Glassware
Made of silica and alkali, the source of silica is sand. In antique glassware, the alkali came from wood ash, producing potash glass, or burnt seaweed producing soda glass. Potash glass quickly hardens when it cools allowing little time for manipulation therefore it is often cut or engraved. Soda glass remains malleable for a longer period of time leading to more fanciful shapes found in antique glassware. In the 17th century, lead was introduced into antique glassware to create an imitation of rock crystal.
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BottlesVintage bottles were free blown using a punty rod, which left a characteristic mark on the bottom when the punty rod was removed. Another characteristic of antique bottle manufacture are the air bubbles and imperfections that distinguish the primitive fabrication process. Free blown bottles were produced since ancient times, the irregularities in form created by this method brought about the development of mold blow glass by the early Romans.
Dishes & BowlsAlthough exceedingly fragile, age and environment do not have significant dilatory effects on glassware. Generally damaged by human error and difficult to restore, glassware will be significantly devalued by any harm.
Drinking VesselsIn the 16th century, drinking vessels were first devised of glass, but were only available to the wealthy, and were not in general use until the 1800s. The vulnerability of drinking glasses coupled with frequent use has limited the amount of surviving pieces.
Pitchers & DecantersEarly pitchers in the Stiegel tradition encompass an assortment of styles and decorative techniques. Skilled craftsman devotedly following English and Continental prototypes created superior pieces. Wheel cut, enameling, engraving, Venetian diamond, and pattern-molded are all Stiegel hallmark designs.
Sets & CombinationsThe term "cut glass" is somewhat misleading as the technique essentially involves grinding away the surface of the glass by using an abrasive wheel. In pre-Roman times, cutting was done by means of stone wheels. The ancient Greeks and Romans first developed decorative glassware more than two millenniums ago. The most creative period of production however was during the 17th century.
VasesGlassware was all free-blown or blown into molds until the first quarter of the 19th century. During this time, ornamentation of glassware was limited to engraving, etching, and coloring pieces applied to the work. After 1820, a mechanized method was developed to fabricate pressed-glass. Molds were usually cut from brass or iron into several sections. Early pieces can be identified by the distinct impression left at the union of separate parts of the mold.
