Identifying Davidson Glass post World War II

On this page is a selection of Davidson glassware introduced after World War II. New images will be added when they come available

Davidson Pattern No:  Night Light
Known Colours:  Flint, Pale Blue, Midnight Blue
Size(s):  3.5 inches high, 3 inches diameter
Date Introduced: Early to mid 1960s
Description:  This two piece night light is based on Victorian designs. The base of the night light is marked 'Geo Davidson Est 1867 England'. These night lights were distributed by the French company Diptyque.
Davidson Pattern No:  Night Light
Known Colours:  Flint
Size(s):  5 inches high, 4 inches diameter
Date Introduced: Early to mid 1960s
Description:  The base of this larger example of a night light is the 1907 pattern. It is also marked 'Geo Davidson Est 1867 England'.
Davidson Pattern No:  Unknown
Known Colours:  Flint
Size(s):  Half Pint
Date Introduced: 1945
Description:  This can was introduced to celebrate Victory in Europe Day in 1945.
Davidson Pattern No:  Unknown
Known Colours:  Flint, Amber
Size(s):  Half Pint
Date Introduced: 1951
Description:  Festival of Britain commemorative can. This can is the same design as the one above, but with the V replaced by the Festival symbol. Davidson was the only North-East pressed glass manufacturer to have a display of their glass at the festival

Davidson Pattern No:  No 1 Wall Pocket
Known Colours:  Amber, Emerald
Size(s):  7 by 3 inches
Date Introduced: 1955
Description:  Although made in 1955, this is one of the few examples of Art Deco design by Davidson. Its rarity suggests that it was not made in large numbers.

Davidson Pattern No:  1912 Pattern
Known Colours:  Flint, Blue
Size(s):  Various
Date Introduced: Late 1960s
Description:  The 1912 range was one of the old designs reintroduced when Davidson was owned by Abrahams. The design was originally registered in 1912. The design is of a dish with a wavy edge and a hobnail pattern base. A wide range of 1912 dishes were sold, often in shrink wrapped containers.

Davidson Pattern No:  M.T.1 Posy Set
Known Colours:  Flint, Emerald, Ruby
Size(s):  3.5" high by 4.5" diameter
Date Introduced: 1961
Description:  This is an uninspiring design from Davidson and not very well executed. This small posy came with a small No 8 2.5" semi-dome flower support and optionally a black No 312 plinth. We do not know what the letters M T stood for, but it is possible that it came from a Matthew Turnbull mould. in 1959 the former Chief Executive of Turnbull, J Howarth, bought the Davidson company with Malcolm Pollock-Hill. The Matthew Turnbull company closed in 1953.

