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Glass Identification - Post here for all ID requests => Glass => Topic started by: nwp on November 02, 2010, 09:22:43 PM

Title: OCCUPATION - HUMATER
Post by: nwp on November 02, 2010, 09:22:43 PM
I am seeking to understand what a "Humater" is. The word is found on the back of a card photograph from the period (probably) 1870-1890.
I suspect it was an occupation associated with the glass industry in London - the person may also have been a glass-cutter.
A 'Humate' is a salt of Humic acid - but I am unable to find its application in relation to glass.
Any ideas appreciated.
Neville
Title: Re: OCCUPATION - HUMATER
Post by: Anne on November 03, 2010, 12:13:56 AM
Hi Neville and welcome to the board.  I spotted your topic over on Rootschat about this: http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,493022.new.html which is useful for members here to see as it shows the curious word as written.... I don't think it says Humater but I can't make out what it does say...  :-[
Title: Re: OCCUPATION - HUMATER
Post by: Ivo on November 03, 2010, 07:39:06 AM
I would have guessed the line "humate on glass" was a description of the technique used, not the profession of the depicted?
Title: Re: OCCUPATION - HUMATER
Post by: Frank on November 03, 2010, 12:00:10 PM
More sensibly 'Bromate on glass' as Bromide was used first used as an emulsion in photography in that period and may have had odd terms in use by various experimenters - perhaps the photographer was one of these hobbyist pioneers.
Title: Re: OCCUPATION - HUMATER
Post by: chopin-liszt on November 03, 2010, 02:30:42 PM
As Humic acid is the name for the complex of organic acids which appear in soil/peat, and as glass which is buried for a long time reacts with soil acids to become iridescent (as in Glens' beautiful bit, recently posted here and Roman glass)

could it relate to an iridising process?

Iridisation was originally "invented" in order to mimic the beautiful effects found on old, long buried glass.
Title: Re: OCCUPATION - HUMATER
Post by: Sid on November 03, 2010, 04:25:03 PM
Hello

Decorater on Glass?

Sid
Title: Re: OCCUPATION - HUMATER
Post by: linb on November 03, 2010, 04:59:53 PM
Reads decorator to me with benefit of years of family history
Title: Re: OCCUPATION - HUMATER
Post by: Frank on November 03, 2010, 05:08:37 PM
Sounds sensible and looks possible.
Title: Re: OCCUPATION - HUMATER
Post by: Anne on November 03, 2010, 06:54:06 PM
That was my first thought too but I wanted to see what others made of it... the writing's a bit grim!
Title: Re: OCCUPATION - HUMATER
Post by: Frank on November 03, 2010, 11:45:44 PM
... a bit grim!

reaper of glass :24:
Title: Re: OCCUPATION - HUMATER
Post by: nwp on November 12, 2010, 08:24:14 AM
Thank you all for your comments.  I now consider "Decorator on Glass" may be the occupation.
Neville