posted on November 4, 2000 06:41:27 AM
I need some help! I just purchased 2 cream and sugar sets at a yard sale, but I don't know what the difference is between cut glass and pressed glass. Is there anyone out there that can give me a clue as to the difference? One set does have a seam, does that mean it's pressed glass? Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks!
posted on November 4, 2000 08:38:57 AM
The best help I can give you is one which comes from having handled the stuff. Cutglass generally has a "sharpness" the feel, whereas pressed glass is more rounded in feel, smoother, "greasier". The edges of pressed glass also appear more "rounded"
You might do best to take it to an antique store & let someone there feel it. I don't recall having any cutglass w/seams in it but that doesn't mean it couldn't have happened in pieces I don't collect.
Another test (which isn't perfect either) is that due to the lead content, cutglass will have a characteristic "bell tone ring" to it when tapped lightly.
There are some nice imitations, such as the Daisy & Button pressed glass pattern which is VERY close to the highly sought after Russian pattern in cutglass.
Finally, weight can be a factor. True cutglass is made of 35-45% lead which makes it heavier than it's pressed glass counterparts. DANG, I ate off this stuff as a child..never considered how much LEAD was in this stuff! Think I'd best remove all the liquor I keep in the cutglass decanters! Drinks for ALL!
That's the sum total of my limited knowledge. Good Luck.
posted on November 4, 2000 10:09:17 AM
Thanks Eventer! I believe my pieces are pressed glass...they feel very smooth. Darn! LOL I was hoping I had "found" something! I've noticed cut glass goes for higher amounts. Even so these pieces are very nice, so I'll give em a try.
posted on November 4, 2000 10:35:44 AM
everything eventer said, and one more -
there is some pressed glass that had some finishing work done to make it more like cut glass. Areas of it will feel "cut" while others don't.
I have seen lots of pressed glass pieces at garage sales/estate sales that were tagged as "cut glass". I think in many cases the mistake is honest - they don't know the difference.
