Antique Collectible Glass

Antique Silverplate and Sterling Silverware - A Rewarding Collectible

2009-05-25T19:39:00.000-07:00

As a collector, one of the first and important decisions is whether to focus your efforts to collecting silver plate or sterling silver antiques.

Historically, collecting and using sterling silverware and flatware was a symbol of wealth and social status in England, America and Europe. However, with the advent of electroplating technology during 1800s, by inventors such as: Luigi Brugnatelli (1805); John Wright (1845); The Elkingtons (1840), the use and collection of silverware became more accessible to the broader community. As a result of electroplating technology, silver plate silverware and flatware is a more common find for the antique collector in contemporary times.

When browsing or researching antique silver plate or sterling tableware, look for a 'hallmark' that will provide information about the manufacture or designer and the origin location. This is important as a way of authentication as a genuine silver plate or sterling silver item.

Patterning is another feature to consider when purchasing and collecting silverware. The range and variety of patterns and styles is vast. When collecting, it is not necessary to have a complete set of silverware that all display the same pattern design. The key is to find items that display patterns that can match other patterns or complement each other. This means you can mix n match various patterns and styles to make a complete set of silver plate or sterling silver tableware. If you are fortunate or patient enough to find and collect a complete set all displaying the same pattern, then fine. But if not, then adopt the mix n match idea.

The peak time for silverware manufacturing and consumer usage was during the Victorian period (1870-1920). It was not uncommon during that era for manufactures to produce 100 different items of the same pattern. This trend was in response to consumer demands of the day. Middle and upper class families often entertained with dinners consisting of eight course meals or more.

Historically, 1870 to about 1920 was the peak period for traditional silverware usage. Many makers of silverware would make up to 100 different pieces of a particular pattern. For example, dinners would typically begin with soup, followed buy salads, then fruit. After a pause, more substantial dishes would follow including fish and various meats. Deserts, cheeses and fruits would finish the dinning affair. So within this kind of dining context, it can be expected that a variety of specialized silverware and flatware was necessary. As a result of this social / cultural activity of the Victorian period, there is vast scope for the contemporary silver plate and sterling silver antique collector and investor.

Antique silver plate and sterling silverware have a couple of unique properties. Aesthetically, collectors enjoy the beauty and durability of silver plate and sterling silver tableware. As an appreciating asset, investors are rewarded by the 'stored value' especially of antique sterling silver flatware. This kind of 'asset' benefits investors and collectors for that matter against inflation and currency devaluation.

So, whether you are a casual collector of serious investor in the antique silver plate and sterling silver niche, there are several benefits and rewards that will be enjoyed including aesthetics, utility and financial dividends.

Silver Leonard is owner and Webmaster of several niche focused websites. Collecting and investing in Antique Silver Plate and Sterling Silverware can be rewarding as a hobby or investment. Visit AntiqueSilver for researching and buying bargains.

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Antiques - When Is An Object Considered An Antique And Not A Collectible?

2009-05-25T19:38:00.000-07:00

It has always been a puzzle to me when an object, somewhat aged, can be termed an antique.

Must it be really very old- perhaps in excess of 100 years to be called an antique? Or just when can we call an object an antique?

After all, we very loosely use the term antique for any object that has lived past its popularity. A lady's coach handbag that was in vogue in summer, is now called an antique in winter!

In the days of the British Empire where the British had their conquests in far away worlds and colonised many territories, they left behind many legacies of worth. British systems of government, british designs and most of all british products and goods which now can rightly be called antiques and their systems "antiquated" at this time. Thus when I discovered a really old looking lock with the logo of the maker stamped onto it and marked "Warranted Best English Made" and " Warranted Secure" amongst some old belongings inherited from my deceased father who lived through the colonial period, I thought the lock must really be an antique.

So when is an antique really an antique?

The definition of antique varies from location to location, product to product and year to year.

In any case, universal common definitions of antiques adopted worldwide consider an item which is at least 75 years old and has unique features to enable it to be collected or kept as desirable due to it being rare, or useful is considered an antique.

Generally, cars are considered antiques in the U.S. if they are older than 25 years. In Kansas, however, I learnt that cars are eligible for an antique tag after 30 years. Guitars are only considered vintage if they were made before 1972.

In the UK anything over 75 years old generally qualifies as an antique. A car is known as a collectible "classic" rather than an antique after 25 years.

There is an understood line between antiques and collectibles in the United States as well. An item is tagged as an antique by most reliable commercial antique dealers if it is more than 100 years old, even though the universal common understanding is 75 years, and anything less than 100 years is called a collectible.

It is not always the antiques that carries a higher price tag. Collectibles can be worth many times that of an antique. It all depends on the eyes of the beholder.

Peter Lim is a Certified Financial Planner. For more interesting details about antiques, and how to buy and sell antiques and collectibles, visit his website on Antique Resources at http://antique-classics.revenuemonitor.biz.

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Antique Toilets Are Collectible

2009-05-25T19:37:00.000-07:00

Yes, people do collect toilets. To most people this seems a bit like collecting old computers. Unless they are hooked up to something, they aren't really functional and most aren't that pretty. Unless, yes, you actually do make use of them. There are still people who keep an outside toilet on their property just for the nostalgia and to make a point of communing with nature in the most fundamental way. There are also people who purchase antique toilets and parts and decorate a whole room around the old timey style.

There are on-line auctions that deal specifically in the bowls and the tanks. Some buyers like the idea that many of these older models actually have a three gallon tank, which in many cases produces a proficient flush, though at the expense of using almost twice the water used by a modern toilet.

