From Royal Haeger USA

A Unique Set from “Mad Men” Era

The retro look of the 1960’s is making a come-back today.  From clothing, to furnishings, to items made for daily use, the style of the 60’s is very popular.    At  Past and Present Home Gallery, you can find many unique pieces from the same decade that gave us Chubby Checker and “The Twist”, aluminum cans, and the music of the Beatles.

For the Collector on Your List, Highly Collectible Ceramics with Mid-Century Modern Flair

We are pleased to feature an ashtray with a covered section, a lighter, and a matching pedestal dish from that era. They are made by Haeger Potteries of East Dundee, Illinois and finished in the distinct “Gold Tweed” glaze - a matte white with 22K gold accents.  The markings on the bottom of the pieces say, “Royal Haeger USA” along with the model number. 

This is a large Royal Haeger USA ashtray, model # 710, with a covered section. it is finished in Gold Tweet - a glaze with a white matte finish and 22k gold.
This is a tall Royal Haeger USA, model # 813H, Gold Tweed ceramic lighter with brass.

Located on the clay-rich banks of  the Fox River, and only 45 miles from Chicago,  the company was founded in 1871 by David Haeger as the Dundee Brickyard. 1871 was also the year of the great Chicago fire and Haeger’s company fired the first millions of bricks and tiles needed to help rebuild the city.

Royal A. Hickman’s work was characterized by smooth flowing lines and highly original glazes.

Royal A. Hickman’s work was characterized by smooth flowing lines and highly original glazes.

During the next 25 years, Haeger and his son, Edmund, began transitioning the company from brickmakers to artisans and the name was changed to Haeger Potteries.  In 1938 design genius Royal Hickman joined the company to introduce an extraordinary line of artware called Royal Haeger, covered with a variety of original glazes. “Gold Tweed” was a unique glaze introduced in the 1960’s - clearly placing these three pieces in the “Mad Men” era. 

Under four generations of family leadership, this small town brickmaker became America’s oldest and largest production pottery at the time of its closing in 2016. 

Haeger Potteries operated out of this location in East Dundee, Illinois for 145 years, closing in 2016.

Haeger Potteries operated out of this location in East Dundee, Illinois for 145 years, closing in 2016.

If you would like to add some real retro charm to your home, but these pieces aren’t for you, please stop in for a look around.  We have a great assortment of other gift ideas. Be sure to check out the Man Cave for the guys on your list. The Diva Den is the place to look for gifts for gals. You are sure to find some groovy items to create the perfect conversation starter.  We look forward to showing you more at Past and Present Home Gallery, the antique store with character!