Last week we shared suggestions to get the most out of a glass show with 5 tips and covered #1 and #2.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Keep an open mind about what you like – and what you don’t like.
- Ask lots of questions.
- Bring cash or your checkbook
- Respect the dealers’ investment in time and cost
This week let’s look at #3, Ask lots of questions.
Dealers at a glass show love the glass as much as you do (believe me, they wouldn’t be in this business otherwise) and they have spent years building knowledge and expertise about the glass they carry. So talk to them!
Learn About Reproductions
Do you wonder about reproductions? For example, this blue Mayfair bowl is beautiful and authentic and it’s expensive. Which Mayfair pieces have been reproduced? Are the fake pieces this same lovely shade of blue as the real? (No, the color is a give away.)
Madrid is another pattern with many reproductions – which you can spot when you know how. If you enjoy this pattern but are a little afraid then talk about it. Dealers at glass shows are reputable and know their glass. Ask the dealer and they will explain which pieces have been reproduced and what to look for to be sure you are getting authentic glass.
Find New and Unusual Glass
The 2016 National Depression Glass Association show in Tiffin had a lot of glass that I had never seen before. It was a wonderful weekend to explore glass and find unusual pieces, to ooh and aah over gorgeous glass.
Collector clubs displayed extensive collections such as this Tiffin Parrot set, pieces that took the owner years to accumulate. I got to see his hard work in person!
You almost certainly have seen the Sunflower depression glass cake plate from Jeannette. It was a premium item and I see one or two every year, either green or pink. But I have never seen much other Sunflower. It is a very pretty pattern with zero reproduction worries and Jeannette made full sets of green and pink. It was a delight to see a decent offering and chat with the dealer about the pattern. She confirmed it is rather scarce!
This cobalt drinks set is unusual. Often the dealers had purchased their glass from the original owner’s family and can tell us about it. The pieces look great together but they don’t match; wouldn’t you like to know how the first owner put these together?
Trends and Thoughts
Some of the dealers talked a little about the collecting trends and how the minimizing fad is affecting people’s habits. It was fun to talk about this and learn how others are helping their children and younger folks appreciate our beautiful glass.
Education Sessions
Most shows have education sessions, short presentations about interesting topics. This year Dave and I went to the session on stretch glass. It was a great way to learn about a beautiful type of glass that simply isn’t made any more.
I considered buying this piece, a very lovely stretch bowl.
These sessions are great ways to meet and talk about glass, to ask lots of questions and have a great time discussing our favorite pieces.
Glass Identification
You know those goblets or that dish that you keep wondering about? The national show had a booth to bring your unknown glass pieces that would help identify them. Identification service was free and each attendee could bring three pieces.
Summary
Based on the questions I get as a very minor dealer online, most of us glass lovers have lots of questions and don’t know where to get answers. Go to a show. Take your glass and get it identified. Learn about reproductions and find out what you like and don’t. Learn why some pieces cost the earth while others are affordable, talk to other glass lovers and enjoy your day!