American
Brilliant Period Glass: Affordable Victorian Elegance
by Christopher and
Marie Kierkus
This article sets out to accomplish three things:
first, we would like to introduce the reader to American Brilliant Period Glass
(ABP) and provide a brief overview of its history. Second, we want to give the aspiring collector a concise
“how to” guide for identifying and evaluating ABP pieces. Finally, we want to share some advice about collecting and
suggest a few good places to go “treasure hunting”.
We were inspired to write this article for two
reasons. We feel that ABP glass is
a collectable that has high intrinsic beauty and historical value.
Much of it is now over 100 years old (making it a “true” antique).
It is hand crafted and exhibits excellence in design, form and detail
that simply can’t be matched by modern crystal.
At the same time, ABP pieces remain very reasonably priced. Collectors can pick up small, simple pieces for less than
$20. Even large, high quality
pieces such as punch bowls, decanters and serving trays can be purchased for
less than $500. Furthermore, there
seems to be a great deal of confusion among the antique community regarding what
is, and what is not, ABP glass. We
have seen dealers advertise pressed glass or modern crystal as ABP. We have also seen ABP pieces sold along side modern glass
without any acknowledgement of their special status.
We hope that this article can help “set the record straight” and
create an appreciation for this type of antique.
Before starting a collection of ABP glass, the interested individual may wish to consult one of the fine books available at his or her local bookstore or library. However, this article is designed to serve as a concise and practical “field guide” to identifying and evaluating ABP pieces.
True ABP pieces were hand crafted from the finest
glass available. This made them too
expensive for the average consumers of their day. Consequently, many companies produced “imitation” ABP
pieces by manufacturing a mold in the shape of a desired pattern and pressing it
into a mediocre quality glass blank. This
“Nucut” (pronounced: “New Cut”) glass can be instantly recognized.
The designs lack sharpness and the blank itself is usually cloudy,
slightly rough to the touch and has an almost plastic feel.
The aspiring collector should consult a reputable dealer of antique glass
and carefully examine several examples of both types of glass.
The differences will be instantly obvious to both sight and touch.
The cost of true ABP pieces ranges widely.
The estimates presented below are for average quality pieces with minimal
damage and simple designs. The
prices are based on items sold at multi-dealer antique malls, antique fairs or
reputable auction services. Price
adjustments for other circumstances will be presented as appropriate. An
estimate of $20 - $50 is fair for small, common pieces such as individual
glasses, cordials, salt and pepper shakers, small plates, bon-bon dishes, olive
trays, “nappies” (a type of general purpose dish), toothpick holders and
knife rests. Medium sized pieces
such as fruit bowls (typically about 8” in diameter), perfume bottles, cruets,
ice buckets, flower (“ferner”) bowls, larger plates, vases, water carafes
and celery trays typically command prices in the $45 – $90 range.
Large, common pieces, such as decanters, compotes, ice cream and bread
trays, large vases and water or champagne pitchers usually sell for $85 –
$175. Very large items such
as bowls in excess of 10” in diameter, trays in excess of 14” in length,
vases taller than 13”, punch bowls, flower baskets and candlesticks typically
command prices in the $150 to $400 range. Pieces
that are made up of more than one section, or those that come in sets, tend to
be more costly. A simple sugar and
cream set, puff box or cigar jar might cost $75 – $150.
Larger pieces such as covered cheese sets, ice tubs with under plates or
covered comports will usually sell for $150 – $350.
Very large, multi-section items such as punch bowls with stands,
decanters or pitchers with cordials or glasses, cut glass lamps and
candelabra’s will command the highest prices: $300 – $600.
Intricate patterns, signed pieces, unique shapes and colored glass add
immensely to an item’s value. Small
“Nucut” pieces typically sell for 25-33% the price of true ABP glass.
Large “Nucut” imitations are only worth 5-20% as much as true ABP
glass.
100%
Cut Pieces vs. Figured Blanks
Early in the ABP, the patterns (or “motifs”) were 100% hand cut. Later in the period (after 1910), many companies attempted to reduce production costs by pressing part of the design into the blank and cutting the remainder. These partially pressed blanks are usually called “figured” and can be recognized by a lack of sharpness in the features. Figured blanks became especially popular during the “Flower Period” of the ABP (see below); however, they can sometimes be found on later geometric pieces. Pieces cut on figured blanks usually bring approximately 40-80% of the price that 100% cut pieces with simple patterns retail for.
Early in the ABP, all of the designs were polished by hand. After carving a design, an artisan would polish the piece by pressing the rough cut design against a polishing wheel. After 1905, many cut glass houses discovered that they could polish rough cut designs by dipping the pieces in a strong acid bath. This made the production process far less expensive. Unfortunately, even the best acid polishing left pieces with a slightly “watery” appearance (much like looking through a wet windshield). Poor acid polishing resulted in severe “waveyness” and occasional blisters or bubbles on the surface of the glass.
Nicely acid polished pieces usually bring 60 – 90%
of the price of simple, hand polished pieces.
Poorly acid polished items resemble “Nucut” items and are typically
worth less than 33% what a simple, hand polished item might bring.
