abenseibeldesign

Jenfred-ware by Levco Mfg.  

Production Dates:

The first reference I have to this line is from Aug. 1948:

The write-up reads, "A line of decorative accessories designed by Ben Seibel and manufactured by Jenfred Ware, New York, comes in copper, bronze, brass or silver finish, on a magnesium, copper zinc and aluminum base. All pieces have a heavy double plating in all finishes, and then coated with a baked lacquer finish.  Cigarette box retails at $6.50 in brass, copper or bronze and $7.50 in silver.  Ashtray retails at $4.00 in first three finishes and $4.60 in silver."

Comments:

This is one of  Ben's first commercial designs (if not his first). Mint items are difficult to find.  Most pieces are found tarnished or oxidized from use and age.

Ephemera:

Listing of Pieces:

Typical items include:  bookends, ashtrays, vases, lamps and serving plates.

Open Questions:

Since some stickers do not mention the Raymor name,  this line could have been in production before the Raymor relationship developed.