Pieces of Plastic: A Lustro-Ware History

As I go to more flea markets & frequent antique stores and thrift shops, at each visit I become more aware of how much learning I need to do. Flea markets and shops are filled with items that are looked over and left to sit on shelves simply because we do not know enough about collecting and values. More importantly, those of us that wish to make a profit, albeit even a tiny one, always, always, always need to do research on what is “hot” right now in the collecting market.

For instance, did you know that Band-Aid tins can bring in over $10 on Ebay? The other day I came across a listing for a Shoprite brand Band-Aid tin, hinged lid, and the current bid was up to $15. Who would have thought?! Granted, to some $15 might be nothing, but if you can find a band-aid tin at a flea market for 25cents, why not make an easy profit!

In a previous entry, I wrote about plastics. This is a topic that I really do not know much about, especially in regards to household/kitchen plastic items. Thrift stores are filled with plastic kitchenware, some good and some the typical $1 store variety. During my first trip to the flea market this past weekend, there were a few new vendors with the box lot style of selling. Everything in the boxes were priced at $1 - you just had to dig. This is when doing research comes in handy. In the past, I've tossed aside plastic items - bowls, trays, juicers, etc. I had no idea if these items were worth anything, who they were made by, and just kept digging to find other treasures.

Since I've been trying to educate myself more about all of the different plastic products out there, I figured I would start with a simple & recognizable brand: Lustro-Ware.

The History

Gebhard Keny is the father of Lustro-Ware. A Harvard graduate, Gebhard took over a Columbus, Ohio plastics molding firm in the late 1930s. The line of products he produced was originally coined Columbus Plastics Products and then later became well-known under the Lustro-Ware line. Gebhard used a new type of technology in plastics production that allowed for a good product at a decent price for consumers. The company formed their own in-house design staff and production soared. They became known for blow molding items such as waste baskets and water cans (very popular on Ebay) and then produced thermoplastic canister sets which are still popular today.

LIFE magazine of October 4, 1948 focused on production in America and Columbus Plastics was included in this write up. The one page feature displayed this great inside shot of the woman at work-

LIFE October 4, 1948 
 

LIFE commented on the plastic boom in the States & how Columbus Plastics Products was a part of this increase in plastics manufacturing. In the year this article was published, Columbus Plastics was able to make a $2million business from a $400,000 investment. Production continued through the 1950s and during this time plastic doilies became one of the items made by Columbus Plastics. These doilies are also popular items on Ebay today. Starting in the 1960s, the simple look of the products started to fade and more ornate styles came into production. In 1966, the company was bought by the Borden Company and the Lustro-Ware line, while stile being produced, slowly faded into the background.

Lustro-Ware Today

Lustro-Ware is still popular among collectors today. The kitchen canisters for coffee, tea, sugar, and flour are great additions to any kitchen, especially if you are going for a retro look. Salt & pepper shakers are always popular items as well as juicers and pitchers. Tissue holders, paper towel holders, ice cube trays, and even scoops are just a few more items in the Lustro-Ware line.



The canisters are probably the easiest items to identify. Their simple design yet eye-catching color and text make them great items to display, use, and collect. These are also the items that most likely will not end up in the $1 box at a flea market. However, some of the other Lustro-Ware items could, such as the plastic doilies and any other item that doesn't display Lustro-Ware quite like the canisters do. When looking at plastic items at flea markets, yard sales, thrift stores, and antique shops, always be sure to look for any markings. Researching more about certain time periods in a company's history can also help to date the pieces, which helps in learning more about values.

~ Flea Fact ~

 

The next time you are rummaging through a box at the flea or are peeking into kitchen cupboards at an estate sale and stumble upon a plastic item, look for a maker's mark. Learn different manufacturers so that you'll be able to identify a find when you see it.