Information About Antique Glass

Time Frame

• American Brilliant cut glass was manufactured between 1850 and 1910. Glass makers had to compete with the dominating European market to devise ways to manufacture quality glass. They did this by acquiring and using the same cutting tools that their rivals overseas used.

Significance

• American glass manufacturers could put out a quality glass product equal to, if not better than, their European counterparts. It is hard to find a makers mark on antique cut glass, because American manufacturers competing with the Europeans wanted to turn a profit instead of create glass that stood out as representative to an individual company. For example, antique Tiffany glass was usually marked and is known for its antique glass, especially antique glass lampshades.

Identification

• American antique brilliant cut glass, though unmarked, still had the top quality craftsmanship to pass as good as European pieces. There is a high lead content in American glass, making it extra sparkly like a diamond, especially under the light.

History

• The most prominent early American manufacturer of this type of glass was Henry William Stiegel, a German immigrant who came to America in the 18th century. Stiegel brilliant cut glass is prized. Early American pattern glass was made only during the Victorian period, from 1850 to 1910. It is called pattern glass because sets were made in matching patterns and only in sets such as dishes, glasses, creamers and salt and pepper shakers. Pattern glass consisted of heavy glass, with different designs molded onto the glass.

Types

• Pattern glass was made in a cast-iron mold, and it was cheaper to manufacture at the time and sell than blown glass. Celery pattern glass vases from the 19th century are the most common item that was made. The pattern glass museum website has some good information and pictures of collectible pattern glass at patternglass.com. All types of pattern glass are collected.

Considerations

• To collect EAPG as an investment, choose well-known manufacturers. Some of the premier pattern glass makers in America were Northwood, The U.S. Glass Company, Heisey, Fostoria, Bryce Brothers, Higbee, and Ripley and Duncan. Amber is a rarer color, and green is more common on early American pattern glass.