Aunt Edith's Closet

I think that knowledge is power so I will give you helpful hints on buying quality glassware as well as ways to tell if it is a reproduction.

Reproductions are sometimes very difficult to spot and even a well trained buyer can still purchase them without knowing.

1. When looking at depression glass the rule is two or three seams are good four usually means reproduction.

2. Look at the clarity of the glass. Hold it up to a light source and look for a clean clear color and well defined pattern.

 A reproduction will be grainy and the etching or design will be uneven with high and low parts. 

3. Hold item in your hand and feel the weight.

 Alot of older glass will be heavier than the newer with one exception and that is elegant depression stemware.

4. With colored glass items look close to see if the color is in the glass versus painted on. If painted on determine by asking questions of the dealer.

There are a couple of types of painted glass. One is called cold painted which means color is not baked onto the glass. The other type is flashed where the color is applied and baked onto the glass but will still scratch so care should be taken when washing any painted glass.

5. When shopping for glass if you see any pale yelow color this is usually an indication that there was gold dust added to it to give it some interest.

NOTE: Alot of the red glass you find usually has gold dust added to it to make the red more vibrant and is usually more expensive than the same item in another color.

6. When thinking of purchasing Vaseline glass so named beacause when it was first introduced the color closely matched vaseline petroleum jelly. You will need to have a black light handy. If there is not one in the shop than maybe think of purchasing a hand held one.

Vaseline glass has uranium oxide in the glass which is what makes it glow. It is not harmful in any way to you and makes a dramatic display.

Many companies have made it and now is super hard to know what glass has it or not. Generally most green depression glass as well as yellow glows. There is a type of glass called Burmese made by Fenton that almost always glows as well as alot of Fenton's satin green and yellow items. Custard glass is another color also. You just have to go shopping with the light and when you find an item you like test it.

7. When looking at glassware check the bottom for a makers mark or name. Alot of the older glass was unmarked and a label was the only way you knew the maker but labels washed off. An experienced collector will know the maker by sight as well as weight and quality. Also look for what is called a pontill mark which is where the item was hand blown and then broken of the blowing rod. In some cases they grind it flat but still detectible.

8. Use your hands and rub all over paying close attention to the edges and check for any chips or breaks on it.

 I recomend you not buy any item that is chipped unless it is very rare and you need it to fill out your collection. Only rare chipped pieces can go up in value if it is a common item you would be better off waiting to buy a perfect piece that will retain and alot of the time increase in value.

9. Antique glass can be a good investment. It will only go up in value the longer you have it and keep it safe and chip free.

ALWAYS HAND WASH ALL GLASSWARE. NEVER PUT OLDER ITEMS IN A DISHWASHER OR A MICROWAVE.

10. If you collect Fenton be advised that they have turned there furnace off and will no longer be making glassware.

Fenton was founded in 1903 and was very prolific in making glass. They also made it for other companies. They made many styles, colors and also textures over the years and has become the most common collectible glassware recognized by nearly everybody. Hold on to any Fenton you may have it will only go up in value as people are looking to gather items to finish off their collections.

11. By learning how to shop for glass I hope I have armed you with the knowledge and confidence to buy and collect glassware. Never be afraid to ask questions most dealers will be excited to tell you all about the item you are considering buying.