Most of early toilet models did not have a seat with a lid. Rather the user sat directly on the rim. However, the rim was made more in the shape of a seat than in modern toilets. Collectors of toilets range from manufacturers, such as Crapper & Co. in England, to Museums to individuals interested in chamber pots and technology. An immensely popular "Grossology" museum display has been touring the country, revealing the importance of modern devices that dispose of human waste.

The Crapper Co. in Great Britain has a huge collection of "water closets" or "loos" that were made early in the 1900s. Many are decorated with designs worthy of porcelain plate. Some have interesting styling including a fish forming the lower part of the bowl with the upper part looking like water swirling down his mouth.

Looking at these, it is obvious that although technology of toilets has advanced, the basics are still the same. The modern toilet as we know it began its development in 1596 when it was invented by John Harrington. Yet it was not used on a large scale for at least 180 years. JF Brondel introduced the valve type flush toilet in 1738. And it was not until the 1870s that the actual flush toilet was invented. Where technology has advanced is in how flushing is done. Since then flush valves, ball cocks, and trap designs have all made flushing away human waste more clean and more efficient.

Antique looking toilets have become so popular that manufacturers are making "vintage toilets" and the parts to maintain them. These have modern flush mechanisms, but appear in an older style. Those looking to collect older toilets or find one to decorate a bathroom, are currently in luck, as there are a fair number of people upgrading bathrooms and getting rid of the old toilets, for little expense or free one can be acquired. They are constantly available on Ebay, where on any given day one may find antique glass floats, bowls, tanks, and hardware.

In essence, anything that ages gracefully and in which people find an interest can become an antique, even toilets.

W.J. Rayment created the Toilet How To website and is Editor of the Cottage Style Decorating Guide. He has written books on home improvement (How Not To Build An Addition) and cooking.

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Antique Collectible Perfume Bottles

2009-05-25T19:36:00.000-07:00

When you mention about the material that perfume bottles are made from, the first answer that comes to people's mind will be glass. However, traditionally, these bottles of perfumes were also made from other materials and were even at one time, widely being used to produce different designs of bottles to contain perfume. Another reason these two materials were used in the past was because in the middle of the 18th century, glass in England was highly taxed.

Enamel perfume bottles were the trend in the 18th century and formed a large part of designer perfume bottles. These enamel bottles were made by large perfume houses such as Bilston or Wednesbury. From them, famous designers of bottles of perfumes emerged. Some of these artist are William Beilby and the Homer brothers whose work are now very highly regarded and are considered rare art pieces. The decorations of these perfume bottles can consist mostly of general landscapes and flowers with some of the more intricate designs featuring portraits. These enamel bottles are very uniform in character, having the same characteristics and form of contemporary porcelain.

After the middle of the 18th century, porcelain is quickly catching on to be a defacto material in producing unique perfume bottles. These highly decorative perfume bottles were usually made to model after humans or animals. These designs enable the portion where the head was located to be opened so that perfume can be dispensed. Early designs included a stopper to prevent perfume from escaping the bottle. Later designers replaced the simple stopper with intricate designs like flowers, birds or fruits. The most famous porcelain designers that came out from that era were Charles Gouyn and Nicholas Sprimont.

One of the interesting fact that occured during the late 18th century was that both these enamel and porcelain perfume bottles had many imitations and these imitations were mass produced in very large quantities. The organization that did the mass production was Samson of Paris in the 19th century. However, these imitations have since become rare collector's items of their own due to the lack of original samples.

There were many reasons why perfume bottles were so popular back then. One of the reason was that ladies wore corsets which were very tight and this constricted their breathing. Sometimes they will pass out due to the lack of oxygen in their body. These perfume bottles not only contain perfume but also smelling salts to awaken the ladies. These perfume bottles were also used as as form of jewellery to be worn hence explaining the numerous beautiful designs.

In the later part of the 19th century, to create more unique and beatiful designs, different types of ceramic and glass materials were fused together to imitate ivory, with moulded or applied ornament representing Chinese or Japanese idioms. Some of these are made to re-create the impression of traditional Chinese snuff bottles with their knopped stopper sometimes replaced with slender gold chains.

Alvin runs an online store that sells Antique Avon Perfume Bottles which carries an assortment of rare and discontinued Antique Avon Perfume Bottles

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Avon Bottles - The Must Have Collectible Perfume Bottles

2009-05-25T19:35:00.000-07:00

Collectible glass bottles can be found today in all possible sizes, designs and styles, coming from different eras; if you are a collector and you wish to build a collection of unique and stylish bottles, you should do a small research online focusing on particular manufacturers and periods of time. Whether they are perfume bottles or carnival bottles every each one of them has its own history. One of the most known companies whose bottles are considerably valued is Avon; Avon bottles are a must-have for every serious collector today.

Avon is a cosmetic giant which started as a perfume manufacturer and producer. The Avon bottles are known not only due to the amazing quality of the perfume contained, but mostly due to the large variety of sizes and shapes. Some bottles came in the form of vehicle and automobile, some others in animals and popular everyday items. There are particular vintage bottles which are considered to be unique and rare; most of them belong to the amazing series of California Perfume Company which was launched in 1929 and was out in the market just for ten years. As expected, the vintage bottles that hit the market before the world War two are among the most valuable and pricey as well.

Avon bottles that are empty or non boxed can be bought for just a few dollars per piece, but the original ones with the authentic box cost approximately thirty to forty dollars each. They are also quite fun, because the original Avon boxes feature several designs as well.

Milk bottles by Warren Glass Works are also considered to be quite expensive and unique; they exist since 1875, although the largest production tool place between 1920 and 1945, since the typical glass milk bottles in shape of square skyrocketed, only to give their place to paper bottles later on.

