Glass collectibles can be classified in many ways. Some people only collect glassware from a particular time period, like Ancient Roman glass or Glass from between the World Wars. To do this, you must become something of an expert about the time in question and the kind of glass products made. This can be a good part of the appeal of this kind of collection, especially if there is a period of time you already have an interest in. If you are a scholar of the American Civil War, it is only a small step from reading and collecting books to collecting artifacts from the conflict. Arms and uniforms are one collectible you might pursue, but what about the kitchen paraphernalia or lighting fixtures of the time, camp or home?
Some glass terms sound like time period designation, but are actually process and style classifications. Depression glass was first made at a particular time, between World War I and World War II, and is pattern glass in pale colors. The colors and patterns were a reaction to the enforced plain glass made during the First World War, but this kind of glass continued to be made for decades, off and on, and study will be required to be able to identify when a particular piece of glass was made, if that is your interest. There are many styles of glass collectables available.
Many glass collectors have a specific manufacturer they collect, like Fenton glass collectibles or the production of Libbey or Corning. The manufacturer may still be production glassware, or may have closed its doors so only past production is available. Often, in the case of closed manufacturers, club of enthusiasts have formed to share information and to trade glass, and joining such a group may enhance your collecting experience.
A glass collector may specialize in a particular color of glass, like cobalt blue glass or milk glass collectibles. In this case, the collection will span long periods of time and many manufacturers. The fun in this kind of collection is seeing how many different kinds of things you can find in your chosen color. Duplicates are, of course, likely, as the color shade may vary, or there may be slightly different shapes of the item in the same color. How many cobalt blue glass hen and nest dishes do you suppose there are?
A collector may choose a glass artifact and then collect that article in as many colors, shapes and styles as possible. The choice of item is totally personal, but a collection of syrup pitchers or water pitchers would make a real decorating statement. The collector who chooses a particular form will eventually learn a lot of history and about glass manufacturers as well.
And, finally, there is the eclectic collector, who collects on some personal criteria and only what he or she likes. This will lead to a series of specializations as the collector’s attention strays to new areas, but this can be a fun way to collect, and as one thing leads to another, many areas may eventually be covered, offering a more complete education in glass.
The best part about collecting glass is that, after the initial education, almost all glass collecting can be accomplished on one’s own expertise. Barring ancient glass, once one has done the reading and educated the eye about the details to be recognized, you can collect with others, but you can do it alone.
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