Several factors go into the value of American cut glass. The first, and most obvious, revolves around demand for pieces. Interested parties can examine auction websites and online sales to get a feel for what collectors want in cut glass from a particular time period.
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How does identifying a maker affect the value of a piece of glass?
Identification of a piece’s maker represents a major factor that can increase a piece’s value, according to Kovels. Finding a maker’s mark or an artisan’s signature adds to the price of exquisite glasswork. Chips, nicks and dings lower the price of a piece substantially, even if the American cut glass comes from a valued manufacturer or from a certain time period. Collectors should try to identify the manufacturer first and then assess the condition of a glass piece. Enthusiasts can also check recent online auction sales to get an average price for certain items.
What is American cut glass?
Handmade American cut glass is an art form that produces masterpieces that can’t be truly emulated on an ...
What year was cut glass made?
Historians consider the late 1880s to the early 1890s as the peak years for American cut glass. In 1889, T.G. Hawkes Company of Corning, New York, won several prestigious grand prizes at the Paris Exposition. Four years later, the Libbey Glass Company of Ohio took home two top prizes at the 1893 Columbia Exposition. Meanwhile, more than 1,000 companies made American cut glass in 1890 during the pinnacle of production.
What are some of the most popular motifs in American glass?
Popular motifs among American glass makers include hobstars, fans, strawberry diamonds, flutes, beading, and chair caning . Several authoritative books have been written on the subject of American cut glass, so hobbyists should consider examining a few tomes to get an idea of what to look for when searching for high-quality, American cut glass.
When was cut glass invented?
The American cut glass period began in 1771 when Henry William Stiegel created the American Flint Glass Manufactory. This German immigrant produced the first known examples of American cut glass from his building in Manheim, Pennsylvania, according to M.S. Rau Antiques. These pieces varied little from European designs since these craftsmen brought the same techniques from their homelands.
When was the brilliant period?
A new era in American cut glass dawned with the so-called “Brilliant Period” from 1876 to 1920. Displays at the Centennial Exposition of 1876 in Philadelphia put some of the best American cut glass on the display, ...
Do glass pieces have signatures?
The first thing to keep in mind is collectors can identify relatively few pieces from various time periods, according to the American Cut Glass Association. Some pieces contain the signatures of their makers, while other simply have manufacturing marks. Despite how many manufacturers were in business in the early 1890s, not many glass makers had identifiable markings.
How did glass cutting work during the Brilliant Period?
Glass for cutting requires 40% lead oxide. The lead oxide changes the properties of the glass. Lead oxide softens the existing glass in order to allow the cutting wheels to produce patterns without shattering the glass. The glass mixture is made up of silica, potash, and lead oxide. This was melted in a furnace at 2400 degrees F and blown into the desired shape or form. Glass was shaped and placed into an annealing or cooling oven where it was allowed to cool to room temperature. Some pieces of glass could take as long as 10 days to cool in order to then be cut. If the piece was cut before it was fully cooled, it could shatter and break.
Why is glass cut better?
Glass furnace temperatures were controlled and glass cutting machines were improved and thus, the product of cut glass was better. While glass was viewed as inexpensive, there were high labor costs and the need for skilled craftsmen to make a piece of cut glass. Cut glass soon became a luxury item.
What was the impact of natural gas on glass?
Steam powered cutting wheels were replaced with more accurate electric ones. And, natural gas glass furnaces made it easier to control the temperature levels used during the glass making process . Glass furnace temperatures were controlled and glass cutting machines were improved and thus, the product of cut glass was better.
What is a glass cutter called?
A glass cutter, called a “rougher”, would hold the piece of glass against a fast moving, beveled, metal wheel. While cutting, the glass piece would be cooled and the cut depth would be determined by the expertise of the rougher and the sound of the wheel. Many wheels would be employed to cut a design.
What is lead oxide?
The lead oxide changes the properties of the glass. Lead oxide softens the existing glass in order to allow the cutting wheels to produce patterns without shattering the glass. The glass mixture is made up of silica, potash, and lead oxide.
How much is American cut glass worth?
Values range based on quality, maker, condition, and pattern and many pieces regularly are worth $1,000 to $100,000. Dr. Lori also discusses pressed glass pieces.
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What determines the value of stained glass?
Age, Size and Symbols. Other factors that go into determining the value of stained glass windows include their age (older ones are worth more than newer ones, generally), glass sizes (the smaller the pieces used, the higher the value since smaller pieces require more glass cutting and lead), and what the glass might contain– figures, ...
Can stained glass be appraised?
Every stained glass window in the world could conceivably be appraised and given an assessed value. Indeed, most are, for insurance purposes. Basically, the value of stained glass windows depends on the glass, as appraised by a professional expert who knows all about stained glass.
Don't Overspend for Collectible Glass
Pamela Wiggins is a highly regarded antique and collectible costume jewelry expert and appraiser. She co-founded the Costume Jewelry Collectors International, a global educational website. Pamela has over 30 years of experience and has been writing for 20 years.
Cambridge Chantilly Sherbet or Champagne Stem
Stem described as a tall sherbet or champagne glass made by Cambridge with Chantilly pattern etching.
Cambridge Portia Stemware Champagne or Wine Stem
Stem described as a tall sherbet or champagne glass made by Cambridge with Portia pattern etching.
Fostoria American Clear Quarter Pound Butter Dish
Fostoria American is one of the most prolific elegant glass patterns. Lookalikes were made, however, so it is wise to do further research if you have a similar piece.
Fostoria American Cracker Jar with Lid
Fostoria American is one of the most prolific elegant glass patterns. Lookalikes were made, however, so it is wise to do further research if you have a similar piece.
Fostoria American Footed Oyster Cocktail Stem
This piece is referenced as a sherbet dish in Fostoria catalog reprints but often sold by dealers by a more romanticized name: oyster cocktail.
Fostoria American Footed Iced Tea Tumblers
Fostoria American is one of the most prolific elegant glass patterns. Lookalikes were made, however, so it is wise to do further research if you have a similar piece. This is particularly true with the American iced tea glasses as examples made by other companies look very similar.
Where is the Waterford logo on a crystal?
Waterford crystal, for example, often bears the full Waterford name on the bottom of the glass , or it may include an image of a seahorse on a sticker with its name.
When was glass made?
Although the process of making glass has been around since about 3500 B.C., it wasn't until 1674 that Englishman George Ravenscroft patented the process of adding lead oxides to glass to make crystal. Advertisement. How to Find Out How Much My Crystal Glassware Is Worth. Image Credit: elenakor/iStock/GettyImages.
When did Laurie Brenner start writing?
As a native Californian, artist, journalist and published author, Laurie Brenner began writing professionally in 1975. She has written for newspapers, magazines, online publications and sites. Brenner graduated from San Diego's Coleman College.
Can you take a picture of a crystal?
You can also take a picture of the crystal, as long as you can clearly see the pattern in the photo; compare the mark to online databases or pictures in books. Even if you don't know the manufacturer, the pattern can help identify who made the crystal and determine its age.
How to tell if glass is pressed?
Check for seams. Glass from a mould often has seams, which show as lines in the finished product. The number of lines depends upon the shape of the finished article & construction of the mould. Depending upon the age of the mould (they wear with use) the pattern may be more or less sharp. In a faceted drop such as a 'crystal', the seam will run all the way around the edge like a ring for poured glass. Although there is nothing to stop pressed glass being cut subsequently the issue is usually: is this design cut or moulded?
Why is glass not even in shape?
Pressed glass from a mold has smooth even edges while cut glass will not be as even in its pattern because it is cut by using visual cues. Test it with the UV light as suggested in the article.
Why do you hold glass?
Hold the glass so that it reflects the light & look, particularly on facets, for fine striations from the tools used on cut glass. These are more obvious on older glass, where polishing was undertaken by hand. However, modern cut glass is chemically smoothed to remove all traces of cutting.
How many people edit wikihow?
wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 21 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 153,356 times.
Does poured glass mirror the exterior?
In poured or pressed glass, the interior of the glass might have have slight dimples that mirror the exterior. Examine the design. Hold the glass so that it reflects the light & look, particularly on facets, for fine striations from the tools used on cut glass.
Is cut glass smooth?
However, modern cut glass is chemically smoothed to remove all traces of cutting. This can leave as smooth a finish as good pressed glass. Also, on older cut glass there are often variations in the shape & spacing of the pattern.
Do depression era pieces need trained eye?
Many depression-era styles are recreated today, so your piece will need a trained eye to be absolutely certain of authenticity.
What to put cut glass on?
While establishing the provenance of the older pieces can be challenging, placing a fine piece of cut glass in your home is not. An ornate, dazzling cut-glass bowl on a contemporary ebony dining table is stunning; fill it with green apples or heritage roses from the garden. Cut-glass candlesticks on a cedar-plank mantel add extra sparkle to bayberry holiday candles. A cut-glass candy dish might hold dark whole olives or gaily wrapped chocolates at a party. And, although cut glass was not a feature of Mid-Century Modern decor, a set of ornately incised water goblets or radiant sherbet dishes blend right in with the Saarinen table and the clear molded ghost chairs at your very modern get-together.
What color does ABP glass turn?
The majority of ABP glass pieces will fluoresce lime-green when exposed to black light. Other pieces show orange, purple or pink tints under the light, but there are some antiques, such as work from Libbey Glass, Hunt's Royal pattern and Meriden's Alhambra pattern that don't react under black light.
What was ABP glass?
ABP glass, hand-cut from roughly the last quarter of the 19th century to the first quarter of the 20th, was an elaborate, extremely reflective and dazzling art form that appealed to wealthy collectors. World War I commandeered the lead supplies needed for the finest glass, and the post-war Depression killed the market for luxury items.
What is the Czech pattern?
A 1949 Czech pattern, blown in a mold and hand cut, copied the images from the newly discovered Lascaux Cave paintings of Ice Age animals. But styles were changing, and Scandinavian glass, with its experimentation with form and color, and smooth, unfaceted finishes, epitomized Mid-Century Modern design.
Why do glass cutters dip their glass in acid?
The clear bell-like tones of the best glass were softer, and, instead of hand-polishing, glass-cutters began to dip their pieces in an acid bath to smooth the rough or too-sharp edges. Old patterns were still a mainstay of production, however.
When was vintage glass made?
Antique glass is a century or more old; vintage glass, produced in the period from around 1930 to 1965 or so, was pressed, machine-made, practical and inexpensive, but only the rare example was true cut glass.
When did American craftspeople cut and polished the elaborate pieces?
American and European patterns were indistinguishable; fine craftspeople hand cut and polished the elaborate pieces from the early 1870s to the first decades of the 1900s. Makers patented motifs that they worked and reworked into intricate variations on their signature designs.
