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How to Identify Antique Colored Cut Glass

Colored cut glass has been produced in a wide variety of cultures and times, ranging from ancient Rome to 15th century Venice to Prague to Ireland to 20th century America and more. The more readily available items in the United States are from the American Brilliant Cut period, ranging from about 1876 to 1916. Learning to identify and differentiate all the different types of antique colored cut glass requires extensive research. This can be simplified by focusing on a particular type and period, such as 19th century Bohemian cut glass or Baccarat cut glass from France.

Instructions

    • 1

      Research the colored cut glass of interest. Books, the Internet, antique shops and antique cut glass associations can provide helpful information and help you focus your interest.

    • 2

      Learn what identifying marks the glass cutting shop or individual used as a trademark. These can be difficult to find, as they are sometimes hidden or incorporated in the pattern.

    • 3

      Study the glass to determine the color and how the engraving was applied. Some colored glass has layers, with the engraving cutting through the color so the design is clear, while other is cut through clear glass to the color. The specific chemical composition changes the color as well, and learning what ingredients were used for different colors can help narrow down the time period and company where the glass was produced. According to Martha Louise Swan, American glass companies commonly used potash and lead oxides that made the glass heavier with better light refraction qualities.

    • 4

      Study the design itself, as each glass cutting company used different patterns and combinations of patterns. These have names such as "hobstar," "hobnail," "sharp diamond," and "cane;" all are examples of different patterns that can appear on one piece.

    • 5

      Examine the depth and edge quality of the cuts that make up the design. Antique colored cut glass patterns have "fine nuances and many levels of cutting," according to Martha Louise Swan, while modern cut glass designs are cut flatter without as much intricate detail. Discerning the difference between antique hand-cut and antique pressed glass is important as well, as it effects the value of a piece. Hand-cut glass has sharper edges, while pressed or molded glass has blunt edges and marks from the manufacturing process.

    • 6

      Obtain permission to tap the edge -- or have the owner tap it -- of a known antique colored cut glass item to hear what the ring sounds like, and keep this in mind to help identify pieces in the future.


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