base is common. Both between different styles and within the same forms.
Both of these pieces are production “splash” ashtrays. However, there is a notable difference in appearance - due to the variation of height in their crystal swirl bases. The red at left has a much more sculptural presence.
Different forms - different bases. But even when the differing forms have the same base, like the 3 crystal swirl base pieces here in the foreground (middle and right), the bases show variation.
The crystal swirl base was not restricted to one form or line. However, it was the base most often used in pieces from the Chalet “ribbon” line. Crystal swirl bases have been found on ashtrays, cigar bowls, vases, centerpieces, baskets… And on rarer pieces as well as on the commonplace. Nor is it restricted to pieces with a certain branding. The most commonly shared characteristic between pieces with the crystal swirl base is that both the rim and flat of this base style is often found with more fleabites, chips and wear than on the footed base pieces.
A typical example:
From the collection of Deborah Patterson.
This style of base appears to have been used by Chalet from the onset of the company’s operation in Cornwall as it can be found on quite a few pieces featured in the 1962 “Items Available” catalogue page:
Let’s take a look at some of the forms found with this base.
Ashtray and cigar bowl forms:
An iconic form with this iconic base is Chalet A 42 – the “splash ashtray.” Sometimes collectors call this a “low splash”, but it is most definitely an ashtray not a vase – note the 3 indented “butt rests” on its rim. The crystal swirl base is always found on this form.
Commonplace:
Rarer:
Purple ashtray at top left from the collection of Dustin Rusnell. Pink corroso “splash” at bottom left from the collection of Cindy Bishop Laughlin. “Ice” uranium ashtray at top right from the collection of Lise Legare Kowalchuk. 2-tone blue/green “splash” at bottom right from the collection of Jackie Lyn.
Crystal swirl bases on two differing “ribbon” ashtray styles:
A cigar bowl with the crystal swirl base:
Chalet basket forms are not typically found with this base.
But an exception proves the rule with a variation of Chalet basket BB44:
BB44 basket at left from the collection of Dwain Robertson.
Crystal swirl bases are always seen on these 2 bowl styles from the Chalet “ribbon” line. #1 has a rim with a continuous, consistent height:
Red ribbon bowl at right from the collection of Troy Spielman.
#2 has a fluted rim which dips to different heights.
In typical colours from the “Chalet Kaleidoscope”:
Although all have the crystal swirl base, note the variation in height of the bases.
To date, this is one of only two multi-coloured Chalet ribbon pieces found. The other, the crystal swirl style vase shown below, also has this base.
From the “glorious” collection of Bob Burgess.
This is the only solidly coloured bowl of the fluted rim style of which I know.
From the collection of Ella Hanks.
The “tornado” bowl style (more “tornado styles shown at article end) also is always seen with a crystal swirl base. Diameter ranges from 6” to 14.” Diameter width dramatically affects both the form and function of the base:
Diameters of 6” (honey gold from the collection of Deborah Patterson), 8” (amber from the collection of Ken Brewer), 10” (olive from the collection of Jo Highland) and 12” (orange from the collection of Nicole Giroux-Laplante).
50 Shades member Erin Kinder holds one of the largest sized (14-inch diameter) tornado bowls with the crystal swirl base that we have seen. One other in amber has also been found.
Now that’s a crystal swirl base!
Chalet candleholders with this base.
The early “tornado” design and, then, a set showing later day design evolution:
This early C 41 set from the collection of Jonathon Tremblay. Etched “Chalet Canada.”
This later set is etched “FASCINATION PAR C.M.” which is a branding from a Chalet retailer. Please see “Chalet Crystal Clear Continued” for detailed information regarding Chalet branding, distribution, retailers, original advertising and pricing… and much more!
Centerpiece forms with the crystal swirl base.
More “ribbons”:
3 “stretch” styles. All equally stunning in design. The crystal swirl base on each perfectly enhances its elegance.
From the collection of Cathy Young.
A very unusual “hook and curl” centerpiece. It is not at all typical for this form to have a crystal swirl bottom. Most usually, they have a 2-footed base.
Marked with the hand engraved “Birks” signature:
This rarer style of centerpiece, however, is always seen with a crystal swirl. The Chalet “pincher”:
One of the styles of the Chalet “4 curls” centerpiece (a variation of the Chalet “hook and curls) was produced with a crystal swirl base:
Olive piece at top right from the collection of Rodney Lyndsay Keg and blue form at bottom left from the collection of Suzanne Brooks MacDonald.
The crystal swirl base is also found on a variety of Chalet vase forms.
It is always found on 2 iconic Chalet vases. The Chalet “crystal swirl” which is V34 (top row at left) and the Chalet “splash” which is B42 (top row at right) on the catalogue page following:
Unlike the “splash”, the “crystal swirl” vase was produced in distinctly different heights. Production sizes are cited on the catalogue page as 15” and 22”. However, you will see a range variation between these two heights. The 22” height is very rare.
Olive vase at middle right from the collection of Ella Hanks.
As clearly evident, Ella’s crystal swirl vase is decidedly not a mini!
A unique variation to the above – a bullicante, 5-point throat. And, it is still graced with the crystal swirl base. This one-of-a-kind vase from the collection of Steve Allen.
Another variation of V 34 - still with a crystal swirl base. The variation is in the throat design. This vase has a rounded, downward sloping opening instead of a 3-point opening.
Typical Chalet colours:
Vase at right from the collection of Yves Dufo.
And - not so typical!
The mini vase on left is a variation in both design and size from the typical V 34 at right. Both vases from the collection of Ella Hanks.
I love this style. It is exceedingly rare.
From the collection of Carolyn Sebestyen.
From the collection of Cathy Antonyshyn.
And how about a photo of all 3 of the styles just shown together!
Gionny Gueli’s collection is simply incredible - these 3 stunners are proof positive!
The ‘splash” vase. One of the most iconic of Chalet designs. Although it was a production piece, it is one of the most highly sought after “unicorns” for Chalet collectors. My Chalet ‘splash” was my first “important” piece of Chalet, and I still have it today.
“Splash” vases are always found with a crystal swirl base.
However, there is typical variation in the base.
This perfect pair from the collection of Dustin Rusnell.
Same style and same - but with variation in shape, tones, casings, dimensions, and base height.
The “splash” vase and ashtray together.
An early set:
From the collection of Brad McGillivray.
A later made twosome:
Once more, a perfect pair from the collection of Dustin Rusnell. The crystal swirl of both of these - just gorgeous!
This exceedingly rare “splash” variation (4 points) at right has the crystal swirl base as well.
The swirl base of the variation is much more discrete. The typical design at left is my treasured first important online purchase!
The 4-point variation has also been found once in honey gold.
Photograph courtesy of Cathy Antonyshyn. At time of writing, I know of only three of these 4-point “splashes.”
Vases, again from the Chalet “ribbon” line with the crystal swirl base:
The second of the multi-coloured ribbon pieces of which we are currently aware. Photograph courtesy of Jeremiah Shaver.
We needed another look!
A huge vase (is 15 inches at tips and weighs 9 pounds) with a crystal swirl base. I have not seen another like it. I believe it could be artist’s sample while Chalet moved toward a more often seen form. Or maybe a variation?
From the collection of Deborah Patterson.
This is the vase form of which I was referring to above. As I stated, I believe the big olive is either a variation of this style or an earlier version as Chalet tried different designs.
A very “Is that Chalet?” vase with the crystal swirl base:
Etched “Chalet Canada.”
Ending with an iconic form with this iconic base. Chalet “tornados.” The ultimate in Chalet swirls.
Vases and candleholders:
Vases and bowl:
From the collection of Deborah Patterson.
