Stemware Identification Guide
Mar 12, 2012 - I'd never tried to identify a stemware pattern before; glasses don't. At Replacements put out in 2013 called 'Crystal Stemware ID Guide Vol 1'. Stemware Identification: Featuring Cordials With Values, 1920S-1960s [Gene Florence] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. A catalog of collectible stemware provides information on company lines, patterns, colors, heights, and prices.
Here is the one source glass collectors and dealers have been waiting for-an all-in-one resource which identifies over 4,000 patterns of crystal stemware of the twentieth century. Replacements Ltd., the world's largest china, silver, and crystal matching service, has inventoried and compiled these patterns to help everyone identify their favorite patterns, their grandmother's or even their own wedding crystal. The most extensive stemware guide ever published, this is an ideal reference guide for the thousands of glass dealers across the country who search for the many patterns of etched, plain, blown, or molded designs. The large, detailed image featured for each pattern is either a photo, line drawing, or original company illustration. While not a comprehensive pattern guide on any one manufacturer, it represents a vast majority of some of the most collectible and requested stemware patterns of yesterday and today. This book, despite its large format, is easy to use making it the standard reference in the field.
Once the mark on a piece of crystal stemware has been identified, it's possible to determine the stemware's source by checking for the mark in listing books. Various websites devoted to stemware patterns also provide assistance in identifying stemware. However, not all old high-end crystal stemware is marked.
If company pattern records can't be found, older crystal stemware can't be identified. Crystal stemware can also be identified by the specifics of its cut and stems. Certain crystal manufacturers recreate trademark elements in their stemware; for instance, Waterford crystal is known for its faceted stems and decorative cuts on glass bases.
Antique Stemware Identification Guide
Antique appraisers are also helpful in identifying crystal stemware. Some are willing to look at photos to begin the identification. Appraisers are likely to know the signature differences of stemware brands, including those from antique crystal manufacturers, and they have resources to research specific pieces of crystal.