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How to Identify Old Cut Crystal Stemware

Cut crystal stemware is widely sought after by glass collectors. Crystal is a type of glass that incorporates a metal, traditionally lead, that makes it clear and easy to cut. (See Reference 5) The cutting method for creating stemware utilizes a cutting wheel to remove pieces of glass, leaving behind the cut design. (See Reference 1, page 7) The number of cut crystal stemware manufacturers over time, and the number of patterns that were designed and produced over the years, can make it difficult to identify the correct manufacturer and pattern without some investigation.

Things You'll Need

Stemware reference book
Cut crystal stemware

Instructions

- 1
  Test the sound. The first step in identifying old cut crystal stemware is testing to see if it is really made of crystal. Crystal glass is known for the clear, bell-like tone it makes when you gently strike it. It also makes sounds when you rub a wet finger over the rim of the glass. The sound comes from vibrations created when the crystal glass moves. (See Reference 3)
- 2
  Check for the manufacturer's stamp. (See Reference 2) The manufacturer's stamp, or backstamp, is often located underneath the base of the stemware. It identifies information about the piece, such as who made it and sometimes when and where it was made. If you find a stamp or signature on the crystal stemware, consult a reference pattern book or a glass expert who can help you identify the manufacturer.
- 3
  Match the pattern. Use a reference book to identify the crystal by matching the pattern of the stemware with pictures. A book like Crystal Stemware Identification Guide, by Bob Page and Dale Fredericksen, provides over 4,000 pictures of different crystal stem designs and information about each design. (See Reference 4)
- 4
  Contact Replacements. Replacements Ltd. is a company that finds, categorizes and sells china, crystal and silver items. The company also offers a free pattern identification service. Send in a digital picture or some other rendering or photograph of the stemware by email, mail or fax. Include information about the size and any other visible details about the piece that will aid in the identification process. (See Reference 2)

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