The Chalet Pedestal Animal Figurines

I would wager that the vast majority of Chalet collectors have knowledge of the iconic line of Chalet animal figurines – maybe not of every pose, animal or colour combination but at least an awareness that, “Chalet did animals.” However, I would also wager that a significant per-centage of those same collectors are not aware of the larger pedestal-based animal forms. To date, we are aware of various styles and colours and clear crystal fish, owl and bird figurines.

There is really no cohesion betwixt the pedestal animal figurines – no similarity in design, colour, styling, bases used, distribution or the time line in which they were made. They range in height from 6 inches to over 12 inches. They have been found with the “Chalet Canada” etched signature, the etched <E> for Eaton’s, the Chalet big black label and with Chalet Riekes Crisa stickers. We have proof that they were made in 1962 to as late as the 1970s.

 I discovered the existence of these pedestal animals quite early on – in 2010. I was actually at the Cornwall Community Museum when the curator found a shark figurine for the museum’s  collection.

Exceedingly rare. From the collection of the Cornwall Community Museum. This figurine not only retains its original label but is also etched “Chalet Canada.” Stands almost 12 inches.

Shown in the 1976 Riekes Crisa General Catalog as item #3068-69. Note that Chalet had ceased operating at the time this catalog was printed

It is still shown in the later undated Riekes catalog. However, with a slightly different item number – #3068-69C.

One of the Chalet artists I met through the course of coordinating the 2010 “Art & Artisans of Chalet Glass” exhibit in Cornwall was Antonio Tedesco. He was the brother of Chalet founders and owners Maestri Angelo and Luigi Tedesco. He worked at Chalet from late 1963-1975. He was a glass blower but his key role at Chalet was that of the moleria expert. The hand grinding and polishing of the bases. He and his wife Irma (who worked at Chalet in the factory office and showroom) invited me to their home for “coffee and Chalet.” During this visit Antonio showed me their Chalet collection. Some were so surprising! Two of such were these:

2010, Cornwall. Eagle and elephant figurines from the collection of Antonio Tedesco. Note the elephant pose. This is a one-of-a-kind, non-production piece of Chalet that was not carried in the company’s general inventory for distribution.

A trip down family memory lane from 50 Shades member Jeremiah Shaver. A visit from his cousins circa 1986. Note the Chalet eagle figurine on the top shelf in the far right corner of this photo.

As with the shark, the eagle was featured in the Riekes Crisa 1976 General Catalog. Item #3193-69. Its diameter is 10” and height is approximately 6”. However, It is not listed in the later undated catalog.

During the exhibit, I also met Mario Panizzon, son of Chalet Maestro Bruno Panizzon. His father had come to Canada to work at Lorraine Glass Industries in 1962 but quickly moved, with many fellow friends and glass artists, from Montreal to Cornwall to blow glass at Chalet in early 1963. Mario shared a 1962 newspaper article with me. It was quite amazing!

Pedestal piece with multiple bird figurine shown in article.

Pedestal double fish figurine piece shown in article. These images from Marcel Cognac’s article in Canadian Weekly (Sept 8-14, 1962. Page 10) titled, “How Canada Makes Venetian Glass.”

In 2011, I found this pedestal fish figurine on eBay. It was shipping from Ohama, Nebraska. The home of Riekes Crisa. However, it does not bear Chalet Riekes Crisa markings. Yet again illustrating one of my oft said maxims, “The only consistency with Chalet is their inconsistency.”

The fish figurine that I found bears no resemblance to the one showcased in the 1962 article. As well, I have no catalog references for it. This piece retains both a Chalet label and its base is also etched with the Eaton’s branding.

This owl figurine is the most commonly found Chalet pedestal animal form.

The Chalet pedestal form of the owl, to date, has been found only with the Chalet Riekes Crisa labels. It is shown in both their catalogs. It was made in 2 sizes and given 2 inventory numbers.

From the collection of 50 Shades member Candace Nestorowich. The large figurine in the middle is #3148-69 and is over 12 inches in height. The smaller flanking figurines are item #3149-69. The smaller figurine is listed as having a height of 6 inches – you will note that neither of these smaller owls has the exact height as listed. Remember – variation in Chalet is the norm and not a sign of “fakery.”

The larger size of this Chalet owl is not found in the later catalog. However, as seen above, the smaller owl was shown with the shark and whale figurines. Its item number was now #3149-69C.

The Cornwall Community Museum collection of Chalet contains a second unique pedestal figurine – a songbird. It, like my fish figurine, bears no resemblance to the bird figurines featured in the 1962 article previously shown.

Etched “Chalet Canada.”

I was thrilled in 2021 to be able to “meet” this little fellow on a “farewell tour.”

Cornwall Community Museum, 2021. Note that to the right, over my shoulder, you can see the museum’s pedestal shark figurine.

I have a 1963 “Oglivy’s” advertisement on file in which pedestal birds were offered. This Chalet retailer was a family-run, high-end independent, Ottawa department 2-store chain that operated from 1887-1984. In 1984, the family sold the stores to The Bay.

Showing yet another style of both body and base of a Chalet pedestal bird figurine. From page 29 of the Friday, Sept 6, 1963 edition of the Ottawa Citizen. This publication is a division of the Postmedia Network.

And an amazing photograph - courtesy of Danielle Gatto, wife of Chalet Maestro Giulio Gatto. Maestro Gatto worked alot of the larger and pedestal animal figurines. Especially those in clear crystal. This picture is one of many which was taken in his backyard in 2020 for that year’s 50 Shades first year anniversary celebration. Shown are the Chalet eagle, shark and owl figurines. This eagle is a one-of-a-kind piece. Note the differences in the base from the catalog eagle shown above as well as the other eagle figurines. And look carefully at all the other pieces. You will also see forms that he made at Rossi, Lorraine Glass Industries and at Saint Zotique. Maestro Gatto also worked at Mosaic Artistic Glass and EDAG. However, he did not have pieces made during his work at either of those glasshouses.

Danielle and Giulio Gatto, Montreal, 2020.

Note that Maestro Gatto’s eagle has a much more elaborate base from those shown earlier. From the personal collection of Maestro Giulio Gatto. Montreal, 2020.

I look forward to our next discovery! There is always one waiting.