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How to Identify a Crystal Glass Red Top

As any avid glassware collector can attest, it is often the stray pieces of unknown origin that endear collectors to their hobby. Since the maker's mark--an identifying feature--is typically found on the base of a glassware piece, it can be exceptionally challenging to identify a crystal glass red top that has no partner. Introduced in the late 1800s, pressed colored glass was mass produced, making it more accessible and commonplace in many homes. Manufacturers often traded pattern molds and companies sometimes made copies of earlier pieces, making the task of glassware identification less than straightforward.

Things You'll Need

Internet and print resources for glassware identification

Instructions

- 1
  Research the glassware manufacturers of the late 1800s to early 1900s. Become familiar with the different types of crystal glassware that were being produced during this period, such as pressed colored glass and cut glass. Many crystal glassware manufacturers produced only a limited amount of colored glass or only clear glass pieces, so focus your research efforts on those that produced red glass. Research online and print resources--preferably sources that contain plenty of pictorial examples of red crystal glassware.
- 2
  Eliminate manufacturers that only produced crystal glass pieces that would not have tops or lids, such as stemware (drinking glasses) only. Narrow down the possible manufacturers and research their designs and patterns further. Compare your crystal glass red top with photos from your resources.
- 3
  Take your glass piece to local antique shops and an antiques show. Antiques dealers may be able to identify the maker and design or may be able to point you in the direction of additional research sources to assist with identification.
- 4
  Check your crystal glass red top for a pattern. Many glass manufacturers can be identified by patterns distinctive of their glassware lines. Gene and Cathy Florence's book, Florence's Glassware Pattern Identification Guide Volume IV, contains more than 400 glassware patterns with close-up photos of patterns, manufacturers, production dates and available colors. You can also find photos and descriptions of glassware patterns on patternglass.com.
- 5
  Peruse antiques websites for red crystal glassware. Retail antiques sites typically have color photos of authentic representations of antique glassware pieces that can be used to help with identification. Sites like RubyLane.com and Ebay offer many photos and descriptions of red crystal glassware.

Antiques