Chalet makes a “Splash”
The article title says it all – not really but it certainly starts us off quickly!
Chalet did indeed “make quite the splash.” A sobriquet given by collectors to the particular vase and ashtray form shown here.
Some collectors refer to the “splash” ashtray form as “the low splash.” However, as it has 3 “butt rests” (indents for cigarettes) on its rim, it is most definitely an ashtray and not a centerpiece.
These forms are collectors’ favourites. Indeed, my olive-green splash was my first significant eBay purchase. Both the “splash” ashtray and vase were in production from the company’s start to finish – 1962 through 1975. Although there were evolutions in the styles of each over that period, it remained an iconic design. Pieces that symbolizes Chalet through just images – elegant and funky at the same time.
Both the vase (inventory #B42B) and ashtray (inventory #A 42) were shown on the 1962 “Items Available” Chalet inventory sheet:
They were available in the colours olive green, blue and amber.
A “splash” vase of the early design. You will observe that that the upward peaks are less pronounced and that the base is much less defined than the later design of which photos follow. This vase from the collection of 50 Shades member Brad McGillivray.
And the earlier style of ashtray.
To date, we have only a later than 1962 catalog reference page for the “splash” vase. Its inventory # is now B42.
Note the design evolution from the early form shown on the 1962 catalog sheet. The base and the sets of peaks are more defined. The more pronounced bases on later Chalet pieces evolved from practical necessity. In the words of Chalet Maestri Bruno Panizzon and Giulio Gatto and Chalet artist Gianfranco Guarnieri (2010), “We needed something to hold onto.”
The vase was only blown in heights of 12 inches. Most typical are solidly coloured. And in all the standard colours of the Chalet palette. Bur remember – variation in form shape, size and colour tone is the norm for Chalet. Each “splash” vase will be distinct in some way from another.
Including the blue shown above, here are the typical colours for this piece.
The red vase in right upper corner is from the collection of 50 Shades member Dawn Daltry.
Two excellent examples of variation.
Note the obvious differences in colour tones as well as peak pulls and height of base. You will also see that some of these vases are broader through the body.
Note differing heights, widths and depths. Also notice that the colour shades of theses vases, especially the blue, are not identical to their counterparts shown above.
At present, the “splash” vase has only been found in one 2-tone colour combination.
Exceedingly rare.
It is seen more frequently in amethyst.
This unicorn is from the collection of a very fortunate 50 Shader – Dustin Rusnell.
Dustin is also fortunate enough to have “bragging rights” to another incredible vase. A cranberry “splash.”
To date, a one-of-a-kind. Hopefully we will find more in the future.
A second cranberry “splash” has been found but with the corroso finish.
Also, exceptionally rare. To date, the only corroso “splash” of which we are aware. This incredible piece is from the collection of 50 Shades member Lisa Han Xiaohong.
To date, we have no knowledge of uranium, mini, or clear crystal “splash” vases . However, a very rare second style of “splash” vase has been found.
From the collection of 50 Shades member Cathy Antonyshyn.
To date, this second style has only been found a very few times. And, it has only been found in olive green and honey gold. Comparing to the B 42 “splash”, note the differences in design, 4 peaks not 3, as well as the similarities, same crystal swirl base,
The “splash” has been found with a myriad of Chalet brandings. Most common are the big black Chalet label and the etched “Chalet Canada” signature.
A double-marked vase.
Both stickered and etched.
It has also been found retaining the small gold foil Chalet “lead crystal” sticker.
Rare marking for this form. From the incomparable collection of 50 Shades’ Cindy Bishop Laughlin.
With a surprise marking – the very rare reverse etched “Chalet Canada” signature.
The vase form has also been found with both the Chantili labels and etched signature.
Blue vase on left from the collection of 50 Shades member Stephen Malcolmson. Chantili brandings are a rare marking for a “splash.”
We are fortunate to have seen a “splash” vase which retains very legible Chalet company inventory sticker.
From the collection of 50 Shades member Karin Martin.
