Original Items: Only One Set of 4 Available. During World War II, the opening motif of Beethoven's 5th Symphony became a powerful symbol for the Allied forces. The short-short-short-long rhythmic pattern corresponded in Morse code to the letter 'V' for Victory, which was an acknowledged symbol of the war effort, most famously made by Winston Churchill forming a 'V' with the first and second fingers of his raised right hand. It was also adopted as the American national symbol after the war, along with the bald eagle. Three of the four glass all share one thing in common, they have the “V • • • —” visible from the inside of the glasses, the fourth one has patriotic symbols.

The condition of these homefront glasses reflect long and proud use. Much of the original artwork is still highly visible, however, they clear coat that was applied to the decals is worn and flaking in areas. The colors are still vibrant and easily discernible.

There are no makers stamps or markings on them as they were mostly sold as decals and it was your choice as to what glass you applied them to. While H. Fishlove and Co. (now owned by the Fun, Inc. company) printed the decals and supplied Johnson Smith with many of its girlie glasses, the cups themselves were manufactured by glassware companies, particularly Libby and Anchor Hocking. Other companies that produced peek-a-boo and mystic decals include Jaco Lac, Meyercord, and Duro Decal.

The problem with them is the “waterslide” decals were very fragile . Many times you’ll find that the decal has deteriorated or fallen off, probably from washing. Fishlove also sold just the decals, and you could put them on anything. You could put one on a glass or put it on a window, wherever you wanted.

Comes more than ready for further research and display.