Ever seen these? Rare sand molded tiki mugs

http://www.dorkcomic.com/z%20032.jpg

http://www.dorkcomic.com/z%20033.jpg

http://www.dorkcomic.com/z%20034.jpg

They stand 5" inches X 4" inches and are made of a interesting glassy sand mold. It's feels and looks like stone but the sand has been heated in the mold so it turns a little glassy. It's real heavy like stone! You can see the inside of the casting on the mug's bottom. They are made so you drop one of the old style plastic cone coffee cup inserts in.

On the back there is this writen in the mold - "Compliments of Dependable Fordath Inc".

researching online I found this...

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/4231664.html

This is a online patent info for: "Apparatus for combining high speed horizontal and high speed vertical continuous mixing of sand and binder ingredients for mold making purposes" for - Dependable-Fordath, Inc. (Sherwood, OR) 1979 - The estate sale where these were found was in Sherwood Oregon.

My guess is that these where made in house by them, as a promotional give away or salesman's sample item.

I have checked on my own, and with some sober tiki collectors and can not find a listing any place on the web or in the books. Anyone ever seen them? They are cool!

If you are woundering, I have 3 in mint condition. I plan on selling one on ebay in a week or so. I'm keeping at least one! But I really wanted to know if anyone has seen these before. If they were a promotional item you would think there would be some out there ... But maybe they never made it out of town.

I don't think those are tikis

Yeah, the tiki collector Gods I have shown them to, seem to think they are more Mayan or Central American inspired.

My thinking was, this was in industrial comapany, not an art or glass-ware company. maybe Who ever made the mold for them sort of made a hybrid mug. Not really knowing or caring about the details of Polynesian vs Central American art, they just looked at a few pictures of both art and came up with a design .... I have no proof, just a guess. Maybe a Industrial margarita glass? Thanks for the input.

To me they look a little Kon Tiki inspired:

Which would mean they're a Norse/South American hybrid. :wink: I agree with the idea they were industrial samples, possibly inspired by a visit to a Tiki Bar or a copy of "Kon Tiki."

I can't tell you anything about the history of those particular items, but they are definitely molds for metal castings. I used to work in an aluminum foundry, and worked with sand molds that were very similar to these.

Right you are Bali. The company makes foundry equipment.

The "Kon Tiki" is an interesting possible inspiration. Although the more I stare at them, the more they look like Jay Leno.