Sturat is article marketer, copywriter and enjoys writing on topics like Avon Bottles and Carnival Glass. For more information on these topics, please visit us.

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Royal Copenhagen Jug

2008-08-22T08:07:00.000-07:00

Royal Copenhagen is one of the largest industrial arts group world-wide. The company was formed in 1997 through a merger between Royal Copenhagen A/S, the Swedish art glassware company Orrefors Kosta Boda, the Swedish industrial arts company Boda-Nova Hoganas Keramik and the Italian glassworks Venini.

Royal Scandinavia dates back to 1742, when the Kosta glassworks were founded. The Royal Porcelain Manufacturer was founded in 1775 on the initiative of the royal house in Denmark. The European royal families of that time competed with each other about owning the most beautiful porcelain objects, which were extremely expensive then and known as the white gold. The Flora Danica dinner set, which King Christian VII ordered from Royal Copenhagen, is a perfect example, and it is still considered one of the most exclusive sets in the world.

In addition to porcelain from Royal Copenhagen, the group's products now range from silver from Georg Jensen, art glassware from Orrefors, Kosta Boda and Venini, functional glassware from Holmegaard to stoneware, steel cutlery and glass from Boda Nova Hoganas.

Royal Copenhagen dinnerware or even Danish china tableware, then you know quality. Rosssimon will make you feel even better about your lighthouse dinnerware or break resistant dinnerware purchase by offering a complete return or replace guarantee on purchases. Even great quality products such as royal copenhagen dinnerware and danish china tableware may have reason for return. Not so much for quality reasons, but maybe you simply changed your mind on the pattern of patriotic dinnerware or larimar dinnerware originally selected. If you need to return any or all of your royal copenhagen dinnerware or other top brand place settings you also won’t have to worry about lugging those heavy boxes back to the store. Please purchase on online www.etabletop.com

Match Serving Pewter

2008-08-22T08:06:00.000-07:00

Rich in detail and color, these Raynaud porcelain charger plates are the perfect accent piece. Available in warm tones of green, blue and pink, they are an exact match with our own Tropic collection and many other favorites. Match pewter is handmade by artisans in the North of Italy. Its classic forms harmonize with both traditional and modern settings. Its warm reflections recall celebrations at well laid tables and storytelling by candlelight.

Casual dinnerware should always be discount dinnerware because you're going to use it and replace it more than other kitchen and dinnerware items. Depends on what you buy. Sushi sets are likely to be more delicately crafted than stoneware dinnerware. A porcelain dish definitely won't last like a stainless steel dish. Consider your culinary goals and get a dinnerware set to match them, the way Overstock.com matches (and beats) everybody else's prices.

Match pewter does not contain lead and is completely food safe. Not recommended for the dishwasher. Hand-made in Italy. Pewter tarnishes very slowly and requires almost no maintenance. Should you want to polish your pewter almost any polish will do (read the directions before using). Match recommends Cape Cod Metal Polish.

Mix and match circles and squares to create a totally unique tabletop. This beautiful speckled brown dinnerware boasts a rich, reactive glaze that gives each piece a hand made look and feel. The salad plates and mug feature bold stripes to compliment the solid pieces. Horizon is sold by the piece, the hardest part is deciding which shape you like best. For more details visit www.etabletop.com.

Do you know what is Pewter?

2008-08-22T07:59:00.000-07:00

Pewter is a metal alloy, traditionally between 85 and 99 percent tin, with the remainder consisting of copper and antimony, acting as hardeners, with the addition of lead for the lower grades of pewter, which have a bluish tint. The word pewter is probably a variation of the word spelter.

Use of pewter was common from the Middle Ages up until the various developments in glass-making during the 18th and 19th centuries. Pewter was the chief tableware until the making of porcelain. Mass production of glass products has seen glass universally replace pewter in day-to-day life. Pewter artifacts continue to be produced, mainly as decorative or specialty items. Pewter was also used around East Asia. Roman pewter items are very rare, although some are still in existence.

Unlidded mugs and lidded tankards may be the most familiar pewter artifacts from the late 17th and 18th centuries, although the metal is also used for many other items including porringers, plates, dishes, basins, spoons, measures, flagons, communion cups, teapots, sugarbowls, beer steins and cream jugs. In the early 19th century, changes of fashion witnessed a decline in the use of pewter flatware, but increased production of both cast and spun pewter tea sets, whale-oil lamps, candlesticks, etc. Later in the century, pewter alloys were often used as a base metal for silver-plated objects.

Today, pewter is mainly used in decorative objects, namely collectible statuettes and figurines, replica coins, pendants, etc.

Carnivale Glass - An Interesting Segment Of The Antiques Market

2008-08-02T11:12:00.000-07:00

Introduced as Iridescent Ware in 1907, carnival glass acquired that name unofficially from collectors in the 1950s. This marvelous glassware acquired its nickname from the metallic layer on its outside, which constantly changed colors. Iridescent Ware was made in ornately patterned molds, and was sprayed with a mixture of metallic salts before it had started to cool, which allowed for the color-changing effects that gave the glass its fame.

Made as both functional and ornamental objects and found in a wide array of colors, carnival glass is an inexpensive pressed glass, often called dope glass by glass factory workers because of the process of applying the iridescent coloring, which is known as doping. Its production can be traced back to as early as 1907, with many, many different pieces in over 150 distinct patterns. It did not, however, command the expected prices, and was subsequently discounted heavily.

