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Collecting American Brilliant Cut Glass

ST LOUIS, MO – For many people, collecting is a hobby, but for and Sale where seven
others, it evolves into a way of life. Most people usually start collecting exclusive cut glass dealers
later in life and find a specific product that is uniquely important to will occupy a 6,000 sq. ft.
them. Some inherit their parents’ collections, but the American Cut ballroom. Each will be
Glass Association (ACGA) highlights the collection of a very special bringing several hundred
type of glass, specifically American Brilliant Cut Glass (ABCG). pieces of fine Brilliant
As with most collectibles, there is a history of important periods, Period cut glass, specially
and this is certainly the case with cut glass. The “Early Period” was selected to interest conven-
from 1770 to 1830 when the glassware was cut very simply and was tion attendees. Whether
indistinguishable from European wares since most cutters originally you are looking for
came to America from Europe. Around 1830, which historians labeled impressive oversized pieces
the “Middle Period,” American ingenuity and originality began to or small cabinet pieces, you are sure to find something that needs to
influence the industry. This new American style became very important join your collection.
as our country was preparing to celebrate its 100th birthday, and what ACGA offers special programs for first-time attendees of the
is now called the “Brilliant Period” began. From 1876 until the advent Convention. Many “First-Timers” have been collecting for many years
of World War I (1916), American cut glass craftsmen exceeded all and many are new to cut glass and are interested in learning more about
others worldwide and produced examples of cut glass art that may never this new passion of collecting cut glass. There are several breakout
again be equaled. After the First World War, the “Flower Period” sessions before the Convention opens to explain the format of this
introduced the use of more molds and figured blanks depicting items four-day event as well as detailed discussions on how to identify true
of nature and became a less desirable period of collecting. American cut glass, clarity of blanks, and motifs that make up patented
Many Brilliant Period collectors came together in Toledo, Ohio, patterns, as well as the many popular cutting houses. There will also be
for their first national convention, and formed the American discussions about acceptable cut glass repair, how to identify forgeries,
Cut Glass Association (ACGA) in 1979 intending to advance the how to display glass, where the best places to buy cut glass are, and the
knowledge of and appreciation for American Brilliant cut glass as an art advantages of ACGA membership.
form. To further advance the mission, the ACGA continues to host Additional information concerning the 2024 Convention, reference
annual members-only conventions around the United States. catalogs, and other ACGA membership benefits can be found on the
This year, the 46th ACGA annual convention will be in St. Louis, ACGA website, www.cutglass.org. New memberships are only $25
Missouri, on July 17-20, 2024, at the Renaissance Airport Hotel. when you sign up online, and gives you access to a world of cut glass
Hundreds of buyers and sellers of Brilliant Period cut glass will come to information such as research, ten issues of the newsletter, The Hobstar,
St. Louis for the largest annual sale of rare antique cut glass. cut glass catalogs, photos, articles, and so much more. If you sell or
Convention attendees will enjoy wonderful speakers, an abundance of collect cut glass, become a member of ACGA and attend the annual
educational opportunities, and of course, the fabulous Dealer’s Show convention in St. Louis.

SAVE THE DATE! oini o J J n the NIA – th NIA connect t
o
ork
And Join Us for Our Spring Show! to aa worldwide netw o
of insulator collectors
The North Jersey Depression Glass Club
Presents Its 24th Annual Spring
• Bi--monthly color magazine
VINTAGE ALL AMERICAN GLASS, • Eaarly access to National Shows
POTTERY, & CHINA SHOW AND SALE • Naational A wards & Recognition
Fri., March 22 • Sat., March 23, 2024 • Sccholarship Opportunities
•
Calvary Lutheran Church
Vis wwwitsit
165 West Crescent Ave., Allendale, NJ Vis w w . .nia.orgi

New Expanded Friday Hours: 5 p.m.-9 p.m. For more information:
Saturday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Emmail: membership@nia.org
Call: (585) 335-2378
Orr write to: Andrew Gibson
Admission: $7 (good for both days) N NIA Membership Director
Raffles, Comp. refreshments Fri.; Lunch avail Sat. 5 5997 Springwater Road
For info: Craig 201-819-5468 or Walter 973-838-2419 Dansville, NY 14437

Haviland INTERNATIONAL NIPPON

Collectors International Foundation
COLLECTORS CLUB

This year marks 35 years since the founding of
Haviland Collectors International Foundation.
Join us in the celebration!

Coral Anniversary

Chicago, Illinois
June 12 - 16, 2024
WWW.NIPPONCOLLECTORSCLUB.COM
Embassy Suites by Hilton O’Hare - Rosemont www.facebook.com/groups/nipponcollectorsclubgroup
www.havilandcollectors.com

April 2024 35