Yesterday, Michael Krumme asked for an opinion on whether a piece of glass sold on the internet was really Carder Steuben. I expected a large number of responses. What I learned to my surprise was only one person replied who said he didn’t believe it was and launched into criticism of a number of eBay sellers who are all too frequently attributing non Carder glass to Carder. His conclusion is “buyer beware”.

There was yet another response that didn’t give any opinion on the glass itself, but expressed his frustration because he has been burned too often on eBay. He would like to somehow see a group of trusted Steuben collectors who he could share opinions with, buy and sell with, talk about values, perhaps exchange pieces for sets or broken parts, etc.

Only these two responses, but they probably tell a story of a lot of frustrated collectors. What to do about it? Maybe some of you have some ideas and insights. There are limits to what the CSC can properly do and undertake. Now, if you want an opinion on a piece of glass, you can submit a picture and request to our webmaster (webmaster@cardersteubenclub.com) However, this is only the webmaster’s opinion. If you want to post a picture on the website there is a due diligence process with a number of knowledgeable collectors who will give an opinion before the picture is posted, but this takes some considerable time to process. Certainly something for a great deal of thought.

_ Any opinions expressed by participants to the Gazette are the opinions of the authors and are not endorsed by or the opinions of the Carder Steuben Club

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Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Michael Krumme of Los Angeles raises a few questions.

Q. I haven’t received any Gazelle Gazettes for several days, so I assume you took a few well-deserved days off. If not, then there is a delivery problem!

A. Editorial response. Well, Michael, there hasn’t been a Gazette for several days because no one wrote, until you did, with information. The Gazette is totally reliant on participant response and comments.

Q. Now, I know that it would certainly be against CSC policy to discuss a current eBay auction, but what about one that has closed? I was watching this item, which seller attributes to Steuben, but the color is not anything that I have ever seen in Carder Steuben — or am I wrong? I did not find the shape in the line drawings in Gardner. Here’s a link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390213484170

It looks like Venetian glass to me. Thought it might be fodder for input from members.

If against policy, please disregard. Just a Carder Steuben novice here, trying to learn more!

A. Editorial Response. You’re correct, we wouldn’t address a current auction. As to one that is closed? Well, as a Club, we’re not going to weigh in with an official response. On the other hand, this Gazette is a teaching tool. A discussion on shape, color, technique and whatever, could possibly be very instructive. So, Michael, let’s see what kind of responses your question raises. It could be interesting.