Davidson Pattern No:  24
Known Colours:  Various
Size(s):  11 inches diameter
Date Introduced: 1932 ?
Description:  The 24 design was introduced around 1930 and was in production well after the war. The example shown here is in Lovat, a colour introduced in 1954.
Davidson Pattern No:  34 D
Known Colours:  Midnight Blue
Size(s):  7.5" tall
Date Introduced: 1934
Description:  The 34 pattern first appeared in 1934 and was still being made in the 1960s. This example is in Midnight Blue, one of three different shades of blue made in the 1960s.
Davidson Pattern No:  51
Known Colours:  Black Orange Marble
Size(s):  7.5" tall
Date Introduced: 1964
Description:  When Davidson re-introduced Marble or slag glass in 1964, they made a few items in an orange form. Orange glass replaces the normal purple glass. Most of the production seems to have been No 51 vases. These are frequently mistaken as a form of Orange Cloud Glass from the 1930s. However, there is no evidence from the Davidson records that they made a form of Orange Cloud Glass using opaque white glass. Therefore these vase are most likely to date from 1964 and the revival of Marble Glass.
Davidson Pattern No:  204 C
Known Colours:  Amber, Ruby, Amethyst, Black
Size(s):  7.5" diameter
Date Introduced: 1954
Description:  The 204 style posy was introduced in 1935. This version with a crinkled edge appears to have been produced post war.
Davidson Pattern No:  204 SC4
Known Colours:  Polished black
Size(s):  7.5" diameter
Date Introduced: 1954
Description:  This version of the 204 has fired on decoration. The decoration is either of flowers (see the 644 celery below) or of white 'snowflakes' as in this example.
Davidson Pattern No:  204SS
Known Colours:  Black
Size(s):  7.5" tall
Date Introduced: 1954
Description:  This form of the 204 posy bowl was very popular from the 1950s up until the 1970s. Sowerby and later Nazeing made an almost identical shaped posy which was sold by the Boots chain.
Davidson Pattern No:  269
Known Colours:  Various
Size(s):  8.5" diameter
Date Introduced: Mid 1960s
Description:  The 269 pattern dates back to 1908 and was made until the 1970s. This is a rare example in Amberina glass.
Davidson Pattern No:  269
Known Colours:  Various
Size(s):  8.5" diameter
Date Introduced: Mid 1960s
Description:  This example of the 269 is made in an unusual shade of green.
Davidson Pattern No:  292 Bulb Bowl
Known Colours:  Marble (Slag) Glass
Size(s):  3.5 inches high, 7.5 inches diameter
Date Introduced: 1964
Description:  In 1964 Davidson revived Slag Glass, and produced a range of both Victorian and more modern pieces in this style. They called this new form of Slag Glass 'Marble Glass', which also happened to be what they called Slag Glass in the 19th century. This bulb bowl was probably sold as a fruit bowl or flower bowl. The bowl was first introduced in around 1936 with holder for bulbs.

The bowl has a small impressed Lion trademark in the base.

