Tuthill's excellent reputation is based, to a large extent, on a style that combines stone-wheel engraving with brilliant geometric cutting, produced with a high degree of precision on excellent blanks. The pattern on this plate is called "Orient" according to an ad that was placed by the Philadelphia jewelry firm of Bailey, Banks and Biddle in an as-yet unidentified publication about 1910. It is reproduced in The Hobstar, Vol. 5, No. 4, p. 5 (Jan 1983).
The ad shows cut and engraved glassware exclusively. In keeping with the conservative practices of established jewelers at this time it does not mention the Tuthill company by name, but all of the cut-glass patterns shown can be found on signed Tuthill glass. "Orient" could be the factory name, but it is equally likely to be one assigned by the retailer. Until its status is confirmed, the name should be enclosed within quotation marks.
Plate cut and engraved in the "Orient" pattern by the Tuthill Cut Glass Company (signed). Early twentieth century. D = 7" (17.8 cm), wt = 1.5 Lb (0.7 kg). This plate is considered a rarity; it sold for $650 in 1982.
Updated 11 Sep 2002