Translucent colors such as amethyst, marigold, cobalt, green, and red compose this glass, though it is also made in an opaque white referred to as milk glass. The glass was also made in semi-transparent or translucent pale green, and was called Vaseline or uranium glass; trace amounts of uranium salts were contained in the glass, which could produce a faint green glass glow in reaction to UV light. This was, of course, before the hazards of radiation were fully known and understood.

Millersburg glass Company is one of the largest producers of this kind of glass. Crystals were the first glass products of the company. But they decided to go for iridescent glassware to ride the wave of enthusiasm. So, during the early 1910, the line of Radium Glassware was brought out by Millersburg glass Company.

Carnival glass is a collector's item. Prices of these glasses vary wildly from a few dollars to thousands of dollars. Carnival glass has become antique glass collectible and there is a good active market for it.

It is very hard to identify carnival glass. Most of the time, the makers didn't mark their work, others only marked them part of the time. To figure out who made the glass one has to match, patterns, colors, sheen, edges, thickness and some other factures from old trade catalogs, examples of prior work or a reference material. Many manufacturers made close copies of rivals popular works to.

At the time of introduction in late 1907 the carnival glass was called as Iridescent Ware. The prices of this glass vary widely depending on their quality and availability. This glass is a highly collectible item with some of the pieces worth very little, while other, rarer items command thousands of dollars. There is a very active market for this item since it has become an antique glass collectible. Among the greatest producers of this type of glass was millersburg glass in Ohio. It is very hard to identify these products, because the makers didn't consistently mark their work.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Menachem_Green

Antique Authentic Tiffany Stained Glass

2008-08-02T11:10:00.000-07:00

When you think of the most beautiful and luxurious stained glass in the world, you should think antique authentic tiffany stained glass. Their stained glass has been gracing glorious churches and the most lavish homes for over 30 years. With a reputation like that, everyone who wants to experience the good life wants a piece of the most famous stained glass in the world. Here is how to get some for yourself.

If you can afford it, hiring tiffany experts to install antique authentic tiffany stained glass in your home is the best way to experience it. They can create gorgeous window panels, brilliant beveled sky lights, elegant picture windows, and even entire ceilings out of the beautiful stained glass. Imagine having blue stained glass above your indoor pool, a magnificent beveled sky light in your bathroom, or ornate picture windows lined in stained glass throughout your master bedroom!

Another great way to have antique authentic tiffany stained glass in your home is to purchase one of their famed tiffany lamps. These lamps have been adored for years by brides, antique collectors and families. They have been lovingly handed down to new generations. With so many designs to choose from these handcrafted lamps are the perfect addition to any home and will match any decorating scheme.

One place to purchase antique authentic tiffany stained glass lamps is through a certified authentic tiffany dealer. It is very important to find someone you can trust when you are purchasing authentic tiffany lamps. You should look for a quality shop; there are many available in all major cities. Or head to your local mall. Many high-end department stores are qualified to sell tiffany lamps. If you are unsure of your dealer, you should check with tiffany headquarters before buying anything.

Another option when it comes to tiffany lamps is to purchase copies. These knock-offs can be almost as beautiful as antique authentic tiffany stained glass lamps is you find one that is good quality. You can find these imitation lamps on ebay.com and in pawn shops and antique stores. Some department stores might also sell replicated tiffany stained glass lamps. Just be sure you know what you are getting. If you are shopping in person you should thoroughly inspect the lamp for quality. If you are shopping online, make sure the seller offers a good return policy.

Stained glass window panels and antique window restoration information, reviews and resources - Stained Glass Window Panels is your source for authentic Tiffany stained glass & stained glass window hangings reviews, FAQs and informative articles. Spun glass is a wonderful art form and a great way to decorate your home. If you are looking for design tips, spun glass decoration, and information on art glass supplies and antique stained glass or spun glass decor and gifts we can help by providing information, FAQs and reviews.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Freeland

Antique Spun Glass

2008-08-02T11:07:00.000-07:00

Antiques are always special. They speak about the past in ways that books cannot. One truly special antique item is spun glass. These items made of glass from decades past are something to be treasured. There are many types of antique spun glass out there, although finding it isn’t always easy. You can find it with our help. A lovely bit of antique spun glass will be yours with a little bit of time and effort.

There are many different types of antique spun glass. One of the pieces most widely available today is spun glass figurines. These are also often quite affordable. If you can get your hands on one of these lovely spun glass pieces of art, then you are lucky indeed. Often, these figurines tell us more about the past than anything can. The designs, colors, and details of these antique items will speak volumes about the decade and people it belonged to.

Other types of antique spun glass include more rare items such as large spun glass chandeliers and wall hangings. These items are not usually found, but they are out there. Wall hangings made of spun glass often look like stained glass windows and were popular in home décor in Victorian times. Large spun glass chandeliers have turned up on occasion as well. Just imagine how one of these pieces would look in your home!

Acquiring antique spun glass can be difficult. One of the best ways to get it is at professional auctions. These auctions often have quite a bit of authentic antiques and you just might get lucky with a beautiful piece at a great price. If you’re more of a bargain hunter, you should keep an eye out at thrift shops. Although you can’t always be sure of the origin of the items at second hand shops, you might be able to find some lovely antique spun glass for just a few dollars.

Spun glass is a wonderful art form and a great way to decorate your home. If you are looking for design tips, spun glass decoration, and information on art glass supplies and antique stained glass or spun glass decor and gifts we can help by providing information, FAQs and reviews. Spun glass figurines also make wonderful gifts. A new piece of spun glass art depicting a happy couple makes an excellent wedding gift. Or hand down tradition with a gift of antique spun glass for a college graduation, a monumental birthday, or some other special occasion.

