Question 1

How can I identify Georgian glass?

Accepted Answer

To identify Georgian glass, look for marks indicative of the manufacturing process. Authentic Georgian glass will have an indentation on the bottom called a pontil. In addition, you should see vertical striations in the glass. You'll find a wide variety of expertly vetted Georgian glass on 1stDibs.

Question 2

How can I identify Murano glass?

Accepted Answer

Murano glass is identifiable by its richly layered colors and characteristic gold or silver flecks inside the glass. Authentic Murano glass often has small imperfections and an irregular shape due to the freeform creation process. Find a collection of authentic Murano glass from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 3

How do I identify Gallé glass?

Accepted Answer

To identify Gallé glass, turn the piece upside down. If the base is too smooth and flat, it may not be authentic. Gallé glass features vibrantly colored and gracefully executed decoration, sometimes raised, and it often comes in complex shapes with protrusions. Find a selection of Gallè glass from top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 4

How do you identify Fenton glass?

Accepted Answer

To identify Fenton glass, turn the piece over. Prior to 1970, Fenton marked its pieces with foil stickers bearing the designer's name. After 1970, Fenton began stamping its name directly onto pieces. During the 1980s, Fenton began placing a number along with the logo to indicate the decade. Eight denotes the 1980s, while nine signifies a production date during the 1990s. Pieces crafted from 2000 onward will have a zero. If you need assistance identifying your glassware, consult a certified appraiser or experienced dealer. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Fenton glassware.

Question 5

How do you identify Georgian glass?

Accepted Answer

There are a few tell-tale signs you can look for to determine whether your Georgian glass is real or fake. Authentic Georgian glass was created in three phases and then merged together. Look for the join at the base of the glass to the stem—this is the pontil scar or mark. Also, the foot of the glass will be wider than the bowl. Shop a collection of authentic Georgian glass from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.

Question 6

How do you identify Sabino glass?

Accepted Answer

To identify Sabino glass, search the piece for the maker's mark. Most glassware produced by the French glassworks features the words "Sabino," "Sabino Paris" or "Sabino France" engraved on the bottom or in another inconspicuous location. Depending on the age and style of the piece, the wordmark may be in cursive script or uppercase lettering. For assistance with identification, consult a certified appraiser or experienced dealer. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Sabino glassware.

Question 7

How do I identify my glasses model?

Accepted Answer

To identify your glasses model number, look on the inside of the arms. Manufacturers typically print the model number in this location. In some cases, other numbers, such as a serial number or color number, may also appear on the arm. By using trusted online resources, you can determine which digits represent the model number. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of sunglasses and eyeglasses.

Question 8

How do I identify an antique table?

Accepted Answer

You can identify an antique table in a number of ways. The first clue that a table is antique is the joinery. If a piece of furniture is dovetailed by hand, it only has a couple of dovetails, which are uneven. Also, antique tables are not defined by perfect symmetry. Lastly, antique tables were typically made of oak, mahogany, and walnut.

Question 9

How do I identify an antique fan?

Accepted Answer

To identify an antique fan, search all over for a maker's mark. Then, consult an authoritative online reference to match the mark to the manufacturer's name. A licensed appraiser can also assist with identification. You'll find a collection of expertly vetted antique fans on 1stDibs.

Question 10

How do you identify an antique vase?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a vase is antique, look for a mark on the bottom of the vase either a NIPPON mark or an overmark over the original maker’s mark.

Question 11

How do I identify my antique clock?

Accepted Answer

To identify your antique clock, search for markings on the back of its movement or case. Once you have located these marks, use trusted online resources to determine who the maker is. From there, you can continue your research to learn more about your clock's age, style and other characteristics. An expert appraiser or antiques dealer can also assist you with identification. Find a wide range of antique clocks on 1stDibs.

Question 12

How do I identify antique ironstone?

Accepted Answer

One simple way to identify antique ironstone is to pick it up. Because of the thickness of the vitreous pottery, it will usually feel much heavier than expected. Pieces free of cracks and chips ring like a bell if you strike them with your finger while gripping them by the handle. Find a variety of expertly vetted vintage and antique ironstone on 1stDibs.

Question 13

How do I identify my antique lamp?

Accepted Answer

One of the simplest ways to identify an antique lamp is to look for markings that indicate the maker. Then, you can research the artisan or company that made the lamp using trusted online resources to see when they were active. Some antique lamps may have a date stamp on the shade or the bottom of the body of the lamp. Plugs can also provide a clue. Plugs on antique and vintage fixtures may feature exposed screws or prongs that are the same size. Prongs on newer lamps are usually two different sizes. Keep in mind that an antique lamp could have undergone a cord replacement, so what you see may not be an original. When in doubt, you can consult a certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer for information about specific pieces. Shop a selection of antique lamps on 1stDibs.

Question 14

How do I identify an antique bead?

Accepted Answer

Identifying an antique bead is a careful art. First inspect the bead for any seams that could indicate it was molded in a contemporary fashion. Antique beads tend to have a larger center hole. Inspect the bead for signs of natural age. An expert can help you confirm the approximate age of your bead. Shop a range of antique beads from top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 15

How do you identify cobalt blue glass?

Accepted Answer

If your glass has a blue tint to it, it is likely cobalt blue glass. There are three shades of cobalt glass; dark cobalt, which has a slight purplish hue, light or cornflower blue and medium blue. To verify its authenticity, check with an appraiser. You can also shop a collection of cobalt blue glass from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 16

How do I identify Saint-Gobain glass?

Accepted Answer

To identify Saint-Gobain glass, look for the maker's mark, which typically displays the brand's logo, an abstracted city skyline positioned above the brand name. Keep in mind that tempered glass tabletops may not bear any markings. If you can't find a mark, the best way to authenticate Saint-Gobain glass is to have it examined by a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer. Find a variety of Saint-Gobain pieces on 1stDibs.

Question 17

How do I identify an antique Buddha statue?

Accepted Answer

Identifying an antique Buddha statue is a specialized skill, which is best learned by studying the history of the preferred materials and techniques that each region used in producing Buddha statues. The simplest way to verify the age of a Buddha statue is to have an expert evaluate it. On 1stDibs, find a range of professionally authenticated Buddha statues.

Question 18

How do I identify an antique tea set?

Accepted Answer

To identify an antique tea set, look for hallmarks on the bottoms of the pieces. Handwritten markings indicate a set produced prior to the 19th century. You can also research the pattern to get a rough idea of when the maker manufactured it. Shop a range of expertly vetted antique tea sets on 1stDibs.

Question 19

How do I identify an antique porcelain vase?

Accepted Answer

The best way to identify an antique porcelain vase is to check for a maker’s mark. Gently flip the vase over and look for a signature or logo on the bottom. You may also find the name of the artist or designer. Old vases were also made in wood-based kilns, so an antique vase will likely have small imperfections such as coarseness, crackling or asymmetry. When in doubt, work with a certified appraiser to determine the authenticity of your vase. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a variety of expertly vetted antique porcelain vases.

Question 20

How can I identify my antique dining table?

Accepted Answer

To identify your antique dining table, first check to see if there is a maker’s mark on the underside. If there are no identifying marks or stamps, a furniture appraiser can check the style and the hardwood used to identify your piece. Shop a collection of antique furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

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