Reproduction Bohemian Ruby Cut to Clear Glass Decanter

Glass : Antique

 

This example of decorative Bohemian-type glass is similar in design to antique glass originally made by the same company who makes it today. But, this glass set is brand new. At the time of this writing in 2008 it was still available for purchase as a new set on a reproduction wholesale website.

The present Bohemian manufacturers of this and other similar types of 'antique-look' glassware make no attempt to pass off as if old the new items they make today in modern factories. It can be helpful to know, however, that they are so proud of their long history of manufacture that new generations of skilled workers are trained in old glass-making techniques, as well as in the modern, and that they often produce the same designs made a hundred or more years ago. Unfortunately, most ruby, cranberry, or other color stained glass newly made today with engraved or cut designs exits the factory bearing only a removable foil or paper label. Once these pieces reach the secondary market this removable label, which helps to easily identify them as modern, is often removed. This means they can then be confused with (or overtly misrepresented by the seller, who knows better) as 19th century glass to inflate value.

Because of the fact that any type of glass made in the modern era can at first glance seem to have the same appearance as antique glass, when an item is being represented to be old it is always wise to look for certain characteristics which older glass can logically be expected bear.

Look for patterns of wear in areas where silverware would logically have rested, fingers rubbed, or where two separate sections might be expected to have met each other repetitively over the years, like the interiors of decanter necks with stoppers, lids and their bases. Check underneath on foot rims and bottoms, too. Wear should be random, not uniform in nature. Uniform scratches to mimic wear can be added artificially and may indicate an attempt to 'age' the piece. Sandpaper or an emery board may have been used to produce them. If all wear seems to go only in one direction, rather than being haphazard, this is a very good sign that what you are seeing may be an imitation of age marks.

If you don't already know what true surface wear should look like, a good way to learn is to use a magnifying glass or loupe to examine likely areas on family items you own that you know are of a certain age, beyond any doubt. Then examine the same areas on a similar piece of glass that you know to be brand new. Using familiar items to make comparisons like this can help you to train your eye to more surely identify the wear on glass that can come with age.

Item ID: 2007RP00030