Glass Message Board
Glass Identification - Post here for all ID requests => Glass => Unresolved Glass Queries => Topic started by: teddyaddict on January 04, 2006, 12:56:19 AM
-
Hello, I am new to this forum and to glass collecting. I began buying a few pieces of depression glass but became hooked on the opalescent glass when I found a piece of Beatty rib in a tiny blue bowl at a local antique shop. I recently found out that this pattern is being reproduced. How can one tell if their piece is a reproduction and who is reproducing this pattern today if anyone knows?
-
I'm not all-knowing, but I haven't heard of it being reproduced. Are you sure of your source?
There is a Davidson pattern called Helen Louise that is often confused with Beatty Rib. I once had a piece and thought it was either a rare unlisted piece of Beatty Rib or a reproduction. I was very wrong.
-
Hi,
The only Beatty reproduction that I know about is their "Honeycomb" pattern, which has been done by Fenton and called "Waffle\Block"
Every once in awhile I see it listed on ebay as " Beatty Rib", by a pattern confused seller.
Mike
-
Thanks for your reply. I'm not certain it is being reproduced but saw through one of my searches on a site at http://home.gwi.net/~inventor/attribution.html
a list of patterns with their year of production. It listed the Beatty rib pattern as being produced by A. J. Beatty and Sons in 1888 and it clearly said "yes" in the column titled currently being reproduced. I may be misintrepting this information or the site could be mistaken.
-
Hi again,
Maybe someone has reproduced it, but it's hard to say without knowing who reproduced it.
Internet sites that make statements with no added info to back up their statements up are a dime a dozen. In my own opinion; a responsible person would have added a column with the names of the reproducers as well.
Also; that page doesn't even include its authors name, is there a home page that leads to the link you posted?
Mike
-
teddyaddict,
I back-tracked that link and found it to be someone who is selling a home-made CD. They don't even say who they are and for all anyone knows they could have just scanned and copied a lot of information out of other people's books and burned it to a CD.
http://home.gwi.net/~inventor/
I'm not saying this is a scam or not, just that it's not very professionally done and might be something to steer clear of just in case.
Mike
-
Wow you guys are great! :D I so appreciate your expertise. Not only am I new to glass collecting but my computer skills are minimal at best. I feel much better after reading your helpful comments. Thanks Mike!
-
I was looking at that "attribution" list a few weeks ago. It's full of mistakes and misinformation. IMHO.
-
RH.1 and All,
The Web Site you are looking at is "Classical Glass", the Victorian Opalescent Glass Price Gude, by Bill Banks. He is one of the most knowledgeable authorities in the field. The full Web Site is available by subscription only and, if I may say so, well worth the price of $19.95. Not sure of all the "mistakes and misinformation" you cite. I will admit it is a bit limited on the listings and info for the English glasshouses, but as to the American ones, it is mostly complete and very accurate. The Guide was, and I believe still is, published in book form which I purchased for many years. The CD is nice but, obviously, without updates which is included in the on-line subscription. I think you may want to look at the entire Web Site, not just the "attribution list" before passing too critical of a judgement. My opinions only, of course, but the Guide has been invaluable to me over the years.
-
Hi popsmcchicken,
Thanks for the information.
It sure would have been nice if Mr. Bill Banks had put his name somewhere on those pages, as well as links to take one to the main page, so that we would be able to know if the site was legitimate and not just some unknown wanna-be pseudo-expert, attempting to rake up a few bucks with a home made CD. I have posted the links elsewhere, asking others about it and everyone agrees that the site appears to be fraudulent.
JMOho; Surely one who could organize and publish a book, could also put together a more professional looking and easy to use website, especially if they have something useful to sell.
Mike
-
Hello Again Butchiedog,
I'm not trying to be obtuse here, but the link that you posted yourself (http://home.gwi.net/~inventor/) has all the info that you are asking for; i.e., name, links to main page, etc. Believe me, I have no interest one way or the other whether or not anyone uses the Web Site, but I do think your criticisms are a bit unfair. On the other hand, I suppose if one did not know the name of Bill Banks, or his retutation in the field, he could possibly view the Web Site with a jaded eye. Let's just agree to disagree on this one. :D
-
popsmcchicken,
I don't know about anyone else, but one saying what they think is in no way obtuse to me, so no problem.
My criticisms are shared by others who I showed the link to before forming my own and some of them are esteemed glass book authors themselves, who will gladly share information for free, rather than only try to sell it to you. If I was unfair in any way it was unintentional, but playing it safe and watching out for internet scams is much more important to me than some stranger's website.
Also; no need to agree about disagreeing either, since I do not disagree with your opinion. I just have my own extra ideas and thoughts added to the same opinion is all.
Mike
-
A J Beatty and Sons pattern has been reproduced by Fenton. Not all the shapes have been reproduced. The covered Sugar is one shape: Ref: Fenton the Second 25 years, page 50, item 340. Oh, and my website is not a fraud as some people would lead you to believe.
Bill Banks
http://home.gwi.net/~inventor/download.html
-
Hello Bill Welcome to the GMB. We look forward to your help with our unknown pieces.
-
A J Beatty and Sons pattern has been reproduced by Fenton.
Which one? Beatty Rib, Swirl or Honeycomb?
-
Beatty Rib. Sorry
-
The item pictured before it (339) is described as Waffle but is a variation of the Beatty Honeycomb pattern.
However, both are pictured in solid milk glass not opalescent glass.
I think the real question is, did Fenton make these patterns in opalescent glass which could be confused with the original issues by Beatty?
In Fenton Compendium 1940-1979 on page 164, there is pictured a small group of Waffle pieces in Emerald Green Opalescent and Blue Opalescent. The book says only a few pieces were made in 1960.