Blenko Glass celebrates W.Va.'s 148th birthday by selling 148 copies of new guitar design

Blenko Glass has designed a guitar-shaped piece to celebrate West Virginia's birthday this year.

The annual celebration is Saturday in Milton. The visitors' center opens at 8 a.m.

This is the 31th year Blenko has designed a collectible glass piece to celebrate the state's birthday.

The Herald-Dispatch reports only 148 pieces have been produced for 2011 — one for each year West Virginia has been a state.

The cobalt-and-topaz piece also sells for $148. Each is 19 inches tall and signed by designer Arlon Bayliss and company President Walter Blenko Jr.

Sales are first-come, first-served.

The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last month and is continuing operations.