Topic: Metal Mould and Plunger Photos

[Glen]

Just a brief "flying visit" to let you know that I have posted an illustrated feature that shows some wonderful images of a metal mould, plunger, top ring and base plate, as well as images of the finished article. It is the highlighted feature shown on my Home page:
http://www.carnival-glass.net

Or you can view it directly here:
http://www.geocities.com/carni_glass_uk_2000/Lined_lattice.html

Glen

[Max]

What an interesting vase!  Glen...forgive this question, but how did they get the opal colouring just in those particular places??  Did they line the mould with it where it was needed?  I can't get my head round how it was achieved. 

[Glen]

Hi Max - opalescent glass is heat sensitive; the opalescent effect is "brought out" by re-heating the glass (while still very hot) in the glory hole after pressing. The glass batch would have an additive (e.g. phosphate / bone ash) - when this was re-heated in the glory hole, the glass would take on a white pearl-like effect on the outer edges and sometimes also on thicker or protruding parts of the pattern (which cool down more slowly). The opal effect can vary from a delicate and fine hint of opal (as seen on some of the rare Fenton examples) to a denser, broader effect (as seen on most Dugan/Diamond examples and especially in the Lined Lattice vase shown in the article).

Glen

[Della]

What a great article, Glen.  :hiclp: :hiclp: Thank you  And thank you for the explanation with regard to opalescent glass. I had often wondered, but never dared to ask (so.......thanks to you too, Max).

[Max]

Oh thanks Glen, I never thought of that.  That's a really great piece of information to tuck away, I won't forget it.   

:::does high five with Della:::::   :hiclp:

[Anne]

Fascinating article Glen, thank you. I'd wondered about the opalescence too, and do appreciate your explanation. Thank you.

[Glen]

Max, Della and Anne - I'm indebted to you for your kind words, and I'm pleased I was able to help regarding opalescent effects. Thank you again 

Glen

[Cathy B]

Wonderful photographs, Glen, and a lovely clear article as always.

Do you (or anyone else) know of where I could learn about one-piece moulds - a reference with pictures anywhere? That's one very simple process I still can't get my head around, even though you've explained it to me before.

Added later: Actually, Glen, what I need is in these newsletters Network #11 (1996) article “Stuck up or Snapped Up”
Network #19 (1998) article “Oh no, not the Four Flowers Variant again” (aka “Help, I don’t understand the one-piece mould technique!”). I'll contact you privately about them at some stage but there's no rush! I know you're busy at the moment.