It may not be apparent from the pictures but the base glass is actually smoke in color rather than solid black. Graphics are in great condition. Large tray is actually about 11 7/8” and the smaller trays are about 5 7/8”. Some minor wear from use but no cracks, chips, or scratches. See photos for details and condition.

Dan Baird was a mid-century glass artist whose work was mass produced by Houze Glass. Little is known about Baird personally, but his designs for glassware are a highlight of mod design. Houze glass has an interesting history of its own. From the 2011 Herald Standard article, Memories of Houze Glass Continue to Shine, we find that: For 102 years, Houze Glass in Point Marion created practical and innovative products that were used throughout the nation. The company produced items such as window glass, lenses for sunglasses, lamps, vases, ashtrays, electric lighters, gear shift and window knobs for cars, as well as decorative glass that ran the gamut from trays to mugs. At the 50th anniversary celebration, the company announced development of the first atomic goggles to protect against atomic radiation and glare for use by workers in the atomic industry. The company did work for NASA in the late 1950s, early 60s, Houze said, that included a high-strength glass for the space program. In 1948, Armand Houze’s son Roger J. Houze, an artist, came up with the idea of cutting the glass and screening pictures, logos and advertisements on it and bending the glass. The company first produced Christmas cards on glass trays in 1950 with this new production and Houze Art became a new department. The company did work for artists such as Peter Max,