It's fascinating to follow the styles of glass dishes and ornaments throughout American history. True antiques, like seventeenth century hand-blown bottles and vases, are museum pieces, but vintage glassware collectibles can be found in almost every city at antique malls and flea markets. Even if you don't have your own collection, you might want a specimen piece or two, or you might just like knowing more about things you see while browsing in antique malls and flea markets.
If you find the terms antique, vintage, and collectible confusing, don't worry. Basically anything that people want is 'collectible', and there are always crazes and fads going on. Vintage means 'older' - think grandparents' style. Antique is probably over 100 years old and pricey, but vintage can be anything from an attic find to a yard sale treasure. It helps if you can give the item a date or at least a decade.
Antiques are loosely considered to be more than 100 years old and to have a certain value. These are considered good investments, especially when in original and good condition. Collectible items are generally more affordable and may go out of fashion as quickly as they come in, so the point is more because you like a certain type, color, or style of glass that that you expect a return for your money.
Carnival glass was mass produced and so inexpensive that it was offered as prizes at fairs and carnivals. Cobalt blue and ruby red were popular colors for drinking glasses, platters, plates, salad bowls, vases, and tabletop ornaments. It's fun to see these useful give-aways now prized as part of American history.
Depression glass was a poor-man's imitation of the cut glass popular in earlier, more affluent times. It was colorful and shiny and brought sparkle to the otherwise grim times. Housewives bought it at dime stores or tried to fill out a set by buying certain brands of cereal or detergent. This molded glass is easy to recognize once you're familiar with different methods of manufacture.
There were many American companies turning out glassware during the war years, when imported tableware was unavailable. Names like Fostoria, Heisey, and Cambridge identify higher end glass. Many of these lines were hand-made from molds, rather than machine produced, as well as hand colored. The better lines were called 'elegant glass'.
Once you know how to recognize the various styles of glass, you may be able to date and categorize pieces your grandparents left. Knowing the provenance of heirlooms makes them even more special and may tell you more about your family history. You may even find that your keepsake is rare and more valuable than most collectibles.
Once you know your glass, trips to yard sales, flea markets, and antique malls are more fun than ever. You can add flair to your table, display pretty plates in a cabinet, or find the perfect vase for the hall table. Decorating with historic things is fun and helps you develop your own unique look.
If you find the terms antique, vintage, and collectible confusing, don't worry. Basically anything that people want is 'collectible', and there are always crazes and fads going on. Vintage means 'older' - think grandparents' style. Antique is probably over 100 years old and pricey, but vintage can be anything from an attic find to a yard sale treasure. It helps if you can give the item a date or at least a decade.
Antiques are loosely considered to be more than 100 years old and to have a certain value. These are considered good investments, especially when in original and good condition. Collectible items are generally more affordable and may go out of fashion as quickly as they come in, so the point is more because you like a certain type, color, or style of glass that that you expect a return for your money.
Carnival glass was mass produced and so inexpensive that it was offered as prizes at fairs and carnivals. Cobalt blue and ruby red were popular colors for drinking glasses, platters, plates, salad bowls, vases, and tabletop ornaments. It's fun to see these useful give-aways now prized as part of American history.
Depression glass was a poor-man's imitation of the cut glass popular in earlier, more affluent times. It was colorful and shiny and brought sparkle to the otherwise grim times. Housewives bought it at dime stores or tried to fill out a set by buying certain brands of cereal or detergent. This molded glass is easy to recognize once you're familiar with different methods of manufacture.
There were many American companies turning out glassware during the war years, when imported tableware was unavailable. Names like Fostoria, Heisey, and Cambridge identify higher end glass. Many of these lines were hand-made from molds, rather than machine produced, as well as hand colored. The better lines were called 'elegant glass'.
Once you know how to recognize the various styles of glass, you may be able to date and categorize pieces your grandparents left. Knowing the provenance of heirlooms makes them even more special and may tell you more about your family history. You may even find that your keepsake is rare and more valuable than most collectibles.
Once you know your glass, trips to yard sales, flea markets, and antique malls are more fun than ever. You can add flair to your table, display pretty plates in a cabinet, or find the perfect vase for the hall table. Decorating with historic things is fun and helps you develop your own unique look.
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