Vaseline Glass - Glass That Glows in the Dark

2008-08-02T11:06:00.000-07:00

Ever heard of radioactive glass? Vaseline glass, which often appears an interesting bright green or yellow color, gets its color from the use of uranium salts-given the glass enough radioactivity to set off a Geiger counter. No, I'm not kidding. Uranium salts come in a natural bright yellow color that ends up shading the rest of the glass into its unique color. Since this yellow color was so unique, it made the glass extremely popular, and still does to this day.

There is no reason to worry if you collect Vaseline glass, however. Geiger counters can pick up even normal background radiation, and this is the amount that Vaseline glass gives off. Not nearly enough to ever be harmful. In fact, the only even theoretical way that Vaseline glass can be harmful is if the glass is cut into a fine powder and inhaled in large amounts in the air.

Vaseline glass is still a beautiful and unique collectible, standing out from normal glass because of its distinctive color. The uranium also gives the glass a very unique aspect: under UV lights the glass will actually glow. This is why many antique dealers use black lights in order to identify true Vaseline glass from similar colored look-alikes.

Most sources say that the first Vaseline glass appeared 1830s. There is some circumstantial evidence that uranium salts may have been used as far back as Roman times, but this claims can't be verified. All Vaseline glass is from modern times, from the 19th century on, and remains a valuable collector's item.

Great Britain produced the far majority of Vaseline/uranium glass, though by the end of World War II, this was no longer the case. A small amount is still produced in the United States and Czechoslovakia, though this is not as valuable as the original British pieces. If you hear or see the term "Uranium Glass," this is the same thing as Vaseline glass, and the two terms are completely interchangeable.

What is remarkable about these pieces is the numerous ways they have been used: for glasses, decanters, candle sticks, and many other items. Vaseline glass shows up in so many interesting forms, which is part of what makes it a wonderful collectible. This type of glass is still considered a valuable antique and is in high demand in many places. As long as the unique yellow color continues to attract people, there will always be a demand.

If you like this information and would like to know more, please visit my website on my mom's antique store at http://www.squidoo.com/modernantiques

Kovels.com

2008-06-15T00:17:00.000-07:00

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Fun Things for Collectors

2008-06-15T00:08:00.000-07:00

Humor, quizzes and puzzles for the antiquer

Clubs for Collectors (51) Show n Tell (12) Quizzes, Trivia and Quotes (6)

eBay Live! in Photos
Get some insight into what goes on at eBay Live! with this photo gallery from the 2006 event.

Share Your Collections with Others Through MyCollectibles
Want a way to display your collections and connect with others? Learn more about a service provided by eBay and Kaboodle that allows you to do just that!

Join the Club
Take your antiques and collectibles hobby to a new level by hooking up with others who share your passion. Learn how to start your own club or a branch of The Questers here.

A Trip to the Antiques Roadshow
A visit to the Antiques Roadshow in 2005 sheds a favorable light on the operation, and reports values on "Chinese mud men" and a beautiful 14K shell cameo.

Collect a Crop of Cranberry Glass

2008-06-15T00:05:00.000-07:00

Quick Facts About Cranberry Glass

- Most people think of the Victorian era when they ponder antique cranberry glass, but it actually dates back much farther in history.

- The process for producing cranberry glass is painstaking and difficult, requiring precise mixing of the glass formula and many skilled craftsmen to produce one piece.

- Victorian cranberry glass is very expensive to procure nowadays, but newer glass can be purchased fairly affordably.

- Newer cranberry glass isn’t technically considered to be reproduction glass, although some of the shapes and styles are similar to old pieces. It’s wise to study up before making a costly purchase if you’re not sure about the age of a piece.

The Victorian Love Affair with Cranberry

It almost seems natural to focus on the Victorian age when cranberry glass comes to mind. During mid-1800s through the end of the 19th century, glassblowers refined the art of making cranberry glass to create everything from vases and pitchers to decanters with matching tumblers. Some of the most rare and expensive items found from this era take the shape of beautiful lamps and other lighting fixtures.

Although it's fairly common to see these types of decorative items in stage and screen depictions mimicking this bygone era, the formula used to develop the deep pink glassware dates back much farther.

Looking Farther Back in Cranberry Glass History

Adding a bit of gold to a batch of molten glass in 1612, Italian glassmaker Antonio Neri discovered the secret required to produce "wondrous red glass that shimmered with the natural beauty of rubies," according to the Cranberry Glass World website.

The online Glass Encyclopedia offers a conflicting explanation on the origin, noting the "recipe" for red glass had been lost for centuries and then rediscovered in Bohemia during the 17th century. They go on to say that Venetian glass crafters had tried to make red glass unsuccessfully for years.

These types of contradictions often come into play in the world of collecting. Since we're looking back through centuries of information, researchers often have a hard time pinpointing exact dates and origins of some of today's most popular antiques.

Regardless of the true origin of rediscovery, there are a couple of facts everyone seems to agree upon. Cranberry glass does indeed use gold chloride in its manufacturing process and the Romans made the famous Lycurgus cup of red glass, cranberry's cousin, way back in the fourth century. The amount of gold chloride used intensifies the red color, but it's basically the same process.

Collecting Newer Cranberry Glass

While Victorian cranberry glass still graces the shelves of antique shows and shops in limited quantities, it's much easier to find newer items these days. Both Fenton and Pilgrim produce beautiful cranberry glass items sold in department stores and gift shops around the country.

Adding opalescent decoration featuring coin dots, daisy patterns and numerous other styles attracts even more collectors to this artistic glassware. Even folks who don't "collect" enjoy owning some of these colorful pieces when they compliment a decorating scheme.

