Holt Howard 1958 label Stinky Cheese dish Holt Howard was an importer started by brothers John, Robert, and Gant Holt in 1949 in Manhattan, New York. While they at first sourced their line from American companies, by the late 1950s they decided to have Japanese companies produce their line. Their most famous line was the Pixieware line created in 1958. Though the corporate headquarters later moved to Stanford CT they maintained their showroom in NYC. Holt-Howard sold their wares to specialty gift shops, and large department stores. They also had a mail order catalog business that grew as the years progressed.

They created many fine lines which became best sellers. Some of the better known lines include:

Chistmas Collectibles (1950s-1970s), Pixiewares (1958-1959), Cats-Cozy Kitten (1950s), Red Rooster (1960-70s), Merry Mouse (1950-60s),
Coin Banks (Late 50s). In 1968 the three brothers they the company when it was sold to General Housewares. In 1990 the company was sold to Kay Dee Designs of Rhode Island.

This charming quicky item was from the Merry Mouse line and carries a silver paper label. It is stamped Holt Howard 1958. This Stinky Cheese covered dish stands 4 inches tall to the top of the little mouse's head. The cute Merry Mouse is happyily guarding a chunk of yellow cheese. There is a bow on the side of the lid too. The bottom carries the words Stinky Cheese in black lettering. It is in excellent vintage shape, no chips, cracks or crazing.

Add it to your Holt Howard collection today.


Circa: 1958
Manufacturer: Holt Howard  

Gemco Flip-top amber crinkle breakfast set Gemco was a company which operated from 1948 to 2003. Gemco's products include glass food dispensers of all kinds as well as storage containers and handy kitchen aids. They are normally signed with a lower case g for GEMCO.

This two piece set is known by several names. In the Victorian times, it was called a muffineer set, consisting of a hinged dispenser for syrup and another dispenser with an opening for powdered sugar or a spice like cinnamon, to be poured onto warm waffles or pancakes.

In the Mid-century era, the shapes of the glass or plastic used for the bottom part followed the design trends and colors of the day. So, this set is made from an amber glass which would go along nicely with the Morgantown Crinkle, Seneca Driftwood, Anchor Hocking Lido or Decatur lines of glass. This shape is known as the A-line shape because the top is narrower than the bottom. It was introduced in the late 1970s. There is no spring involved. It works by gravity alone.

Gemco also made official licensed products under the brand name Corning Coordinates For Corelle. The company has also produced matching accessories in clear glass for other dinnerware manufacturers, like Pfaltzgraff.

Still a practical set, they would look good on your retro or vintage table today. Both are in excellent vintage shape. They measure 5 1/2 inches in height. The brass tops are in great shape. Whip up a batter of pancake or waffle batter and you are all set.
Circa: 1950-1980
Manufacturer: Gemco