Vintage glass is such a popular item to collect that no antique store would be complete without a number of collections made in different countries, in different styles, and at different times. Collecting glass is so popular in part because the items people purchase are usually small enough to display easily. Most of them are fairly expensive as well. If you like antiquing, searching shops for
vintage glassware collectibles can be a fun and interesting way to pass the time.
Some people have eclectic collections, picking up random pieces that catch their eye. Others hunt for specific types of glass in an attempt to build complete service settings. Whatever your preference, you really need to understand the most common types of vintage pieces available. Cut glass is one of the oldest kinds. The Venetians began grinding it nearly two thousand years ago. Today artisans still create pieces using a grinding wheel to cut classic designs and patterns into cooled glass.
During the American Brilliant period, entertaining with large pieces of pressed leaded glass, with intricate designs and patterns, was a sign of wealth and prestige. This was at the turn of the twentieth century. The period came to an end with the Depression when manufacturers began churning out inexpensive versions of the earlier Brilliant period pressed glass.
About the same time, European manufacturers came up with a method of producing even less expensive pressed glass and surpassed the Americans. When the Great Depression hit however, an Ohio firm began to mass produce its own version, which became aptly known as depression glass. It was so cheap to manufacture that the firm could offer it on the open market for pennies.
During this time, most people could only dream about owning the fabulous stained glass pieces Louis Comfort Tiffany was creating in his studio in New York. Two enterprising companies came up with an affordable version of the original, which became known as Carnival glass. The name comes from the glass pieces that were given as prizes at carnival midways all over the American countryside.
Milk glass has a very distinctive look and style which makes it stand out in antique and vintage shops. The original glass is not native to America. It was first manufactured in Venice in the seventeenth century. The British put out popular products during the Victorian Era. Milk glass can come in several colors including white, pink, blue, black, brown, and yellow.
It is important to care for your glass collections correctly. This means not putting them in your dishwasher. The high temperature can crack and even break fragile pieces. You should only hand clean them using a mild detergent and soft drying cloth.
If you like to collect things, glassware is something that has an interesting history. Most pieces are affordable, and trying to find missing items to complete service settings can be a lot of fun. It is always a good feeling when you come upon the last piece you needed to complete a set.