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level of creativity is on the upswing. of the internet, you will no doubt receive
Overall Design a plethora of options of resources to
The most sought-after collectible glass explore online. But be aware: the results of
today is characterized by its inherent your search will be filled with ads and
design, the quality of its craftsmanship, ways to get you to spend your money on
and the connection to its brand or more glass. Take your time, skip those
manufacturer. The workers who applied results marked as “Ads” (typically the top
their skill—the artisans who cut the glass, half of the page), and open information
engraved it with beautiful embellishments, in new tabs while preserving your initial
and make it appealing to the eye— results in its own tab. Don’t think
built company’s reputation for hiring solutions will show up on the first two
quality craftsmen, making some brands pages. Often, you may find something
more valuable. from a different website that pops up
Often these artisans are unknown. on page 4 of your search results.
Most of them were denied the opportunity
om to place their mark on their workmanship. GET INVOLVED IN
ve a The initial designer of the piece received Thrift Store find. Early American Pressed Glass (EAPG) triangular SOCIAL NETWORKING
all the credit. Still, some engravers were blue bowl that has so far stumped two glass clubs.
fortunate enough to become known Museums – Glass Societies – Online
publicly and their workmanship adds Exhibitions – Glass Organizations –
substantial value to a piece. YouTube Videos – Facebook Groups

Value – Wherever you are, there is one of the above
Time is money and so it is with the art of glass nearby. Many museums have glass collections
making. It is important to keep in mind that but don’t overlook those that may have
countless examples of Art Nouveau, Art Deco, smaller specialized collections. It’s easy to find
and Art Moderne glass couldn’t be made today where they are online. Reach out to them and
because they would be too costly to produce now find out who is their glass curator, then
and sell in today’s cost-conscious marketplace. contact them and ask if they can help you with
Hence, you don’t see much high-end engraved your questions, or, at least, point you in the
glass being made today. right direction.
This same approach applies to glass societies
The Marketplace and organizations. Many of these groups have
The retail antiques and auction market is now conventions where you can go to obtain hands-
dominated by the internet. People buy and sell on access to your particular area of glass interest.
glass routinely online. This is inherently difficult In the case of glass clubs and organizations, they
when buying glass because handling it helps may have members who live in your area. Again,
identify the quality and allows you to evaluate its this may be an opportunity to expand your
authenticity. knowledge, gain hands-on experience and make
new friendships.
Start Searching Estate sale find that I am Many organizations and clubs will offer to
Take your evidence together with your bulked- currently researching. help in identifying their glass. Blenko Glass is
up knowledge and apply keywords to your Unmarked Early American one manufacturer that offers online access to all
search. Here is a great way to set up an inclusive Pressed Glass (EAPG) nappy form, of their catalog publications from the 1950s to
first search: likely Flint glass, c. 1880s. the current times. Many of these resources are
Here is a good way to approach your search available at no cost, while some charge an access
using these keyword terms: AKA (also known as) / Form (vase, bowl, or membership fee. Many glass dealers also offer help by providing con-
plate, etc.) / Manufacturer (Fenton, Lalique, etc.) / Dates (estimate) / sumer-oriented information. Facebook offers many discussion groups
and glass interest collecting groups. Take the time to explore them and
Description (shape characteristics) / Pattern (if any) / Glass
join the groups pertinent to your interests. Most allow you to post
Characteristics (footed, handblown, pontil mark, etc.) / Design
photos to help you discern what you’ve acquired.
Characteristics (Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Swedish Modern, etc.) / Most
prominent Glass Descriptors (dots, stripes, color, etc.).
The more you can fill in, the better. Retail Shops and Antique Stores –
After creating and sending out your initial search into the universe It used to be that antique stores were commonplace. You could easily
visit them, ask questions and, often, find some wonderful treasures.
At left, This elegant
glass compote turned out to be
Fostoria #2327 green uranium
glass from about 1930.
The art deco etched pattern
was made by
an outside cutting house.

At right, this is a very rare
Baccarat experimental
paperweight on Bambous Tors
base trim, c. 1890s.
One of a kind.
The owner worked for Baccarat,
otherwise, I would never have
found out what it is.

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