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SO YOU WANT TO BE A GLASS IDENTIFICATION DETECTIVE.........................I'm frequently presented with lots of questions about glass.
How can I tell it's real depression glass? What is EAPG? What is ABCG? What is pressed glass? What is the difference between Cut Glass and Crystal. How can I tell if my glass is old? How can I tell if my glass is worth money? I want to learn about glass, where do I start? This is Glass ID Lesson 1 from the memory banks of The Estate Sale Store. We hope you enjoy and benefit from what we've learned over the years.
These will be short topic synopsis with snippets from our memory banks.
The first thing you need to do is learn how to describe your glass and become familiar with glass terminology. Sit down with pen and paper with your glass item and write a written description of your piece.
If you find an element that you don't know how to describe; such as how to explain a rim treatment (i.e. scalloped, fluted, etc), then research that element until you can describe the entire piece. In Lesson Snippet 2, I'll try to put together some common terms used in glass descriptions. After doing several of these descriptions, you'll get good at it...practice makes perfect.
Once you've learn how to describe you're glass, you're ready to move into level 2--the glass detective.
You'll need to consider many factors when trying to determine what type of glass you're presented with:
Clarity of the Glass
Mold Lines: Are there any and how pronounced
Pontil; yes or no then type of pontil; high relief, low relief, polished
Thickness: You can measure it or wing it.
Shine: Brilliant, Diamond Like, Dull, Clouded (the level of cloudiness)
Ping or Dull Thud (considering condition since a dull thud with a hairline eliminates this test)
Feel - Is it waxy, soft, rough, like silk, is is prickly, wavy, bumpy, etc.?
Pattern - There are so many patterns but familiarize yourself with the most common like hobnails, diamonds, dots, etc. McCains book is good for this.
Style: What's the shape of the glass, curved, angular, etc.
Properties: Test with a blacklight for color changes, is it iridescent when turned into the light---sometimes carnival glass. Does it get hot when you stare at it (just kidding!)?
Color: After a while, you'll recognize certain colors belong to certain companies. Blenko Blue is a good example of this, but it's not definitive.
Mark: Always check for marks if you don't know the maker. Miniature size marks are often found only in true light with a high powered magnifying glass (best done outside at noon).
Treatments: Things included in the glass or applied to the glass to give certain effects.
What you are looking for:
When was the glass made: best estimate
How to Describe the Type of Glass you are holding
How to Describe the Style of Glass you are holding
And finally, who is the Glass Maker, Pattern Name, etc.
How to Describe the Type of Glass you are holding
How to Describe the Style of Glass you are holding
And finally, who is the Glass Maker, Pattern Name, etc.
All these items will be addressed individually in future writings. Hope this was somewhat helpful.
The Estate Sale Store
http://stores.ebay.com/theestatesalestore
Guide created: 03/02/07 (updated 08/31/08)
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