Westmoreland Glass Company

The Westmoreland Glass company began in the late 1800s by an investing group.

What we know of the early beginnings comes to us from private letters written by James Brainard and A.J. Stevenson. Stevenson ran the Specialty Glass Company in Ohio, while Brainard was a part owner in Westmoreland.

Westmoreland molded glass rooster.

Apparently these two found a perfect location in Grapeville Station. It had rail access, natural glass, and flowing water – all three of which were necessary for a successful manufacturing business.

The first workers to sign up for this adventure were promised 20 years of free light and heat! In short order, just one year after opening, the first glass was made.

The company experienced various changes in ownership and management over the years, due in part to family squabbles. The name changed from Westmoreland Specialty to Westmoreland Glass. The company closed its doors about 100 years later.

During its lifetime, however, it produced all manner of condiment glass, candy glass, milk glass (90%), and some high quality crystal. Of greater usefulness to collectors, this company used over three thousand molds and gave each one a number. These numbers help identify the age of a piece, and its rarity.

Be aware, however, that Westmoreland did sell some of its molds to other companies who brought various classics back into production. Note, however, that most companies changed the Westmoreland marking, while keeping the mold number.