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How do I identify opaline glass?
1 Answer
To identify opaline glass, try holding it up to a natural light source. Most pieces will appear semi-translucent and have a pinkish-red tint when viewed in the sun. Next, search for seam marks. By the 19th century, artisans used a free-blowing technique to produce opaline glass, so most pieces are free of seams. You'll also usually see a pontil on the mark, which forms when the glass is broken off during the production process. Maker's marks can also provide a clue, as some makers are especially well-known for opaline glass. Among them are Baccarat, Lalique, Saint-Louis, Le Creusot, Portieux Vallerystahl and Loren Hope. If you're still unsure whether your piece is opaline, consult a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. Explore a range of opaline glass objects on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
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Shop for Opaline Glass Decorative Objects on 1stDibs
Michel Herman HEM Art Deco Silver Overlay Black Glass Vase, France 1930s
Located in Atlanta, GA
Verreries d'Art de HEM manufactured this elegant 1930s French Art Deco black glass vase based on a design by Michel Herman. The vessel features a silver and pink-salmon color deposit...
Category
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Vases
Materials
Glass, Opaline Glass
Seguso Murano Coral Orange White Opal Italian Art Glass Vanity Perfume Bottle
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown opalescent white over coral orange Italian art glass vanity footed perfume bottle. The piece is documented to designer Archimede Seguso. It has be...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bottles
Materials
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Opaline Glass
Antique Vanity Jewelry Box Bohemian Gold White Opaline Glass, ca. Late 19th c
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful, relatively large, white opaline glass vanity jewelry box, hand-decorated with raised gold gilt and tiny blue and white accents, Victorian design period, circa late‑19th‑...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Czech Victorian Jewelry Boxes
Materials
Brass, Gold Leaf
Murano Opal Pink Alabastro Giant Air Bubbles Art Glass Bowl by Archimede Seguso
Located in Barcelona, ES
Massive hand blown Murano Sommerso pink and opalescent white glass flower bowl with folded rim.
Manufactured By Archimede Seguso and Seguso Factory, Italy, 1950s.
Iridiscent pink gl...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Opaline Glass
French Cobalt Blue Opaline Crystal & Ormolu Mounted Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Very rare cobalt blue opaline crystal French dresser box with ormolu mountings. A very fine piece resting on paw feet.
Category
Antique 19th Century French Decorative Boxes
Materials
Ormolu
Antique French Blue Opaline Glass Dresser Box with Bronze Trim, 1880
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Antique rare French Blue Opaline Glass dresser box with bronze trim.
Category
Antique 19th Century French Decorative Boxes
Materials
Opaline Glass
