Vintage treasures with BRILLIANT BACKSTORIES

The Emeralds of Oklahoma: The Legacy of Bartlett-Collins Glass

When we think of mid-century modern design, our minds often drift to the sleek lines of Danish teak furniture or the atomic motifs of the 1950s. But true warmth in the mid-century home came from the tabletop—specifically, the vibrant, deeply saturated colors of American pressed glass. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, one Oklahoma powerhouse captured the essence of the era's color palette like no other: The Bartlett-Collins Glass Company. Founded in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, in 1914, Bartlett-Collins originally made a name for itself by producing utilitarian items like oil lamp chimneys and kerosene lamps. However, by the mid-20th century, they had mastered the art of automatic pressing machines, allowing them to bring high-style, affordable luxury into everyday American households.

6/5/20262 min read

By the time the late '60s rolled around, home décor was shifting away from pastel tones and diving headfirst into earthy, organic hues. Bartlett-Collins answered the call with their iconic Avocado Green, a rich, olive-tinted emerald that felt both grounded and incredibly glamorous under dining room lights.

The Magic of Avocado Green

St. Genevieve Pattern - Bullseye & Cane

As captured beautifully, these dessert cups feature the company's striking "St. Genevieve" pattern. Often referred to by collectors as the Bullseye & Cane design, it perfectly balances geometric precision with old-world elegance. The top rim is encircled by bold, dramatic scalloped thumbprints that catch the light, while the lower half drops into crisp, architectural vertical lines that anchor the piece to its ribbed pedestal base.

From Mid-Century Tables to Modern Curations

These weren't just decorative showpieces; they were the workhorses of the mid-century hostess. They held everything from shimmering lime Jell-O molds and layered parfaits to elegant shrimp cocktails at a Saturday night dinner party.

Today, holding one of these heavy, pressed-glass pedestals feels like holding a tangible piece of Americana. They are a reminder of an era when even an everyday dish of ice cream was served with a sense of occasion, structure, and vibrant color.

Whether you're serving up fresh summer berries, a classic sherbet, or just displaying them on an open kitchen shelf to catch the morning sun, this Avocado Green trio brings instant retro warmth to the modern home.

Or Click/Tap on your preferred Online Marketplace, Shop Direct & Save:

View Retro Reverie Details

Listed for $$$$ or Best Offer on eBay

Listed for $$$$ or Best Offer on MERCARI

As a complimentary service, our trusted on-site Affiliate Marketing team at RetroReverie.com provides these direct links to make your experience easier and more convenient.