Compote, J B Higbee, Alpha Clear, Glass, Antique

• Made in Bridgeville, PA, USA 
• Pattern:  Alfa (Alpha)* - Discontinued
• Antique: 1907 - 1918
• Description:   It is rare to find such an old item by Higbee in such a great condition.  This is a pressed glass compote in their Alpha pattern.  Alpha is a very intricate pattern which consists of  stars and arches within diamond shaped boxes and some of the smaller diamond shapes are filled with stippling (tiny raised dots).  The foot of this piece is also decorated with a starburst/flower like pattern.  A lot of work went into this piece and it shows.  It is perfect as a candy/nut dish,  displaying potpourri or any number of uses on the table or buffet as serving ware.  If you're a compote collector, this is a very old piece that will stand out in your collection.
• Material:  Pressed Glass
• Dimensions:  4.75 inches Tall, 5.25 inches in Diameter (at its widest point) and foot is 3 inches in Diameter.
• Condition:  Antique, Excellent condition.  There are no cracks or chips.  However, as with all used antique glass, there are surface scratches, we believe they are acceptable based on age/use/wear.  Please review all pictures and make sure you love this item before purchasing, we can't accept returns.  Please remember these are ANTIQUE and VINTAGE items, they are NOT new, every effort has been made to show any scratches, wear  and imperfections.   

*Replacements.com shows this as the "Alfa" pattern by Higbee.  Others show it as "Alpha", "Boylen", "Euclid", and "Rexford".  

Compote is a dessert that originated from medieval Europe.  It was made of fruit in a sugar syrup.  The syrup was seasoned with many things including vanilla, lemon or orange peel, cinnamon sticks, raising, etc.  Wine or other alcohol was sometimes added.  In modern times we no longer eat compote, however, these serving dishes are highly collectible and make beautiful home decor and serving ware pieces.

Higbee glass was made by the J. B. Higbee Company of Bridgeville, Pennsylvania.  The company started in 1907 and closed in 1918.  It was started by Oliver Higbee and R.G. West but they named it in honor of J.B. Higbee since he was instrumental in forming it, but died in 1906,  a year before the company opened.   The plant had good sales and made very nice pieces, primarily bowls, candy dishes, and mugs, however, it closed under mysterious circumstances.   The rumor was that Oliver Higbee ran off  with the company money so the plant was put up for sale. Oliver died early, at the age of only 44, on August 22, 1919.