Davidson Pattern No:  296 'Fan' Vase
Known Colours:  Marble (Slag) Glass
Size(s):  5.5 inches high, 4 inches wide
Date Introduced: 1964
Description:  Another example of Marble Glass. This is their famous 1939 Fan vase.
Davidson Pattern No:  314
Known Colours:  Marble (Slag) Glass
Size(s):  6.5" high
Date Introduced: 1964
Description:  This is another example of Davidson's re-introduction of slag glass. The 314 vase was first made in 1937 and formed part of their 'Grecian' range. The piece has a small impressed Lion Trade mark on the base.
Davidson Pattern No:  C504 Cake Plate
Known Colours:  Black with floral decoration
Size(s):  9" wide
Date Introduced: 1954
Description:  The 504 pattern was introduced pre-war, but this is another example of the polished black glass with fired-on transfers introduced in 1954. The handle was made by the Lindop company, who supplied fittings to both Davidson and Sowerby.
Davidson Pattern No:  507 Posy
Known Colours:  Black
Size(s):  6" diameter, 6" high
Date Introduced: 1957
Description:  This is another example of Davidson reusing old moulds. The base of this posy is from one of the 'Pullmatch' ashtrays made in the late 1930s. The flint posy holder is decorated in the 1889 pattern Reg. No 320124.
Davidson Pattern No:  508 fruit bowl
Known Colours:  Black
Size(s):  79" diameter
Date Introduced: 1958
Description:   This design first appears in a 1958 advert in the Pottery Gazette, The flint posy holder is the same as used in the 507 posy holder above. The bowl has an attractive dimpled interior.
Davidson Pattern No:  510 Vase
Known Colours:  Ruby
Size(s):  7.5" tall
Date Introduced: 1959
Description:  A vase, similar in size and share to the No 51. The vase has an impressed criss-cross design. The only colour appears to have been ruby.
Davidson Pattern No:  514 Posy
Known Colours:  Pink, Emerald, Blue
Size(s):  6.5" and 9" diameter
Date Introduced: 1959
Description:  This posy came in three matt pastel colours and was supplied with a matt white 3" semi-dome flower dome
Davidson Pattern No:  517 M, 517 G, 517 G/CF
Known Colours:  Black
Size(s):  5.5" tall
Date Introduced: 1959
Description:  This attractive vase came in three variants:
517 M Undecorated matt black finish
517 G Hand gilded leaves on polished black glass
517 G/CF As 517 G with flower motifs added
Davidson Pattern No:  518 M, 518, 518 CF
Known Colours:  Black
Size(s):  8.25" diameter
Date Introduced: 1959
Description:  The 518 Rose Bowl is a modified form of the No. 314 round tomato dish first made in 1937. The bowl came in matt black, polished black and polished black with flower motifs. The bowl was fitted with a 2.5" No 3H flower dome and a chrome plated grid fitting.
Davidson Pattern No:  519 M, 519, 519 CF
Known Colours:  Black
Size(s):  10" by 4"
Date Introduced: 1959
Description:  The 519 Rose Bowl is a modified form of the  No. 314 oval tomato dish first made in 1937. The bowl came in matt black, polished black and polished black with flower motifs. The bowl was fitted with a 2.5" No 3H flower dome and a chrome plated grid fitting
Davidson Pattern No:  530 Triangular Dish
Known Colours:  Flint, Light Blue, Sapphire Blue, Midnight Blue, Smoke, Ruby
Size(s):  5.5" across
Date Introduced: 1962 (?)
Description:  This is one of a number of occasional dishes Davidson produced in the 1960s. The example shown here is in its original "Shrink Packed" packaging. This style of packaging was introduced in 1968.
Davidson Pattern No:  538/1 dish
Known Colours:  Flint, Light Blue, Sapphire Blue, Midnight Blue, smoke, Ruby
Size(s):  35" long
Date Introduced: Late 1960s
Description:  A pear shaped ashtray or dish.
Davidson Pattern No:  539/2 dish
Known Colours:  Flint, Light Blue, Sapphire Blue, Midnight Blue, smoke, Ruby
Size(s):  7.5" long
Date Introduced: 1962 (?)
Description:  Another example of an occasional dish. Like the 530 dish above this is in its original packaging. There were three versions of the 539 dish each moulded in a slightly different way.
Davidson Pattern No:  644 Celery
Known Colours:  Flint
Size(s):  6" high by 4.5" diameter
Date Introduced: 1960
Description:  This design actually dates back to 1912, but we have included it here as this example has been Intaglio cut with a floral design. In 1960 Davidson introduced a range of Intaglio cut Lead Crystal glassware and also applied the same treatment to other designs such as this 644 celery, 1911 salad bowls and 283 dishes.
Davidson Pattern No:  644 Celery
Known Colours:  Black
Size(s):  6" high by 4.5" diameter
Date Introduced: 1954
Description:  Another example of the 644 celery, this time in polished black with fired-on floral transfers.
Davidson Pattern No:  732 F
Known Colours:  Black
Size(s):  9.5" diameter
Date Introduced: 1959
Description:  The 732 flower bowl was also made in polished black with fired-on transfers. The example shown here is unusual as the motifs are chinoiserie rather floral.
Davidson Pattern No:  737 Ashtray
Known Colours:  Flint, Light Blue, Sapphire Blue, Midnight Blue, smoke, Ruby
Size(s):  5" diameter
Date Introduced: 1968
Description:  The 737 design was introduced in 1928 (Registered Design No. 737904) and was based on the 695 pattern. The example shown here is an ashtray in midnight blue.
Davidson Pattern No:  911 Sugar
Known Colours:  Flint
Size(s):  5" high by 4" diameter
Date Introduced: 1960
Description:  This is another example of Intaglio cut glassware introduced in 1960. The sugar is missing its lid and is from the Chippendale range.
Davidson Pattern No:  933 Cream Jug
Known Colours:  Marble (Slag) Glass
Size(s):  6.5" high
Date Introduced: 1964
Description:  This cream jug is from the Chippendale range of glassware. Made in 'Marble' glass it has raised Lion trade mark on the base. The Lion is facing the wrong way!

