Help with crystal !

Discussion in 'Pottery, Glass, and Porcelain' started by bluemoon, Dec 11, 2016.

  1. bluemoon

    bluemoon Member

    I would like to learn how to distinguish between recent cut crystal and and antique (or in this case 1700s to pre-1920s) crystal.

    Is all antique crystal cut crystal?

    What are the signs to look for in a good quality piece?
     
    bluemoon, Dec 11, 2016
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  2. Cherryhill

    Cherryhill Well-Known Member

    Too broad a question. English vs Bohemian, pre vs post flint, English vs American... Lead glass vs. lime.

    Crystal is the color "Colorless"

    Quality: learn to recognize hand work. For instance, Hawkes was hand cut, 20th century Waterford is machine cut.

    Too broad a question, sorry.
     
    Cherryhill, Dec 11, 2016
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  3. George Nesmith

    George Nesmith Well-Known Member

    I assume by crystal you mean glass with a lead content in the batch. Start with books about the period you are interested in. Handle a lot of glass. Join a group such as the American Cut Glass Association and attend their meetings. There is no qu9ck and easy way.
     
    George Nesmith, Dec 12, 2016
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  4. Ownedbybear

    Ownedbybear Well-Known Member

    One clue to older lead crystal - it looks greyish rather than singing clear.

    Other than that, what others have said.
     
    Ownedbybear, Dec 13, 2016
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