How to Tell Who Made Crystal Glasses

Look for a maker's signature. Many pieces of crystal have an acid-etched signature on the bottom. Sometimes the mark is the name of the manufacturer and sometimes it is a symbol that is used by the maker. This maker's mark is often hard to find if the bottom of the crystal has many decorative cuts.

Study guides on identifying glass. Your library or bookstore will have collectors' guides on glassware. You can use these to look information about manufacturers, maker's marks, and patterns. Some examples of guides on glassware include "Glass: Identifying Glass from Every Period and Region (The Antique Collector's Guides)" by Ruth Hurst Vose, "Elegant Glass: Early, Depression, &Beyond" by Debbie Coe and Randy Coe, and "Starting To Collect Antique Glass (Starting to Collect Series)" by John Sandon.

Consult china and crystal replacement services. Some companies specialize in antique and discontinued tableware. Many times, these places will help you to identify your crystal if you are unable to do it yourself. Replacements Limited will help you discover not only the maker of your glasses but also the pattern. You will need to send them a picture of your piece along with information about any marks that appear on the crystal.

Talk to experts. Antiques store owners whose shops specialize in crystal can be helpful in identifying your piece. If you suspect your piece might be truly valuable, consulting with an appraiser may be worthwhile. To find an expert, check with the International Society of Appraisers or the American Society of Appraisers. (references 2 and 3)

Search for similar glassware. Sometimes the best way to identify your piece is to find another one like it. Though this can be a tedious process, looking through the inventory of brick-and-mortar and online antiques stores can often uncover a lot of information about crystal makers and patterns. Some Internet stores that feature large online inventories with pictures and extensive descriptions include Ruby Lane, Go Antiques, and Trocadero. Other good sources are online auction sites, such as eBay, that offer a large and diverse selection of glassware.