Question of the Day

Can someone out there help me differentiate (visually) between Calcite and Ivrene when looking at an acid cut shade?

Thanks,

Harry Morgan, Beverly, MA

Ivrene defined by John Shuman

p.26-27

Ivrene glass, like Ivory glass, is rare; it is translucent, snow white and has a soft look. Some examples have reeding, copper wheel engraving, trim in a contrasting color, or iridization much like Verre de Soie.

The glass was first made in the form of lamp shades; later it was manufactured in limited quantities in console sets and vases. Table services were not always in complete sets.

Paper labels and script “Steuben” signature were used on this ware. The signatures are often difficult to detect, especially if the bases have much wear.

Flared and ribbed shapes are most noteworthy in Ivrene. Check for correctness of shapes when buying this or any glass. Probably produced in the ’20s, some examples, but certainly not all, are opalescent.

Iridlescent Vase

Shape #7560

At page 144 of Art Glass Nouveau by Ray and Lee Grover, the authors state:

Ivrene, a transparent, white opaque glass, might best be described as nearly pure snow white in color with a light satin finish,, slightly iridescent. This work is quite rare, most of the pieces being in the art shapes rather than the commercial ware forms such as flatware, goblets and the like.