Glass Message Board
Glass Identification - Post here for all ID requests => Glass => Topic started by: jpw77 on March 18, 2010, 10:02:25 PM
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I'm sorry if this is a repeat from other entries, but I'm new to glass collecting and this forum.
I've read on the internet that air bubbles in glass pre 1920's is normal. Air bubbles after this date is rare and suggests a cheap inferior glass. What is the best way (if I see bubbles in glass) to gage the age of the glass?
Many thanks
J
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The best way to determine the age of glass is to determine what the object is, who made and when (from catalogs, adverts, etc.)!!
Quality standards have evolved, and melting furnaces and production techniques have improved ... but bubbles (we call them "seeds") are ever present in glass regardless of its vintage.
Spend time learning about colors, patterns, patented techniques etc. in books on glass that rely on primary sources. Far better than peering at bubbles!
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Read, look, handle, read, look, handle...
The internet should be considered a starting point, not a bible.
If in doubt, ask
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Read, look, handle, is spot on.
I love glass from Mdina, random and not so random air bubbles were integral to the design and 'philosophy' of the glass being made there, especially in the earlier years. If some of the designs don't have many air bubbles then they are not as appealing to me.
John
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Also there´s a chance a quality maker decided to produce more or less bubbly glass to give
the piece a certain look. I´m thinking of replica of ancient models as well as Puleguso pieces
from Beranek or Murano, Loetz´ foam glass...