Posted 10 years ago
jatslo
(10 items)
I just acquired 60 pieces of what was called "Ruby Flash." After further research I discovered two distinct varieties: One of Glass that has been dipped in glass to form a second thin layer; One of Glass that had stain applied to it. The later of the two being the least expensive of the two.
I attached four pictures; three of which are Ruby Stained, and one of which is Ruby Flash. The small Pouring Pitcher is etched with "New York" and "1939." By allowing the light to shine through where the etching took place, I can see a Honey Golden Hue, which suggests to me that this piece is an Honey Gold Amber Glass that was dipped in Ruby Red Glass; hence: Flashed.
The other three are clearly stained by comparison.
Would anyone care to educate me on the ERA; the history?
~ Scott
hard to see with the blurry pics but the last image looks to be maybe a toothpick holder. this originally was made by George Duncan Sons & Co. c1897 and called 'Button Arches'. The ruby stained version was popular for souvenirs and was reproduced in 1970s.
The stained version, I thought, was invented much earlier than the 70's. How can I tell the difference between stained varieties and flashed varieties? A lot of this inventory is dated, and a lot specifically states that it's a souvenir, as well. For example, the pouring picture is 1939 by the etching on the piece; may I assume that it's fused? Some of the glassware is dated very early: 1909, for instance.
the creamer in the 2nd image may be Fostoria 'Fairfax' in ruby glass; hard to say for sure at that odd angle and details obscured by the hand.
What details? There are no marks except what was etched: "New York" & "1939."
Ruby stain was very popular on EAPG, but as I noted this pattern was reproduced in ruby stain in 1970; other patterns were also reproduced witn ruby stain for many years as well. Ruby flashing (a thin layer of ruby glass) is done with blown glass, whereas ruby stain is painted on pressed glass and fired to set the stain.
the actual shape and details of the handle are often very important in discerning different patterns, as many are very similar. Clear images showing the profile and measurements help.
Yes, that is right. What is the best way of distinguishing blown varieties from pressed varieties?
best guess is that these are pressed except the 3rd, which may be blown.
8.2 oz. 4.5 x 3.5 x 3.0 inches rounded to the 1/4" Plus, I have more pictures.
Blown glass can be stained, however. hmmm... makes me wonder... I've seen stain compared to fused varieties, and the fused seems certainly worth more. Would it be safe to assume that all pressed glass is stained and not fused/dipped in the traditional sense?