There are many forms of glass used in industrial settings that can form a collection, both of past and present manufacture. Perhaps it begins as a memento of a family member’s vocation, like a chemistry flask from a grandfather’s lab. Or an apothecary’s jar from a great-uncle (times 3) in the business. From that single item, a collection is born.

Many people collect the glass insulators that were used on telephone poles. Apparently these come in a number of colors and forms. There is a National Insulator Association to get more information and meet fellow collectors.

One form of telephone insulator.

Another form of telephone insulator.

Glassware used in chemistry labs is hand blown, and therefore collectible not only for it uses, but for its hand-made qualities. How many forms of glassware is manufactured for laboratories? I do not know. Collecting would be one way to find out.

A sample of chemistry glassware.

Apothecary jars were used in past times to hold components of medicines. No longer used, these will be considered antiques. But large jars with lids are currently being manufactured and called apothecary jars, probably based on the size. A collection lined up on the top of kitchen cabinets would make nice glass collectibles.

Glass building materials, like glass bricks, can be collected and incorporated into your next house. How many kinds of glass bricks are there? Have they changed in style over time? Check flea markets and building salvage operations. If you travel to other countries, do they have other forms of glass brick? Being a relatively low profile collectible, you would probably have to bring back foreign examples yourself.

Glass bricks used to build a wall.

Glass bricks laid in diagonal for a wall.

Bottles and jars have been used for the distribution of food and drink for hundreds of years. Glass bottle collectibles are available from any decade in American history. This is the first product of any new glass house, as this is the only way to make a new glass manufactory profitable. The forms and styles are practically infinite. To collect these you will have to start with a small area and expand as you learn more. There are clubs, associations and publications to help you identify your finds and fellow admirers.

Brown bottles are common for beer. The color protects the contents from degradation by light.

Bottles made of green glass are commonly used for wine and beer.

This is a common color used for wine bottles. They are cheaper because the ingredients do not have to be refined.

Blue bottles are often used to bottle water or hard liquor.

Glass door knobs. These used to be the standard door knobs for the public rooms of fine houses. They come in colors and can be found at antique venues. They are also still being made and are available from renovating supply firms. Check flea markets as well as grandmother’s house. (Don’t get caught ogling the door knobs at grandma’s house in case they go missing later.)

* * * A few words by another author about crystal door knobs. * * *

Caster cups are used to prevent furniture legs/feet from marring wood floors or making holes in rugs. Based on their mundane use and heavy construction, I am putting them in this classification. Some may be available new from do-it-yourself stores, and older ones from antique and second-hand sources.

Finally, glass eyes. These are manufactured for those unfortunates who lose an eye to accident or disease. They have been made for many years and would make a bizarre collection. There are also glass eyes made for taxidermy purposes. Another bizarre but valid glass collectible.

The images on this post are from Stock Xchnge.

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