Topic: handles and cracking - normal?

[Frank]

They may or may not grow (some say they don't),

I have first hand experience. They grow. Only way to stop cracks growing is to drill small holes just ahead of the crack ends, the crack will not grow past the holes. Unlikely to be possible on a handle.

[jsmeasell]

Is this "crack" at the top or the bottom of the handle? A photo would help greatly, as we could also see whether the handle was applied by sticking the bottom first or the top first. The glass must be sheared off before the second stick, and that may result in a shear mark that many describe as a "crack" when it really isn't (especially when both jug and handle are transparent glass).
 

[oldglassman]

Hi ,
           In my experience with 18thc and earlier tankards etc that have the often found handle/body cracks, annealing related or damage related,both are affected quite considerably with regard to value.I can also agree that they can grow if the item is used,though it is now possible to have some cracks stabilized by leaching into the cracks very thin uv reactive glues,this does  involve a little flexing of the area around the crack so is a potentially disastrous procedure,so far  :X: this has not happened to the few i have had done this way.

cheers ,
                Peter.

[TxSilver]

Heat stress cracks do affect the value of glass, particularly if it is not a rare piece. I consider them the same as I do any other type of crack. To me, a crack is a crack, no matter who made it.

[scavo]

Is this "crack" at the top or the bottom of the handle? A photo would help greatly, as we could also see whether the handle was applied by sticking the bottom first or the top first. The glass must be sheared off before the second stick, and that may result in a shear mark that many describe as a "crack" when it really isn't (especially when both jug and handle are transparent glass).
 

OK, I'll try and photograph it. I have 2  jugs (no pun ...) both with this 'crack' thing going on where the top (2nd join) retouches the body (there I go again).

I don't think the jugs I have are of any particular value. But I did buy them to use so it would be good to find out if I'm going to be able to use them as jugs, vases or kitchen ornaments.