Dating antique drinking glasses

How can you tell if a glass is antique?

It’s the absolute first thing you should look for in any antique, straight-up showing you who made the glass. Use a glassmaker marks book to identify the signature, symbol or trademark - Google can be just as handy. As discussed above, many antique drinking glasses can be identified by their patterns.

What is the history of glasses?

Glasses have been catalogued in terms of their specific types ever since Albert Hartshorne outlined them in his 1897 publication, briefly titled: ‘Old English Glasses: An account of glass drinking vessels in England, from early times to the end of the eighteenth century’. Here’s the condensed version:

What are antique wine glasses called?

These new antique wine glasses were known as balustroids, distinguishable by their hollow stem complete with bubble of air. Evolving from balustroids, these lighter and more elegant antique drinking glasses were produced by drawing out the bubble of air within the stem.

When did people start buying crystal glasses?

Wealthy collectors were attracted to crystal for its light-reflecting qualities, and it became a popular serving option during the 19th century. Crystal produced during this era is considered antique by collectors, while those created after World War I are generally regarded as vintage glassware.

How can you tell how old a glass is?

A glass or antiques expert can verify the age of the glass. Valuable antique glass is characterized by signs of wear, defects and rough mold edges. Antique glass typically shows signs of wear on its base and in any gilded decorations. Different types of small scratches at varying depths indicate the glass was used over a long period of time.

How can I tell if my glassware is valuable?

Examine the piece carefully, especially on the bottom or back. Then look up any glassware markings you find to see if they offer clues about your piece. There are dozens of antique and vintage glass companies that youll encounter if you look at antique glassware in stores or online.

What are the characteristics of antique glass?

Antique glass typically shows signs of wear on its base and in any gilded decorations. Different types of small scratches at varying depths indicate the glass was used over a long period of time. Defects such as chips and bubbles are common in antique glass.

How much is antique glassware worth?

Some piece of antique glass are worth only a few dollars, and others can be worth hundreds. The value of antique glassware depends on several factors: Rarity - If there were lots of pieces made in a pattern or color, its usually less valuable. However, if its rare, it may be worth money to collectors.

When were the first glasses made?

The first wearable glasses known to history appeared in Italy during the 13th century. Primitive glass-blown lenses were set into wooden or leather frames (or occasionally, frames made from animal horn) and then held before the face or perched on the nose.

How old is the history of glass?

Glass Timeline - Important Dates and Facts in Glass History. The shot glass, as we know it today, has gone through an interesting evolution influenced by many cultures. Glass has a long history of 5000 years. 3100 BC Earliest glass artifacts found in Egypt.

Who invented lead crystal glass?

George Ravenscrofts Patent and the Invention of Lead-Crystal Glass. Technology and Culture. 28 (4): 776–803. doi: 10.2307/3105182. JSTOR 3105182. ^ Hurst-Vose, Ruth (1980). Glass. Collins Archaeology. London: Collins. ISBN 0-00-211379-1. ^ Bontemps on Glassmaking: the Guide du Verrier of Georges Bontemps, translated by Michael Cable (2008).

What is the history of spectacles?

A concise history of spectacles. One of the first recorded pair of glasses were made in 1284 by Salvino D’Armate in Italy. The lenses were made of glass or a crystal like stone with a handle to hold them up to your eyes (scissor glasses frame and later lorgnette glasses).