Objects of Confection

Serve up your own slice of history with a cake-themed collection.

- written by SARAH ZLOTNICK

Glass Act

Evolved from the circular silver salver trays of the 1600s, pressed-glass cake stands began appearing in American markets in the mid-19th century as part of tea rituals. Later, in the mid-20th century, they functioned as showpieces for sliceable desserts made at home, thanks in part to newly popular boxed cake mixes. Today, pastel-hued pedestal stands from the latter era by makers such as Imperial Glass Co. (green, center), Anchor Hocking (peach, bottom), L. E. Smith Glass Co., and Mosser Glass (pink, right) typically sell for $30 to $300; prices increase with age and size.

Stir Crazy

With early examples dating from as far back as Mexico's Mesoamerican Tlatilco era (1200 в.с. to 900 в.с.), spouted stoneware bowls have been used for mixing and pouring batters and other concoctions for centuries. Spongeware and striped versions from the 1960s through the '80s are plentiful on today's secondhand market and typically sell for $20 to $60 apiece. Look for makers such as McCoy Pottery (pink-and-blue-striped) and Roseville Pottery Co. (blue spongeware), and note that older examples tend to be shallower and have wider spouts.