While the newer glass pieces aren’t technically reproductions, they can be confused with older glass by collectors and novice dealers. This is especially true with Fenton pieces made during made during the 1940s and ‘50s prior to when the company began marking its glass.

Investing in a good book like Fenton Art Glass Patterns 1939-1980 by Margaret and Kenn Whitmyer for Collector Books will help with this task. Not only is this resource a good tool for research, it’s color photos will entertain any glass lover as well.

Cranberry Glass Manufacturing Challenges

Whether old or new, cranberry glass has never been easy to make. A slight mishap in the formulation can muddy a batch of glass and render it useless. "Gold ruby" glass, as these wares are known in Europe, still gets the same hand blown or molded treatment it did 100 years ago.

In fact, Cranberry Glass World indicates as many as 26 skilled artisans being involved in the production of one piece of Fenton glassware today. Whether old or new, the informative site offers some suggestions on determining quality in cranberry glassware.

Recognizing Quality in Cranberry Glass

In the finest glass, no ash, chips or unpolished markings should be visible. This includes the pontil, a rough spot on the bottom of a glass piece that looks broken and chipped when not polished. All blown glass items have a pontil where the finished glass separates from the blowing rod after completion.

Noting some bubbles and striations indicates a mouth blown piece, but they shouldn't be overly large or interfere with the design of the glassware. Pieces that are hand molded should be relatively smooth showing a minimum of mold lines or marks.

And, the points where one piece of glass attaches to another, as in pitcher or basket handles, need to be smoothly polished and clean.

Whether you prefer simple lines or ornate craftsmanship, there's a type of cranberry glass for every collector. And remember, when you notice a piece sparkling exceptionally bright, there's extraordinary history, craftsmanship and a touch of lovely gold behind all that glimmer.

Related Features on Antique & Collectible Glass

Fenton's Fancy Frills Art Glass Price Guide

More Information on Cranberry Glass

Cranberry Glass World Glass Encyclopedia Online

2008-06-14T22:30:00.000-07:00

Undergoing MyBlogLog Verification

Pokeriblogi.com

2008-06-13T20:36:00.000-07:00

Poker blog offers poker and nettipokeri stuffs of general interest, straight in front of visitors.
Its a biggest and one of the famous place to search about poker matters and other offers related to poker.

The news they provides are very fresh updated and very useful.I always read latest news on pokeriblogi.

Not only news but you can check about free poker tournaments, poker offers, poker strategy and lots more.

When I came very first at this site I wandering around whole the things and stuffs here and found very useful to learn and earn through poker.Now I love to play poker because of pokeri.

And always share with friends and peoples about this site to be a successful poker player.

Pokeriblogi.com helps players learn to win at poker, but before you can win at poker, you need to learn how to play poker! But poker isn’t some sort of widget that comes with easy to assemble instructions. There are a wide variety of games with different rules (and strategies). There are even different betting structures (like Limit versus No Limit) and different game formats (like normal “ring” games versus tournaments).

Here are a variety of links to pages on this site that deal with the basics, from game rules to hand rankings to basic strategies.

Poker review

2008-06-13T20:32:00.000-07:00

Poker is a very popular type of cards game where players bet on the combination value of the cards (called "hand") in their possession. They place a bet into a central pot. The pokeri winner is that one who has the hand with highest value according to a rankings hierarchy, or that nettipokeri player who remains the hand after all other players have folded. (meaning the one who makes an un-called bet.).

Pokeri has many variations. There are 3 main families of variant, grouped by the protocol of card dealing and betting:

Some of types are called:

* Stud
* Draw
* Community - Texas hold-em pokeri and Omaha poker are two wellknown variants of this Community family.

There are also ther games that use poker rankings may likewise be called to as "poker". Video poker is a computer game for one player that works much like a slot machine.

Another game with the "Pokeri" name, but with a different mode of play, is known and called "Acey-Deucey" or even "Red Dog" Poker. This one game is much more similar to Blackjack game in its layout or betting. Each one of player bets against the house, and after that is dealt two cards. To win, player must have the 3rd card dealt and must have a good value between the first 2. Payout of this game is based on the odds are possible, based on the differences in value of the first two cards. Learn more about pokeri on the Pokeriblogi.

Antique Glass Hens - Great Glass Collectibles

2008-05-20T17:29:00.000-07:00

Sometimes an antique gets its value from rarity and scarceness, while other times an antique may get a lot of its value because it has a collectible quality to it. Glass hens are a great example of this.

Antique glass hens can be both. Not only is the glass valuable and rare, but being in the form of hens, these dishes are often very appealing by sight. These dishes are among my mom's favorites, as the kitchen has three shelves of antique glass hens from all different colors and sizes.

That is part of what is appealing. Purple, blue, red, orange, pink, white, tangerine, yellow, and green antique glass chickens all sit together on the same shelf. These chickens can also be from a wide variety of companies, from the usually non-collectible, to famous glass companies such as Fenton Glass.

These are attractive not only because you can't often find designs and craftsmanship like this now, but also because whether antique or not, these decorative glassware pieces can be enjoyed. The extra value that comes from being antique makes some of these glass chickens quite valuable.

This is part of the fun of antiques. It's not just "old stuff," the antiques are beautiful, well detailed art. At home we tend to tease Mom about all her glass chickens, but they are wonderful pieces of art that add a brightness to the kitchen that wouldn't be there otherwise.

Finding antiques that you love is the best reason to get into the hobby. Maybe you will find that you love the beautiful antique glass hens as much as Mom does!

