Posted 15 years ago
bahamaboy
(224 items)
This is just one of many lead crystal pieces I have. I love them all. This one is very heavy and has very sharp edges as well. I have seen crystal with "stickers" on them stating the degree of the lead but glass like this has no other marks that I am aware of. I'm sure those in the know can just pick up a piece and tell as to what degree it actually is. I unfortunately am just "not that smart". Oh well...
Now... I would really be entertained to see someone attempt to guess at the % of lead that is in a piece of glass by picking it up... that would make for some impressive insight.
I have seen old timers and young people alike that completely "floored" me with their expertise on various items such as this. As far as being able to make the call by simply picking a piece like this up, may be stretching it a bit. But... I've seen stranger things along these same lines. Thanks for the comment.
American Brilliant Cut glass. Pinwheel Pattern from 1910 or so. Lead content was high on this type glass. Companies used different formulas and never revealed exact lead amount. It could get up to the 30% range according to old records etc. A number years ago, it was suggested by chemists that due to the high lead content, drinking vessels not be used any longer due to lead leaching into the wine, water what ever liquid would be in the glass or pitcher. Some cut glass collectors believe this, some don't but that is the basic story on your piece. If you want to see other cut glass from the era of yours, check out my page under cut glass.
Thanks a bunch Mark for that very informative post. Lead crystal is something I've always loved but know very little about. I did have an "old timer" talk to me briefly at a flea market once, and gave me a 180 second lesson on the difference between "cut glass" and "lead crystal". That too was "hands on" informative. Thanks for the continuing education via your comment. Also thanks for stopping by.
I couldn't help notice the pinwheel design on your piece. I am currently trying to ID a piece (Punchbowl, 2 piece combo) that has this similar design. I was wondering if other makers used this pattern?
The piece I'm trying to identify (for my brother) doesn't have any hallmarks etc. So, am looking for any info to identify it soon, before he decides to do something else with the piece he found......I'd hate to ruin a beautiful piece!
Thanks for any info you might have for me!