We know that Eaton’s carried the “splash.”
September, 1968, Star Phoenix, Saskatoon. Eaton’s regular price in 1968 for the vase was $15.00 which translates into 2024 price of $129.47. The 1968 sale price was $10.00 which is $86.31 in 2024. The average minimum wage in 1968 Saskatchewan was $1.05 hourly. Therefore, this would have been a very luxurious purchase for the average budget! Photo use permitted by the Postmedia Network.
The Chalet “splash” ashtray is also an iconic form. To date, we do not have a later than 1962 catalog page on which it is featured. However, we do know through a production sheet that its number remained A 42.
Its shape does not remind me so much of the impact splatter of a raindrop, as does the vase, but of a whirlpool eddy in water. Especially in blue.
From the collection of 50 Shades member Josh Dolstra.
Typical height is 6-7” at its highest point. The pulls are not of uniform length or height. Like the vase form, it is found in the typical colour range of the everyday Chalet colour palette.
Orange ashtray in bottom left corner is from the collection of 50 Shades member Ella Hanks. Olive, gold and red “splashes” from the collection of Deborah Patterson.
An unusual shade of green.
This etched “Chalet Canada” ashtray is from the collection of 50 Shades member Ca Ro Gagnon.
Another grouping – another example of variation in colour, height, diameter and pulls.
A very common variation in the Chalet “splash” ashtrays is the height of the base. Base variation in the ashtrays is much more noticeable than with the vases. Some pieces have bases that are quite high – giving those a very sculptural, elegant appearance. This does not mean they were produced earlier. The contrary as indicated above.
The ashtray form has been found in two separate 2-tone colour combinations. However, this is a very rare occurrence.
As above in the vase shown previously, the blue/green combination. From the collection of 50 Shades member Jackie Lyn.
The amber/green is an exceedingly rare Chalet 2-tone colour combination in any form.
As with the vases, there have been no mini or clear crystal “splash” ashtrays found as of yet. However, unlike the vase form, we do know of a uranium piece.
This amazing piece of “ice” uranium Chalet belongs to 50 Shades’ Lise Legare-Kowalchuk.
And in keeping with our “unicorn” vase finds, purple and cranberry have been found. Although, interestingly, in reverse proportions to the vase finds. With regard to the ashtray form of the “splash”, it is rarer to find that in amethyst than in a cranberry form.
This stunner also belongs to Dustin Rusnell.
The cranberry ashtray is also exceedingly rare but we come across it more frequently. And in a very wide tonal range of cranberry. These two ashtrays show variation in both colour saturation and shades.
A favourite pieces in my collection. You will note the Riekes Crisa sticker. Although Riekes did carry some Chalet cranberry, they did not carry the heavy leaded hand- blown pieces as a rule. I believe this branding to be a mismark with regard to this piece. Branding inconsistencies are not uncommon for Chalet.
Once again, this “splash” is from the collection of Cindy Bishop Loughlin. Etched “Chalet Canada.”
And a corrso finish ashtray.
No surprise that this is from the collection of Cindy Bishop Laughlin as well.
Like its vase counterpart, the splash ashtray is also found with several brandings. Again, like the vase, the most common to them are the big black label and the etched signature.
It has also been discovered with the reverse etched “Chalet Canada” signature.
The larger ashtray on the left bears the reverse etching shown at top right.
Some lovely “raindrops”.
A handful of displays over the years that feature my “splashes.”
A window ledge in our Kingston house. The perfect way to meld indoor beauty with outdoor grandeur.
A bookcase shelf in our first Toronto condo hosts glass instead of hardcovers.
Chalet makes even Ikea shelves look special.
The entryway of our Vancouver condo.
My all-time favourite colour combination for a bedroom display. I find these two colours together are so soothing.
EDAG produced a “splash” vase as well. A bright honey gold with 3 sets of peaks and a crystal swirl base is shown on an EDAG catalog page and listed as V 490 with a height of 11”. It is virtually identical to the Chalet form it copies. Unfortunately, I do not have permission to show it here.
