Antique Glass: A Complete Guide

Glass has always been a passion of mine. Think about it; glass is not a solid but a super cooled liquid in the state that we see it in. That means when you use a glass tumbler to drink water, you are actually pouring water out from a liquid container! And furthermore, as glass is a super cooled liquid, gravity affects it pulling it downward and forming the characteristic patterns seen in old and antique glassware.

A little history

Glass was considered a very valuable resource and thus was very rarely used in households till the late 1800's. Gradually, over the years manufacturers started using glass to make interesting jars and dishes for home use. Glass jars, cans, and containers then became the norm for almost all households. Eventually, the easy to clean containers then became the storage containers of choice for every woman. Over the years, millions of tiny glassware manufactories sprung up all over the country and they had their own individual designs colours and patterns. One very distinctive design was called as Depression Glassware and Milkware and is in high demands nowadays due to its collectible value. Another company that was really popular was the company Hazel Atlas Glass Company. The glassware made at the time was commonly used in homes all over the country; but the glassware has become really popular in these years and in the eyes of antique glassware collectors.

Antique finds

Over the years the glassware used in homes became highly coveted by antique glassware dealers due to the large variety of patterns colours and designs that were used at the time. Special glassware was commonly commissioned by prominent families and companies as limited edition pieces and was made available for sale. As a result, these limited edition pieces along with regular house ware from the 1800's has now become one of the most coveted finds for antique dealers! But rest assured that beauty lies in the eyes of beholder! As a result, if several dealers and antique owners would focus on Depression Ware, others are interested in Carnival Glassware that was commonly distributed as gifts at carnivals on winning a competition! If you like a piece that you've seen or if you feel that a piece has value then its a good idea to get it valuated with an antique dealer who has experience in the trade.

Researching your piece

The best place to get any kind of pretty glassware for almost free is at thrift stores. You will get designs, colours, patterns and so many varieties that you can pick and choose. Please remember that not every old piece you find is valuable but if you like it then it's valuable to you! But do ensure that you do not remove any original tags or sales stickers from antique or thrift store pieces unless you have the piece researched and provenanced. Try learning more about the field by joining up with collectors clubs or visiting websites and researching on the internet. Almost every glass piece will have the stamp and name of the maker on the underside of the piece. The internet is the best place to find out the history of the maker of the piece and its value too.

Popular pieces you should watch out for

Common companies that are highly coveted by collectors today are the Hazel Atlas, Jeannette, Mac-Beth Evans and the Duncan-Miller company.