Dugan Daisy Web Purple JIP Hat Vase

This adorable electric purple hat vase sold at the 2008 Tampa Bay Carnival Glass Club Convention auction by the Remmens. I was the under bidder to Gary Lickver's winning bid. The price took me by complete and utter surprise, so much so, I remember it left my mouth wide open when the gavel hit the podium.

This was the first time I had so regretted not purchasing a piece of glass to the point where I realized I'd have to step up in the future if I didn't want my heart to keep getting tromped on.

Lucky for me, I had a second chance to buy it. Yes, thanks to Gary, he did eventually offer to sell it to me in 2012. He'd had a few years to enjoy it so he decided to let it go, knowing how much it meant to me. I waited anxiously for it to arrive safely in the mail as it made its way thousands of miles across the United States, from the California West Coast to the East Coast of New Hampshire. Opening that package was a dream come true.

I didn't know Gary very well at the time when he outbid me in 2008, but we have since become good friends. Through the years it's good folks like him that make these little miracles happen for me and many other collectors. I can see many heads nodding out there agreeing with me!

This base has a pattern on the outside (known as the back pattern) called Beaded Arches, so named by Dr. Larry Keig, a renown researcher who has authored many articles on all things Dugan. It is iridized on the back whereas my tri-cornered version is not. These little vases can also be found in amethyst, marigold and peach opal.

I bought a second one of these cuties as my consolation prize, again at a Tampa Bay Convention but in 2010, two years after losing the bid on the first one. I'm happy to now have them both as they are extremely different from one another.

This enchanting pattern is a real favorite among collectors. For me, they're like a little glimpse of heaven....and very much a token of my youth growing up on the farm. I remember the colors of gleaming, iridescent spiderwebs among the Queen Ann's Lace in the early morning sun....laden with dew... glistening with every little breeze. It reminds me of Spring.

The Christina Katsikas Collection