Vintage Glass: 9 looks that help you identify it fast
If you’re trying to figure out what kind of glass you have, start with the “look”: color, shine, pattern sharpness, and how the piece was made. This collage is a quick visual shortcut to common collectible categories. When you find a close match, your best next step is to photograph the rim, base, and any seams or pontil marks—those details usually matter more than the overall shape.
Legend (tiles 1–9)
- Depression-style pressed glass (pale green) — repeating molded patterns; look for mold seams and softer detail edges.
- Carnival glass — strong iridescent “oil slick” sheen; check for rim chips and wear where the finish thins.
- Cut crystal decanter — crisp, sharp facets with dramatic highlights; photograph the base (starbursts) and stopper fit.
- Hand-blown art glass (bubbles + swirls) — intentional bubbles/waviness; inspect the base for a polished pontil.
- Milk glass — opaque white body; note rim chips and surface scratches that show up under side light.
- Cobalt blue glass — saturated color; photograph in natural light to show clarity and any mold marks.
- Amber glass pitcher — warm glow and subtle ripples; check handle joins and spout lip for tiny flakes.
- Uranium-style green glow — some pieces fluoresce under UV; verify with a UV flashlight and photograph glow + base.
- Stained-glass fragment — leaded lines and jewel tones; look for cracks, repairs, and missing came (lead strips).
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Start an appraisalFAQ
What makes vintage glass valuable?
Value is driven by maker, rarity, demand, and condition (chips, cracks, clouding, and heavy scratches). Sets can command premiums, and certain colors/patterns are more collectible than similar shapes in common colors.
How do I tell pressed glass from cut crystal?
Cut crystal usually shows crisp facets and sharp transitions; pressed glass shows repeating molded patterns and can have seam lines from the mold. The best clue is close-up photos of edges and the base, not the overall silhouette.
How can I check for uranium glass safely?
Use a small UV flashlight in a darkened room and photograph both the glow and a normal-light shot. Avoid assuming “green glass = uranium” without testing—some modern glass and coatings can fluoresce too.
What photos should I take to identify a glass piece?
Take a straight-on full view, then close-ups of the rim (chips), base (pontil, pattern, marks), seams, and any applied decoration. Include a ruler or coin for scale, and photograph in both natural light and indoor light to show true color.
How should I clean older or delicate glass?
Hand-wash with mild soap and lukewarm water; avoid abrasives and skip the dishwasher for thin rims, iridescent finishes, gilding, or fragile applied details. If the piece includes metal fittings, avoid soaking metal parts.