Lead Crystal Pitcher
20th Century European Pitchers
Crystal
Recent Sales
20th Century German Barware
Glass
20th Century British Pitchers
Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Crystal Serveware
Crystal
Antique Early 19th Century English Georgian Crystal Serveware
Cut Glass
Finding the Right Pitchers for You
Perfect for entertaining, a dinner party or a small luncheon, vintage, new and antique pitchers are versatile pieces to keep in any collection.
Whether you’re dining in the great outdoors, freshening up drinks in the living room or making a batch of fresh-squeezed juice for breakfast in the kitchen, a pitcher is a must-have feature of your dining and entertaining set.
Prior to indoor plumbing and the advent of sinks, people paired a pitcher with a wash basin on their bedside stand. Today, an antique washstand might be used as a nightstand or bedside table. These pitchers, along with the washstand, were essential in any bedroom.
Today, in displaying vintage ceramic pitchers on your Welsh kitchen dresser or in a corner cupboard, you’re inviting a pop of color and an alluring texture to mingle with your other serveware. But when entertaining, you’re likely going to put this decorative vessel to work. Some glazed stoneware and metal pitchers are outfitted with hinged lids to provide insulation, while potters and other craft artists at the time might have made complementary glasses or teacups to pair with their pitchers for a complete serving set. Glass and stoneware pitchers are perfect for serving beverages, but if you’re serving from a metal pitcher, you’ll want to ensure that the material is food-grade stainless steel.
For a simple home accent, consider using that wonderfully aging vintage metal pitcher as a vase for your flowers (be sure to use a watertight plastic liner or insert) or as a receptacle to display and organize your cooking utensils. Given the venturesome design sensibility that we associate with mid-century modernism, a mid-century modern pitcher is going to prove a unique and sophisticated decorative touch to any room in your home. While your farmhouse-style interior is practically begging for the earthy tones of a terracotta pitcher, an ironstone pitcher will bring ornate details to your mantel.
Find a collection of new, vintage and antique pitchers today on 1stDibs.
- What is full-lead crystal?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024Full-lead crystal is the term for crystal ware that contains at least 30% lead. By definition, only glass that is at least 24% lead is crystal. Under the technical definition, non-lead crystal is actually a type of glass with a high degree of brilliance. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of crystal wares.
- Is Baccarat lead crystal?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 20, 2024Yes, Baccarat is lead crystal. In order for a work of glass to be deemed “lead crystal,” its chemical composition needs to contain no less than 24 percent lead oxide. Historically, crystal glassware referred to decorative tableware and drinking vessels that was made of leaded glass. Today's "lead-free crystal" is made with barium oxide, zinc oxide, or potassium oxide instead of lead.
One of the world’s foremost crystal manufacturers, Baccarat has long been emblematic of luxury and exquisite craftsmanship. While glass chandeliers were quite popular lighting fixtures for palatial homes in the 19th century — and they still bring welcome drama to a space — Baccarat chandeliers were different from the rest of the world’s supply.
At the time, artisans at Baccarat added nickel oxide to their leaded glass mixture during the manufacturing process, which made for a perfectly clear rock crystal imitation. Owing to distinct and innovative processes like these, which yielded strikingly clear pieces of glass, Baccarat chandeliers and pendants — as well as the company’s decorative objects, serveware and other glass pieces — were soon prized as symbols of wealth all over the world.
Find antique and vintage Baccarat lighting for sale on 1stDibs. - Is Orrefors crystal lead free?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023Whether Orrefors crystal is lead-free depends on its age. Since 1951, the brand hasn't used lead in its pieces. Earlier crystal ware may contain lead. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Orrefors crystal glassware and decorative objects.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, chandeliers made from real crystal contain lead. That is because authentic crystal is glass made with lead oxide. The presence of lead gives crystal its sparkling effect. You'll find a selection of crystal chandeliers from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Some Bohemia Crystal contains lead and some of it doesnt. According to their website, Bohemia Crystal produces four different lines: 24% lead crystal, lead crystal, crystalline and glass. Shop a collection of Bohemia Crystal from some of the worlds top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024Whether Waterford Marquis crystal is lead crystal depends on its age. Waterford gradually phased out the use of lead in its crystal wear and completely eliminated the material in 2023. Pieces manufactured before that time may or may not be lead crystal. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Waterford crystal ware.
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