Topic: How does one identify "rock-crystal" glass?

[chopin-liszt]

 :hi:

I know very little about cut stuff - not really my thing, and photographing it is a nightmare!

I bought this absolutley stunning decanter yesterday, very heavily and deeply cut/carved all over with fruits and leaves and berries and other more sculptural arches and stepped bits and more.... bits.

The neck is also cut with more fruits, on a smaller scale and so is the stopper.
There is water damage inside, I hope to get going with some cerium oxide etc. soon, and there are a couple of small surface chips/bruises, but it's not too bad, connsidering the quality of the piece.
Having a go at posting images directly! :X:

photobucket
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/chopin-liszt/cutstuff/rc1.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/chopin-liszt/cutstuff/rc6.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/chopin-liszt/cutstuff/rc7.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/chopin-liszt/cutstuff/4rc.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/chopin-liszt/cutstuff/3rc.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/chopin-liszt/cutstuff/2rc.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/chopin-liszt/cutstuff/5rc-1.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/chopin-liszt/cutstuff/1rc.jpg



 

[chopin-liszt]

I looked rock-crystal cutting up in my decanter book - it said that it was achieved by the use of acid polishing in conjunction with the wheel cutting, so I'm all confused now - I had thought that rock-crystal cutting was simply the extra depth and complexity of the cutting - probably in a much thicker bit of glass than usual.
My brother is of the opinion that the fruity theme might indicate a Bohemian origin.
I'm clueless, but it is of serious quality, whatever it is. I just hope my lousy images give some sort of clue as to what it looks like to somevody who is more used to this sort of thing than me!

(had to modify messages to delete non-operational shrunken images, sorry)

[chopin-liszt]

Ummm, I followed all the instructions for resizing in paint shop, but it seems to have failed - the pics don't blow up!
sorry. I shall resort to photobucket.

[Paul S.]

Sue  -  have you tried downloading the free Irfanview re-imaging facility  -  if I can do it, then anyone can - I'm very computer illiterate.    Gives massive control over size of your images etc.

[chopin-liszt]

I have enough trouble dealing with the minute bits of programmy bits I do deal with, Paul. :cry:

I may do things the long, slow way around, but at least I can cope with the way I know how to do them.
I've gone back to the old, reliable photobucket, loads of images in one posting, no thousands of extra images saved in wee format in my computer either. :thup:

Here's the base.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/chopin-liszt/cutstuff/rc5.jpg

Had another go with resizing, trying this image again. Ta-da, Success!
(had made them 80 pixie-things not 800......)

[Anne]

 :rah: :rah: :rah:
Yay! Sue, I knew you could do it! 
:hiclp: :hiclp: :hiclp:

[chopin-liszt]

 :rah:

Ok,  :kissy: but what can anybody tell me about my fabulous decanter now?

Is it "rock-crystal" cut or am I just getting over-enthusiastic?

It IS a pretty fabulous bit of cutting, incredibly ornate.

(  and so much for claretjugcollector saying 20 pics to get a decent one - I'm currently running at about 60:1 )

[johnphilip]

The main body looks acid treated , rock crystal cutting is almost dazzling bright . :ooh
Having looked at the other pictures i have changed my mind i think it is rock crystal cutting , just needs repolishing , at a guess and looking at the stopper i would look into S&W .

[chopin-liszt]

Thank-you very much, jp.
I've been studying the surface of the cuts with a magnifying glass - there is not as much evidence of the wheel marks as I usually see.
It was described as "pressed glass". I didn't believe that for one fraction of a second.

[Leni]

Wow!  That's really lovely, Sue!    You are encroaching into my area of interest here   (But that's OK, 'cos I 'caught' Mdina from you!  ) 

I would not be 100% sure if it's what would be described as 'rock-crystal' either, as I thought like you that it had to be very thick and complex cutting - but I agree it looks as if it could well be!  Would it be worth getting it 'Basil-ed'?  I have a nice intaglio cut claret jug which I am meaning to get done some time, but I haven't yet got a round tuit     And Nic gave me the name of another person who repairs glass who he said was very reasonable too.  If you want to inquire about the cost let me know and I'll pass their contact details on.