If you enjoyed the information in this article, please check out my web page on antiques and my mom's antique store at http://www.squidoo.com/modernantiques

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shane_Dayton

On the Scent Of The Antique Perfume Bottle

2008-05-20T17:28:00.000-07:00

Though the exotic fragrances within them may have long since evaporated into thin air, the perfume bottles of yesteryear are even more treasured today than they were for their contents in centuries past. Antique perfume bottles have become the object of many collectors, and exquisite examples of these small treasures are found in antique shops around the world.

But because the prices demanded for antique perfume bottles can range from a few, to a few thousand, dollars, the beginning collector should what to look for in a prospective antique perfume bottle purchase to make sure of getting the genuine article.

Before You Get Started

The first rule to building a collection of antique perfume bottles you can enjoy for years is to only collect bottles you really like. Even though an antique perfume bottle may be inexpensive, it’s not going to do a thing for your collection if it’s ugly.

Price and age do not by themselves an eye-catching collection make; so if you have to choose between buying an inexpensive ordinary antique perfume bottle right now or waiting a little longer to buy a more expensive one that absolutely bowls you over, wait a little longer. But never spend money you need for other expenses on an antique perfume bottle just because you think it might be a steal.

Where To Look

Don’t limit your search for antique perfume bottles to antique shops. They can be found at estate and even yard sales, flea markets, thrift stores, and Internet auction sites. If you know what to look for, and the seller doesn’t, you can find some real bargains on antique perfume bottles at yard sales and thrift stores. Buying from Internet auctions can be competitive, because the other bidders will know just as much about the bottle as you do.

What To Look For

Many antique perfume bottles lack the trademark by which collectors are able to identify and value other china, glass, and pottery. So you will have to learn to judge them mot by their makers, but by their unique characteristics. Bottles from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries were often of cut glass; those of the Art Deco period of the 1920s were often of hand-painted ceramic in unique designs, or of gold offset with jewels.
Because these ceramic antique perfume bottles were one-of-a-kind, they are highly prized and can cost thousands of dollars, depending on their condition and quality. French antique perfume bottles are often of exquisitely painted enamel with silver or gold stoppers. They too can bring thousand of dollars.

You can learn more about antique perfume bottles, including how to care for them, by performing an Internet search, and looking at examples of some of the miniature masterpieces currently offered for sale.

You can also find more info on Antique Perfume Bottle and Discount Perfume. Onlineperfumereview.com is a comprehensive resource to know about Perfumes and Colognes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Faulkner

How to Take Up Antique Collecting as a Hobby

2008-05-20T17:27:00.002-07:00

There are many things that people are now able to collect such as baseball cards, 1950’s magazines, silverware, old bottles, old milk cans and pictures, which are all considered to be antiques. It is simple enough to become a collector of antiques and you will eventually find something that you truly love.

Antique collecting is certainly an exciting hobby especially those that find something that they truly love. If you were say a collector of matchboxes ask your family and friends to keep an eye out for new ones to add your collection, you could even offer them a small cash reward for finding ones for adding to your collection. You may even get lucky and be presented with it as a gift.

But you now want to decide on what you are actually going to start your collection on. This is simple, just find something that you love and start your collection. Some people may decide to collect antique silverware picture frames whilst others may decide to collect something as obscure as Macdonald freebies. At the end of the day the choice is yours as to what you collect.

However, once you have made the decision on what you are going to collect then the real fun starts. You will soon find yourself always looking where ever you go and constantly your eyes will stray to the windows of the little antique shops that you pass. Certainly, this is a big part of the fun of collecting.

Not only is there personal enjoyment to be had in collecting, but another reason for collecting antiques is the possible potential value of the items you have. Just think if you had kept those small Dinky toys with their boxes that you received when you were a child, you would be amazed at just how much they can reach at an antique auction today.

Allison Thompson webmaster of several sites a work at home mum now living in Spain.For further information on this product please go to http://www.antiqueadventures.info

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Allison_Thompson

Something That Does Not Glitter May Also Be Gold and Antique

2008-05-20T17:27:00.001-07:00

Since centuries long ago, the use of coins is prevalent in market trading and this system perhaps will continue forever. The only difference is that the coins used in the past are no longer used as currency. What's more, these ancient coins are now in demand as antique pieces. Many people like and have a huge collection of such antique coins and always want to have more. Let us therefore have a look at the reasons and the manners of antique coin appraisal.

That coins can be used and have several impacts on ones life has been evident since ancient times when these coins were used as means of exchange. Since then, many amazing facts have been found. Coins are known for the picture and details that have been drawn on it. Often times, kings and great personalities are found portrayed in the coins and certain other things like natural sceneries, memorable events, sports especially played in the particular place, hunting scenes etc. For all these reasons, antique coin appraisal has taken place and this will continue as long as the coins exist.

Anyone that has ever seen the beauty of the antique coins has been found appreciating them. They are just like treasure that are valuable like wealth and are very costly. The antique coin appraisal is actually of two types- one kind of coin collection is based on interest and hobby of a person, while the other kind of coin collection requires doing some research.

The serious antique coin collector will first research and establish the truth related to the coins. The antique coin shows and museums are the best place to gather information.

