It's fascinating to follow the styles of glass dishes and ornaments throughout American history. True antiques, like seventeenth century hand-blown bottles and vases, are museum pieces, but vintage glassware collectibles can be found in almost every city at antique malls and flea markets. Even if you don't have your own collection, you might want a specimen piece or two, or you might just like knowing more about things you see while browsing in antique malls and flea markets.
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.
Antiques are loosely considered to be more than 100 years old and to have a certain value. These are considered good investments, especially when in original and good condition. Collectible items are generally more affordable and may go out of fashion as quickly as they come in, so the point is more because you like a certain type, color, or style of glass that that you expect a return for your money.
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.
American glass is closely linked to history. Hand-cut and polished glass was a status symbol during the 1920s. Depression glass, a machine-made pressed glass that came in many colors, was an extremely affordable but cheerful way for poorer people to furnish their homes. It was sold at dime stores, given away as souvenirs, or put in boxes of cereal and detergent to boost sales.
There were many American companies turning out glassware during the war years, when imported tableware was unavailable. Names like Fostoria, Heisey, and Cambridge identify higher end glass. Many of these lines were hand-made from molds, rather than machine produced, as well as hand colored. The better lines were called 'elegant glass'.
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.
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.
Antiques are loosely considered to be more than 100 years old and to have a certain value. These are considered good investments, especially when in original and good condition. Collectible items are generally more affordable and may go out of fashion as quickly as they come in, so the point is more because you like a certain type, color, or style of glass that that you expect a return for your money.
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.
American glass is closely linked to history. Hand-cut and polished glass was a status symbol during the 1920s. Depression glass, a machine-made pressed glass that came in many colors, was an extremely affordable but cheerful way for poorer people to furnish their homes. It was sold at dime stores, given away as souvenirs, or put in boxes of cereal and detergent to boost sales.
There were many American companies turning out glassware during the war years, when imported tableware was unavailable. Names like Fostoria, Heisey, and Cambridge identify higher end glass. Many of these lines were hand-made from molds, rather than machine produced, as well as hand colored. The better lines were called 'elegant glass'.
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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