Davidson Pattern No:  10/1910
Known Colours:  Various
Size(s):  5 inches diameter
Date Introduced: 1935
Description:  This example of a 10/1910 is in a colour which is most likely Antique Blue. In the late 1960s the 10/1910 bowl was sold as a flower bowl without the grid support.
Davidson Pattern No:  4074/1
Known Colours:  Flint, Light Blue, Sapphire Blue, Midnight Blue, smoke, Ruby
Size(s):  4.5" diameter
Date Introduced: mid to late 1960s
Description:  A dish or ashtray Davidson also made a more upright version of this dish.
Davidson Pattern No:  Luna
Known Colours:  Range unknown,
Size(s):  Various
Date Introduced: 1971
Description:  The Luna range, with its bark effect surface was very popular in the late 1960s/1970s. The design imitates Whitefriars glass.
Davidson Pattern No:  Luna
Known Colours:  Range unknown,
Size(s):  Various
Date Introduced: 1971
Description:  A large round bowl from the Luna range.
Davidson Pattern No:  Luna
Known Colours:  Range unknown,
Size(s):  Various
Date Introduced: 1971
Description:  An ashtray or dish from the Luna range. This example has a 'Brama' label.
Davidson Pattern No:  Unknown
Known Colours:  Range unknown,
Size(s):  2.5" high, 3" diameter
Date Introduced: mid to late 1960s
Description:  A small spherical flower holder. This style does not appear in either of the 1961 or 1968 catalogues. The vase is a deep red colour, almost brown.
Davidson Pattern No:  Unknown
Known Colours:  Range unknown,
Size(s):  9.5" diameter
Date Introduced: mid to late 1960s
Description:  This dish is in 'Antique Green', a colour introduced in 1964. Careful examination of this dish reveals that it is made from an old 1910BD mould! The remains of the ribs and milled decoration can just be seen when the dish is held up to the light. A good example of Davidson making a new shape from an old mould.
Davidson Pattern No:  Unknown
Known Colours:  Smoke, Midnight Blue, Green
Size(s):  8" by 5.5"
Date Introduced: mid to late 1960s
Description:  This heavy dish or ashtray is another variation of the 530 and 539 dishes. Roughly triangular in shape the outside is moulded with a deep stepped pattern. A very modern piece for the 1960s.

This dish is from the same basic mould as the Luna example above

Davidson Pattern No:  Unknown
Known Colours:  smoke, Midnight Blue, Green
Size(s): 
Date Introduced: late 1960s
Description:  A quatrefoil shaped dish or ashtray.
Davidson Pattern No:  Unknown
Known Colours:  Bristol Blue
Size(s): 
Date Introduced: late 1960s
Description:  An example of Brama plated ware. This has its original label. Often these plated articles carried the Brama Label on the glass and a separate label giving care instructions for the plated stand. Brama/Davidson were not the only companies making plated ware such as this.
Davidson Pattern No:  Unknown
Known Colours:  Clear
Size(s):  4.5" diameter, 2" high"
Date Introduced: late 1960s
Description:  This is an example of the product made under the Brama label. It is a glass preserve dish in a silver plated stand. The box has the Brama logo which consists of the Davidson Lion with Brama underneath.  The sliver plated stand is made from a thin piece of stamped metal which has been plated.

Davidson Pattern No:  1404
Known Colours:  Clear
Size(s):  6.25" high, 4" high"
Date Introduced: 1980s


Description:  A Glass bell with plated handle and stand. This bell was part of Brama's Durham range of glassware.

Davidson Pattern No:  Unknown
Known Colours:  Clear
Size(s):  12.25 inches by 6.25 inches
Date Introduced: 1970s
Description:  A Brama sandwich plate. The pattern suggests roots coming out of the base of a tree. Possibly this was made with the Luna 'bark effect' in mind.
Davidson Pattern No:  Unknown
Known Colours:  Flint
Size(s): 
Date Introduced: 1986
Description:  In 1987 an exhibition of Sowerby Glass took place at the Shipley Art Gallery, Gateshead. As a souvenir of the event 200 glass goblets were made by 'a Gateshead pressed glass manufacturer' using a Victorian Sowerby mould. The glass maker in question is almost certainly Davidson. The goblets were sold either plain or engraved.


Copyright (c) Chris and Val Stewart 2003-2005