joi, 6 iulie 2017

American Vintage Glassware Collectibles Are Fascinating

By Amanda Patterson


Even people who have no intention of becoming collectors enjoy the look of American glass from the early and mid-nineteenth century. Being able to identify the different types, giving them a date and naming the manufacturer, makes browsing through your city's antique malls, flea markets, and yard sales more fun. You may even find that you have a favorite pattern. Vintage glassware collectibles are part of the history and culture of America.

The words 'vintage' and 'collectible' can be confusing. Basically anything for which there is a demand can interest collectors, and anything made in your grandparents' era can be called vintage. Many feel that the year of manufacture should be included in an item's description, if possible, just as people do when they speak of a fine wine.

Collectibles are more fun than investment. Glass dishes are pretty, and if they're 'vintage' rather than 'antique', you won't mind using them. Once you start looking at glass from the twenties, thirties, and forties, you are sure to find patterns, colors, and styles that you admire. Even if you don't want a complete set, consider nut dishes, vases, or dessert plates.

Functional items made of glass include drinking glasses, platters, serving dishes, and decorative items like paperweights or table-top ornaments. Glassware has always been a popular wedding present, so patterns popular in the 1930s and '40s are plentiful. Even the cheapest glass, like 'Carnival' which was given out as BINGO prizes at fairs, is colorful and prized seventy years later.

Depression glass was a poor-man's imitation of the cut glass popular in earlier, more affluent times. It was colorful and shiny and brought sparkle to the otherwise grim times. Housewives bought it at dime stores or tried to fill out a set by buying certain brands of cereal or detergent. This molded glass is easy to recognize once you're familiar with different methods of manufacture.

The mass-produced pressed glass is often colorful and patterned. When world wars made importing British and European glass difficult, American companies began to offer a wide range of machine and hand-made items. Search online for Fostoria, Cambridge, and Heisey glass to get an idea of what was popular during the forties. There are many different lines, with catchy names like American Sweetheart.

Once you know how to recognize the various styles of glass, you may be able to date and categorize pieces your grandparents left. Knowing the provenance of heirlooms makes them even more special and may tell you more about your family history. You may even find that your keepsake is rare and more valuable than most collectibles.

This is a great hobby. It makes trips to city antique malls and flea markets more fun, as you identify what you're seeing. Maybe you'll find a piece that is rare because of its function or color and get a real treasure. Take a hint from Martha Stewart and serve your distinctive desserts on vintage glass plates, hang WWII glass ornaments on your Christmas tree, or find a patterned shade for a hall lamp. There is no end to the decorating possibilities in using glassware from earlier times.




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