Page 22 - 2022 Glass Editorial

Embossed Glass

any interesting glass techniques Top EAPG Producers and Patterns
have shaped the way we view Americans were so enamored with the idea of having matching glass
Mglass over the years, in more ways pieces for their homes that glassmakers at the time got into heated
than one. One of those techniques is competitions. They each wanted to come up with the best and most
embossing. Embossed glass, also known as elaborate patterns. Several of the most popular patterns back then are
pattern glass, gives glass pieces three- still popular today. They include patterns featuring fruits, flowers, and
dimensional textures and patterns. Unlike animal figures.
some techniques that have come and gone, There were hundreds of EAPG manufacturers, and many overseas
embossing glass is still a popular process glass factories were also producing similar embossed glass sets. Popular
today. Let’s take a peek at early glass American makers included Fostoria, Cambridge Glass, New England
embossing, popular embossed pieces, and Glass Company, and Bryce Brothers. Often, the sets of pattern glass
collecting tips. produced were named after the fact by those who purchased them or
writers who were chronicling the “craze” of pattern glass. As a result,
What is Embossed Glass? some sets of EAPG are known today by multiple names.
In the glass world, the term “relief”
refers to a raised design or pattern. One Early Embossed Bottles
way to create a relief is the process of Glass bottles are some of the most collectible glass items today, and
embossing. Embossing is a process where Vintage amethyst bottle they have been for years. They are popular for many reasons, such as
glass is built up in certain areas to give by Libbey Canada with their beautiful colors, intricate shapes, and historical connections. For
some areas a sunken appearance and make embossed fruits example, bitters bottles were historically popular in the United States
others stand out from the surface. The end between 1860 and 1906. Similarly, various types of medicinal bottles
result is a 3-D effect. Often, that effect is used to create intricate were also popular in the 1800s and early 1900s.
patterns, although, it can also be used to create a single raised area or The embossing process as it relates to early bottles served a few
for a purpose like embossing makers’ marks on finished products. purposes. First, embossed bottles could often be mass-produced via
machines, allowing companies to make them quickly. Second,
A Brief History of the General Process embossed bottles were more decorative and eye-catching, increasing
of Embossing sales potential for their contents.
Embossing is a process that is used Third, bottles were often embossed
on more materials than just glass. with makers’ marks and indicators of
Other popular types include when they were produced. That fact
embossed metal and paper. In fact, is particularly useful for collectors
the earliest form of embossing dates today. It is often easy to date a glass
back to the 15th century and was bottle based on its embossed features
used on highly sought-after stationery and other factors, such as when a
products. Having such stationery was particular glass color was popular.
a sign of wealth and status.
Metal embossing was particularly Embossed Glass Today
popular in early times in India; how- Embossing has stood the test of
ever, by the 19th century embossing A collection of English/German embossed bottles time. Today, it remains a popular
of metal and paper products was more method for creating artistic and
widespread. Metal embossing was even used to create unique coins in functional designs in various mediums. Utilitarian designs for
some countries while at that same time, glass embossing started to embossed glass include the marks on a measuring cup, the bumps on
become more popular. bottles to help keep a grip, and to help distribute light from a lamp.
Embossed glass, which is also sometimes called pressed glass or When it comes to building a collection, the early embossed glass pieces
pattern glass, was first produced in forms such as bottles in the United remain the most collectible.
States in 1825; however, it was not popularized in Great Britain until
the 1840s. Once popular, the process was used to create everything Collecting Early Embossed Glass Pieces
from drinking glasses and other decorative or functional glassware to The most important things to consider when collecting, mainly
commercial bottles, such as to hold medicinal cures. Another interesting authenticity and condition. If you are seeking embossed glass made by
early example of glass embossing was in the creation of stained glass a specific company or in a certain pattern, learn as much as you can so
windows, such as for churches. In fact, a Scottish-born glass you are aware of how many
factory owner named James Hartley filed patents beginning different models of the pattern
in 1838 for the process of embossing such windows. were made. There are reference
books and online websites that
Early American Pattern Glass can help you learn about
Between approximately 1850 and 1915, Early American certain types of EAPG, antique
Pattern Glass (EAPG) became very popular. That was in embossed bottles, and other
large part due to technological advancements. By the 1860s, antique embossed glassware.
machines allowed glass manufacturers to create uniformly However, the pieces you opt to
embossed pieces of glass repeatedly with the same patterns, collect are ultimately up to
and they could do so quickly. That advancement led to the you. Explore what pieces are-
creation of intricate dinner service sets. They often included most appealing to you, fit your
various goblets and glasses, vases, cake stands, salt and budget, and can be easily
pepper shakers, and many other pieces. Various other glass displayed in your home.
household items were also embossed via machine during
that same time period. A selection of embossed glass cruets
20 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles