Antique Glass and China

Many people love to collect antique glass and china. There are as many ways to collect vintage glass as there are collectors. With the varied colors, styles, and patterns collecting glass is a fascinating hobby.

Popular Types of Antique Glass and China

No matter what era you are interested in, what your favorite color is, or what china pattern you like there is a type of collectible glass just for you.

• Carnival Glass is a beautiful, iridescent, pressed glass that was given away as prizes at carnivals. It must be iridescent to be true Carnival Glass.
• Depression Glass is the term used for glass plates and other items that were often given away as promotional gifts or sold very cheaply during the depression.
• Early American Pressed Glass, also known as EAPG is a heavy glass that has been pressed into a mold. It was produced from about 1850 to 1910.
• Vaseline Glass, also known as Uranium Glass, is a yellowish green color and glows under a black light. This is due to a small amount of radiation emitted by the glass.

There are also collectors of fine china. These people have hearts that beat a little faster when they see a certain Royal Doulton pattern or Victorian china from Bavaria.

Some of the popular manufacturers are:

• Royal Doulton
• Homer Laughlin
• Salem
• Meissen
• Johnson Bros.
• Buffalo

Caring for Your Antique China and Glass

Although antique glass and china has probably survived many fumbles, you will want to treat it with care.

• Always put a tea towel in the bottom of the sink when washing or rinsing
• Hand wash in mild soap only
• Keep out of direct sunlight
• Three pronged stretchers can cause the china to have pressure cracks

It is fine to use your collectibles, just be gentle with them. You may also be interested in a related category, Kitchen Collectibles.