How to Tell If a Glass Is Waterford

Turn the piece over to look at the bottom. On pieces from the mid-20the century onward, you'll find an acid-etched Waterford logo--the company name written in a Gothic script, occasionally paired with the image of a dolphin which resembles a sea horse and a clover. Newer logos show the clover as part of the tail of the dolphin. It may be necessary to hold the piece in front of a strong light in order to see the details. Older pieces are not generally marked with the Waterford logo and will have to be identified based on style.

If there is no logo on the bottom, examine the incised designs on the glass. Waterford pieces are typically made of heavy glass, covered in deeply incised geometric designs and highly polished. Very early pieces, those made prior to 1830, have a characteristic smoky blue color, but later glass is exceptionally clear. Using your guide, check your pattern against known Waterford glass designs. Most pattern guides have been written about post-1950 Waterford glass, but the new designs were based on the originals. If you find your pattern in the guide, you can conclude the glass is genuine Waterford. If the pattern is not in the guide, you will need the assistance of an expert appraiser.

Photograph your item and upload the picture to your computer. There are specialists who will verify and appraise your item for you, either online or at a storefront location. If there are no dealers near your home, contact a dealer online and ask how much they charge for an appraisal. Once you have made arrangements with the dealer, send them your photograph and answer any questions they may have. The dealer will evaluate and identify your piece.