Heller Model 255 Deep Loaf/Pate Pan by Vignelli

As you've probably figured out by my previous post on Heller glass bakeware, I have an affinity for these Vignelli designed items and am on a constant lookout for them. Other than the two quart casserole with au gratin cover, I've only found a few incomplete bottom halves - my luck finally changed with this Model 255 Deep Loaf/Pate Pan, which I found at a local Goodwill.

This small, rectangular pan measures about 7" wide and 9" long. There were several square and rectangular dishes made for Heller - these actually pre-date the round casseroles by two years having been released in 1975 (the round in 1977 to be clear). I was quite excited to find this one intact, without any blemishes or chips.

From the catalog page, these are supposedly microwave-friendly, however if you want to keep any you find I wouldn't recommend cooking anything in them. I've had some discussions with my friend John Stephens, who turned me on to these, who seems to think they have become fragile with age. Since I've picked up 3 bottoms missing lids, I'm guessing that they are a bit brittle. In any case, I've grown to like them quite a bit so this one is a keeper.

-- John

Dansk Teak Serving Tray with End-grain Cutting Board

I posted this find a few days ago on Facebook - $1.71 at Goodwill (where do they get these prices?).

Technically this is more of a platter with a cutting surface, for cheese, fruit, etc. It's about 12 inches in diameter and in very good condition (no major gouges, with a surface that's just a bit dirty).

Dansk would cut small pieces of end-grain teak to get the butcher-block effect - these were inset into a routed space then sanded flush - an interesting technique that would hold up well provided the platter wasn't left submerged in water (I've seen more than one butcher-block platter made in this manner with pieces missing from the glue-up).

As a bonus, this example was made in Denmark (rather than Malaysia or elsewhere) so the teak is probably from Northern Europe. Full Dansk and IHQ brand on the bottom.

Apparently whomever priced this at Goodwill thought the top was the bottom (usually the price is marked on the bottom of these types of items). I was surprised to find this as it was mid-day and most of the dealers had already grabbed-up anything of perceived value. I'll post a pick later after I've cleaned it up - this one is a keeper.

-- John