There is a real enthusiasm for early examples of mass produced glass, and the amount of American brilliant cut glass for sale reflects this interest. However, a little education goes a long way in protecting you if you are thinking of starting a collection for your own enjoyment or for investment purposes.
The so-called Brilliant Period in America is variously cited as from 1850 to 1916 to a more precise 1876 to 1914 by the website of the American Cut Glass Association. This non-profit organization is devoted to research and education about this beautiful type of decorative items for the home.
Anyone who is attracted to this faceted, sparkling style would do well to become a member of the Association. The website has all sorts of information, from video presentations of past special exhibits and a basic overview to a journal published ten times a year. They maintain a calendar of events, have a selection of catalogs for sale, keep a database of outstanding items sold at auction, and have informative archives.
As a way to begin your education, this site is great. One of the most prominent features, besides the colorful photographs, is the oft repeated warning to educate yourself and your eye before you shell out big dollars for something for your collection. Once you start collecting, the Association offers group insurance rates to insure your investment and a matching service to help you find pieces to fill out your display.
Early pieces of this style were purposefully left unsigned, since many people wanted imported pieces. However, as the quality of the glass itself was improved by increasing the amount of lead oxide (for greater sparkle), the homeland product became sought after on its own merits.
Nine major manufacturers dominated the American market, with Hawkes and Libbey leading the industry. Blown blanks gave way to those from a mold, which were hand shaped using large, turning stone or iron wheels and hand finishing. Later blanks were shaped in the mold, acid baths replaced hand polishing, and the quality of craftsmanship declined. However, a good blank and quality production standards still produced magnificent articles to grace a home.
The price of an object generally reflects the amount of hand crafting involved in its production. This usually means more brilliance, although there are some outstanding pieces from the later processes that can hold their own in comparison. As stated above, the lack of a signature is not necessarily a minus, nor does its presence mean the item is more desirable.
When considering taking advantage of American brilliant cut glass for sale, it is good policy to educate yourself and your eye in advance and perhaps get a professional appraisal or take along an experience friend if you can look at the items before purchase.
american brilliant cut glass for sale
The so-called Brilliant Period in America is variously cited as from 1850 to 1916 to a more precise 1876 to 1914 by the website of the American Cut Glass Association. This non-profit organization is devoted to research and education about this beautiful type of decorative items for the home.
Anyone who is attracted to this faceted, sparkling style would do well to become a member of the Association. The website has all sorts of information, from video presentations of past special exhibits and a basic overview to a journal published ten times a year. They maintain a calendar of events, have a selection of catalogs for sale, keep a database of outstanding items sold at auction, and have informative archives.
As a way to begin your education, this site is great. One of the most prominent features, besides the colorful photographs, is the oft repeated warning to educate yourself and your eye before you shell out big dollars for something for your collection. Once you start collecting, the Association offers group insurance rates to insure your investment and a matching service to help you find pieces to fill out your display.
Early pieces of this style were purposefully left unsigned, since many people wanted imported pieces. However, as the quality of the glass itself was improved by increasing the amount of lead oxide (for greater sparkle), the homeland product became sought after on its own merits.
Nine major manufacturers dominated the American market, with Hawkes and Libbey leading the industry. Blown blanks gave way to those from a mold, which were hand shaped using large, turning stone or iron wheels and hand finishing. Later blanks were shaped in the mold, acid baths replaced hand polishing, and the quality of craftsmanship declined. However, a good blank and quality production standards still produced magnificent articles to grace a home.
The price of an object generally reflects the amount of hand crafting involved in its production. This usually means more brilliance, although there are some outstanding pieces from the later processes that can hold their own in comparison. As stated above, the lack of a signature is not necessarily a minus, nor does its presence mean the item is more desirable.
When considering taking advantage of American brilliant cut glass for sale, it is good policy to educate yourself and your eye in advance and perhaps get a professional appraisal or take along an experience friend if you can look at the items before purchase.
american brilliant cut glass for sale
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