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How to Identify EAPG Colonial Patterns

Production of Early American Pattern Glass, also known as EAPG or pattern glass, began around 1850. Early American Pattern Glass came in many forms, including but not limited to dinnerware, toothpick holders, serving pieces, tumblers, salt cellars and decorative items. There are over 1,000 patterns of EAPG. To be proficient at identifying those patterns takes a great deal of research. Books, Web searches and physically visiting antique or glassware shops will provide a solid base for learning how to identify Early American Pattern Glass.

Things You'll Need

Internet sites
Books
Antique shops or collectors
Black light

Instructions

- 1
  Visit Internet sites that aid in the identification of EAPG patterns. Websites such as EAPGS.org, PatternGlass.com and EAPGPatterns.com provide instructions on verifying EAPG originality, pattern guidelines and some history on the makers of pattern glass. Unless it is a piece made in the beginning years, Early American Pattern Glass will glow a yellow-green when viewed under a black light. "Granny's Pointers" in the PatternGlass.com school lists more ways to tell if a piece is an original or not.
- 2
  
  Visit your local library or bookstore.
  
  Find books either at the local library or bookstore on EAPG patterns. Most of these books, such as those written by Danny Cornelius and Don Jones, have pictures that show the various patterns of Early American Pattern Glass. Compare these patterns and learn to recognize as many as possible. Keep a book handy, if possible, to compare glassware to the patterns listed. A couple very informative ones by the above authors are, "American Pattern Glass Table Sets" and "Early American Pattern Glass Cake Stands &Serving Pieces."
- 3
  Inspect patterns of EAPG. Keep in mind that many of the names of patterns actually depict the pattern itself. Some of the most well known are Daisy and Button, Hobnail and Inverted Fan. Note that Daisy and Button can be described as a circle or diamond shape with raised circular centers similar to a daisy. Look at the Hobnail pattern's repeated raised ovals or circles. Turn a piece upside down and and notice that the Inverted Fan resembles a fan shape gracefully arching upward. Keep on eye out for interesting patterns such as the "S" Repeat, Ribbed and Thumbnail. Notice that the names for these three also depict exactly what the patterns look like.
- 4
  
  Many patterns, many makers
  
  Familiarize yourself with the many makers of Early American Pattern Glass. Note that not all pieces are marked. Try to remember the names Northwood, A.J. Beatty &Son, McKee, Dugan, U.S. Glass Company, Duncan Miller or Heisey to name just a few.
- 5
  Keep in mind that the patterns of EAPG are many. Go through antique shops or places that exhibit collectible glassware. Try to match the patterns you see with those you recall from books and websites. Have fun and be patient learning to identify Early American Pattern Glass patterns. Do not expect to master everything quickly as there are just too many to remember.

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