I had in fact just typed a reply, although Sue just pipped me to the post. I do appreciate that a comprehensive overview quite obviously gives a better all round knowledge of glass - no one would doubt that - and the more I re-read the comments on this thread am coming to the conclusion that this issue is more a case of modern quality production versus modern cheaper copies of similar designs, I could be wrong of course. However, indulge me........I will post what I had in fact typed, as feel still has some relevance.
Actually, this is third attempt - m just pushed me out again. :thud:
"It's probably a disadvantage if someone is in the habit of buying material similar to those pieces mentioned already - from what I hear much of this seems to be copied (although haven't been in TK Maxx for years). Don't know about others, but I always (consciously or otherwise) assess every piece I buy, and have made few mistakes (when determining whether new/old) in comparison with the quantity bought. Although it's rare for me to know exactly what it is that I'm buying, I almost always know that it has age is not recent - I'd envy anyone who knew always exactly what they were buying at the time of the deal. Perhaps it is just that there is far less copying of the type of glass that I collect. But coming back to the point about 'reading' a piece of glass for clues. The attached pictures are of a clear/blue tinted, ribbed/wrythen bubbled smallish lamp base, with bottom hole, from yesterday morning's boot sale: cost £1. I was assessing........old style brass, stained, fittings (with ceramic insert saying MEM Made in England), and attached with plaster of paris), bakelite on/off switch (showing much wear from use), noticable wear/small chips to lamp base, abrasion to the outer sides of the ribs, dirt/grime lodged deeply between the ribs, and the flex (now removed) heavily nocotine stained. Haven't a clue as to origin, or exact date, but based on age related factors am thinking somewhere between 1940 and 1960, and although (probably) of no value, quite attractive. HOWEVER, if this had plastic fittings, no age related wear, etc. etc. I would simply have left behind - the point being..................that originality always has a greater value than a cheap copy. I'm well aware that these comments are slightly off topic re the subject heading, but the point is you don't need to be a Phd. from the V. & A. to begin making common sense assessments of most pieces of glass (to determine age, not necessarily attribution) and it really does get better the longer you collect. To never make any effort to understand the difference between old and new - simply because it's deemed necessary to have an encyclopedic knowledge of glass plus many years of collecting experience, is to miss a great part of the enjoyment. Incidentally, anyone recognize my lamp base (and please don't say it's :or:) - and apologies for putting pictures on someone else's thread."
Topic: new versions of older glass vases (Read 1432 times)