Geometric
vs. “Flower Period” Designs
ABP pieces can be divided into two general classes of designs. Prior to 1910 most pieces were cut in geometric patterns. These are frequently called “rich cut glass”. They consist of combinations of hobstars, pinwheels, diamonds, fans and other geometric patterns. After 1910, many companies began cutting and engraving non-geometric designs on their glass. Flowers were the most common pattern, but fruit, birds and other natural scenes also appeared. Many of the “flower period” pieces combined natural objects with geometric patterns. For instance, it was not uncommon to see a border of hobstars around a floral center on a bowl or a plate.
Most flower period pieces are acid polished and low
quality; many are cut on figured blanks. The
floral designs have little detail; only the outline of the flower and some basic
texture is evident. As explained
above, these pieces are worth 33-80% as much as simple, hand polished geometric
pieces. However, a few “flower
period” pieces are hand cut, polished and engraved using a copper wheel.
The detail of the floral or natural designs is exceptional: they appear
as if an artist had carefully sketched the pattern on the glass.
Such pieces are usually called “intaglio”, “engraved” or
“gravic” glass. They are worth 1.5 to 5 times more than simple geometric ABP glass! Many such pieces are signed by their manufacturers. Those
made by Hawkes, Sinclaire and Tuthill are particularly desirable.
A Flower Period Nappy Cut on a Figured Blank (circa 1915-1920)
This piece is acid polished and combines flower period and
geometric designs.
(estimated
retail value: $25-$35)
It is often possible to estimate the age of an ABP
piece by examining the patterns cut in the glass. It is beyond the scope of this article to provide a detailed
pattern recognition guide. However,
a few general trends should help the collector identify pieces.
Early in the period (prior to 1895) patterns tended
to be relatively simple. Most
pieces were cut with diamonds, cross-cut diamonds (sometimes called
“strawberry diamonds”, fans, thumb prints (or “punties”), hobnails,
simple hobstars and flutes. The
miter lines (the deeply cut main lines that separate individual motifs) were
usually straight. A substantial
portion of the blank was not covered
by cutting; however, the quality of the existing cutting was very high.
For instance, the points on stars met precisely, diamonds were exactly
the same size and the patterns exhibited exceptional symmetry. Moreover, pieces
from this time period were never acid
polished. Consequently, they appear
exceptionally clear, with no “waveyness”.
During the middle period (circa 1895-1910) the patterns became much more elaborate.
Combinations of motifs including hobstars, starbursts, circles, loops,
swirls and gothic arches became popular. The
miter lines were frequently curved and numerous, especially on large pieces.
Certain pieces were cut in celestial motifs (owing to the influence of Haley’s
Comet). Some ABP glass from this period had virtually no uncut
surfaces. The quality of these
elaborately cut pieces tended to be quite high. Although some were acid polished
the fact that few uncut surfaces remained visible made this difficult to detect.
Finally, during the later brilliant period (1910 and
later), many of the patterns became simplified. Hobstars were replaced by pinwheels, which are less labor
intensive. Floral patterns became
popular (alone or in combination with geometric motifs) as did figured blanks.
The majority of pieces made during this period were acid polished.
A Crimped Bon-Bon in a Pinwheel and Zipper Cut Pattern (circa 1907-1915)
The pinwheel design and acid polish on this piece indicate that it was made during the later brilliant period.
However,
the crimp design and high quality cutting add to its value.
(estimated
retail value: $45-$75)
The prices in the first section of this article refer
to simple pieces from the early and middle periods.
Prices for elaborate middle period glass will be somewhat higher (1.5 to
2 times higher). Exceptionally elaborate pieces can bring prices that are 3 to
6 times higher than simple early designs. For
instance, a large, highly ornate, two piece punch bowl can easily sell for
$2000. A large (17”), ornately
cut ice cream tray would be expected to bring $600 – $1500.
Pieces with celestial themes and unique combinations of motifs are
particularly desirable. Prices for simple, acid polished, geometric pieces from the
late brilliant period will be about 40-75% of those for simple hand polished
pieces from the early and middle periods.
The art of glass cutting has virtually disappeared from the North American continent. However, moderate to high quality lead crystal continues to be cut in Great Britain, Eastern Europe and parts of Asia. Fortunately, it is quite simple to distinguish ABP pieces from modern cut glass. Modern glass is usually cut on figured blanks. The patterns tend to be simple: diamonds are rarely cross-cut, pinwheels have flat star centers and hobstars are very rarely cut (except by “high end” companies such as Waterford). Moreover, interior details are almost always left unpolished. This was hardly ever done on ABP glass except on flower period pieces. Finally, close examination of the miter lines reveal minute striations created by the diamond tipped tools used to cut modern crystal. These striations will not appear on ABP pieces because diamond cutters were not available during the period.
Note the opaque, unpolished appearance of the center of the pinwheel and the cross-cuts
on
the diamonds. These areas would be
polished on a true ABP piece.
(estimated
retail value of the stopper and decanter: $50-$75)
Surprisingly, there is little difference in the cost of small, simple ABP pieces and fine modern crystal. One would expect to pay about the same amount for a simple ABP bon-bon as for a nice modern crystal candy dish. However, large, more finely cut ABP pieces are much more expensive than modern crystal. Colored ABP pieces can command prices up to 10 times higher than even the finest modern colored crystal. For instance, a large cobalt or cranberry cut-to-clear Waterford decanter may sell for $200 - $400. A price of $1500 - $5000 would not be unreasonable for a similar ABP piece.
Look
for Part 2 of this article in next month's issue!