Posted 14 years ago
mark
(118 items)
The Libbey Cut Glass Co. was in operation in Toledo Ohio, starting around 1888. This 9" bowl dates from 1901-1906 due to the particular signature on the bowl. It is a heavy and nicely cut piece of American Brilliant Cut Glass. At the moment, the pattern is not known to me. Though this glass is the finest glass ever made in America, there is only small group of people across the country (Compared to Depression glass, Carnival glass collectors etc) who understand, and appreciate the importance of American Brilliant Cut Glass. Yes, this glass can be very expensive compared to other forms of American glass that you can buy for a dollar. However, you can find nice pieces of cut glass, to start a collection for $75.00 or less. The most expensive piece I have personally seen sold was an incredible two globed banquet lamp in a rare pattern for $35,000.
Dear Mark, I have several pieces of cut glass I have 'picked' from yard sales & other sources over the years. Many look Very similar to the Libby glassware you have posted. My question is, where is the Libby mark usually located on a piece & what does it look like? I live in Ohio so I'm thinking my chances of having a piece of Libby are pretty good. Thank you for your time & consideration!!
Sincerely, Penny
Hello Penny........It depends on the piece so I will list possible ares on certain pieces.
1. Bowls, Nappys, Compotes, Plates: Look inside the bowl in and around the middle. Have light reflect coming from above off the piece and turn it around slowly and at the same time, move side to side. Also, I have gone outside and used the natural light and have found signatures. Compotes on the base also
Vases, Most common place to look is on the base. I have seen stems on compotes, and vases signed also.
Drinking glassware: Look in the center. Also check the base
Pitchers: Most often on the base. However, any clear space under the handle or on top of the handle be sure to search.
Cream and Sugars, Check inside middle of the piece. Also, check any clear glass around or on top of the handles. Also the base.
Basically look at any clear area on what ever piece it is.
Libbey has three basic and that are the most common found.
The word Libbey in a circle.
The word Libbey is script with a full saber (sword) underneath
The word Libbey in script with a full saber with a small space in the saber under the "E" in Libbey.
The marks were put on buy an acid stamp and are a light gray color.
Now, with all the above said, your glass may not be marked at all. Most was not. Also if your glass is not American Brilliant none of the above will help you. I wold need clear pictures to tell what it is...Hope this helps. The best to you.......Mark
I'm going from memory but am pretty sure this is Libbey's Iola pattern.
No, memory failed. It's not Iola. I have a low bowl in your identical pattern signed Libbey. It is not in the catalogs and everyone I've asked has said there is no name or number for this pattern. I guess we should just be glad they are signed.
Karen........Memory? What is that? I have exhausted all my books and 50 back issues of The Hobstar and nothing. I guess I will just give the bowl my own pattern name. After much time spent looking through books of babies names, I have decided to go old school............ it is now called "Bob." Anyhow, thanks for taking a look, I appreciate your time and effort. Mark
This is so beautiful Mark.......
Thanks Sam, it is a mystery as to the pattern. The gal above, Karen, knows more than I about cut glass and she cant find the pattern name and she has the same pattern bowl and tons of resources. But that is the way cut glass goes.
Thanks for writing Sam