The antique coin appraisal can be seen in other contexts. They are being invested or are saved like wealth. Even the money value or the return value of these are sometimes more than expected. The true appraiser can only be the best person to determine the actual value. Based on this research, the antique coins have been graded into several divisions. According to these comparisons two similar looking coins may not be similar because the money value of these may differ and also the mint markings make these different from each other. In order to buy an antique coin it is important to have sound knowledge of the coin and its value. Therefore, the help of a real coin appraiser is needed

The real appraisers of antique coins are very well familiar with the market and the status of their value. Therefore, while trying to buy these or while trying to learn about these, the antique coin appraisers can always be a guide.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for pottery, antiques, and figurines. When shopping for pottery, antiques and figurines, we recommend only the best online stores for pottery, antique coins, and figurines.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Victor_Epand

How To Start An Antique Collection

2008-05-20T17:24:00.000-07:00

The literal meaning of antique is "old". An antediluvian collection is a composite of old items, which are worth possessing because of certain unique features like antiquity, design, utility, rarity, craftsmanship and quality. The term antiques is used for items which are at least 50 to 100 years old. Ancient objects tell us stories about their time in history - throwing light on the life style of people when they were in use.

To start an Antique collection, one needs to indulge in some active 'antiquing'. Antiquing has been defined as "the act of shopping, identifying, negotiating or bargaining for antiques". This activity normally takes place in international auction houses, resort towns, garage sales, estate sales, antique districts, resort towns and collectives. Archaic items are also purchased for collection through antique dealers who are members of trade associations, auction services or purchased online through online auctions and websites. There is also a very dynamic trade association dealing with these items, called CINOA. It is a confederation of antique and art association across nineteen countries. CINOA is the representative of five thousand antique dealers.

Some new and inexperienced collectors of old objects tend to make impulsive purchases of such items based on mere face appeal. It is more advisable to acquire some knowledge of desirable old items, before embarking in building a well-rounded collection. Knowledge of the background of the items one purchases is an absolute must before making purchases for ones antique collection. This is because the value of old things varies according to time, place and object. For instance, a 25 year old automobile can be considered an antique, while a furniture item is required to be at least 150 years old to be tagged similarly.

One can learn a lot about antiquated art through collector's magazines like collectors news, Antique Trader, Antiques and Collecting, Antique and Collectibles Journal. For those who are starting a new collection, regular visits to collectibles shows and conventions is highly recommended to create familiarity with the world of old objects. These shows impart a lot of information about different ancient items through seminars on many subjects like individual artists' items, and companies. A serious collector can also become a member of any antique club, to gain knowledge through interactions with other collectors. The advent of the internet has also made it easy for a potential buyer to chat with other collectors for advice and sharing. Last but not the least; it is advisable for collectors to make a plan to build up their collection through study, experimentation and personal choice. However, the market value of antiques is determined by their utility, aesthetic appeal and social acceptability and not just antiquity.

If collecting antiques is your passion then you should surely visit our websites on antiques. You can also check in for old and new musical instruments here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennie_Amit_Gandhi

Carnival Glass - Beautiful Colored Antique Glass

2008-05-15T17:04:00.001-07:00

Carnival glass is an inexpensive pressed glass that has become highly popular and collectible because of the wide spectrum of colors it comes in. Antique carnival glass is very collectible, and some pieces are considered quite valuable. Most pieces were made in the United States was made near the beginning of the 20th century, in the years from 1907 to 1925.

One of the main indicators of carnival glass is that it is always iridescent, and will have some type of decorative color. The reason these pieces get their sheen is because the glass is tinted with metallic salts while it is still hot from the pressing, and then the glass is re-fired. This is what helps to make it so beautiful. While this type of antique glass is most associated with the United States, it was also produced in Great Britain, Australia, and several other countries.

Some nations, mostly Asian, still make carnival glass even today, in every spectrum of color from yellow and green to blue, red or pink. The irony of this is that this type of glass was initially meant to be a high end expensive glass, but early on it did not catch on the way most glass companies thought it would. After it was consistently marked down, it gained rapid popularity, eventually becoming the glass companies expected, but this design was not consistently referred to as "carnival glass" until the 1950s when collectors began using the term.

Fenton glass was the first and largest producer of carnival glass, producing many different pieces in over 150 patterns. Like other types of glass made by Fenton, they were well known for quality, and they were also one of a very few makers who made a red version of these pieces.

Due to the resurgence in popularity, carnival glass is now being remade by several glass companies after decades without any production at all. Fenton was one of the companies that began re-making modern examples before they decided to close down. While the newer stuff is popular, the antique carnival glass is even more so and is as valuable as it is beautiful.

And if you'd like to see pictures of carnival glass, please feel free to visit the website to my mom's antique store, "Aunt Jan's Attic" at http://www.squidoo.com/modernantiques

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shane_Dayton

Antique Glass Hens - Great Glass Collectibles

2008-05-15T16:55:00.000-07:00

Antique glass hens can be both. Not only is the glass valuable and rare, but being in the form of hens, these dishes are often very appealing by sight. These dishes are among my mom's favorites, as the kitchen has three shelves of antique glass hens from all different colors and sizes.

That is part of what is appealing. Purple, blue, red, orange, pink, white, tangerine, yellow, and green antique glass chickens all sit together on the same shelf. These chickens can also be from a wide variety of companies, from the usually non-collectible, to famous glass companies such as Fenton Glass.

These are attractive not only because you can't often find designs and craftsmanship like this now, but also because whether antique or not, these decorative glassware pieces can be enjoyed. The extra value that comes from being antique makes some of these glass chickens quite valuable.

This is part of the fun of antiques. It's not just "old stuff," the antiques are beautiful, well detailed art. At home we tend to tease Mom about all her glass chickens, but they are wonderful pieces of art that add a brightness to the kitchen that wouldn't be there otherwise.

Finding antiques that you love is the best reason to get into the hobby. Maybe you will find that you love the beautiful antique glass hens as much as Mom does!

If you enjoyed the information in this article, please check out my web page on antiques and my mom's antique store at http://www.squidoo.com/modernantiques

Article Source:

href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Shane_Dayton">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shane_Dayton

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