I would greatly enjoy and appreciate that book if someone wrote it! I am quite new to collecting/selling glass and very recently came into Steuben and then this club. I have certainly been appreciative of what I’ve learned thus far and info I’ve been able to pull from the website, but I’m ready for more.

I do not, however, have social media or plan to get/use it. I suppose I am one of the strange Millennials that walked away from that, in my opinion, highly toxic environment. But it’s been nothing but good for me since I quit all of those programs years ago. My time and privacy and very valuable to me.

So, I’m afraid I don’t have a better solution to offer for recruiting people but I know I’m interested!

I may be in the minority of opinion here, but all of my glass, art, porcelain, and pottery reference books are sacred and invaluable to be. There is much to be gained from books. Mr. Little so graciously added to my now extensive library of reference guides and I’m extremely grateful to this group for his acquaintance!

I currently have several pieces that I am suspicious of being Steuben, but have not been able to find or confirm them either via my reference guides or the website. So, perhaps another method or means of connecting with people to assist in assessing and identifying glass would be helpful as well. I’ll be honest that my introduction into the wide world of glass has been mixed bag of welcome. Some readily share knowledge, others charge for it, some treat you foolish or stupid for not knowing and daring the ask, and many are simply exhausted from their knowledge being taken advantage of. I have been spoken to and insulted readily many times over my greenness to this world since entering. It can be quite intimidating.

Another factor, which I can say/see firsthand in my buying and selling in auctions and eBay is the lack of accurate information is also lowering the market value and demand. I came across a vase labeled: “Steuben iridescent art glass vase signed Tiffany Favrille” for $129 on eBay recently.

Now, clearly there’s a lot to unpack in that eBay listing… either this person is a scammer, clueless, or… who knows, but it’s hard to trust and know for sure when so many aren’t taking the time to research (which I know takes work and time) prior to selling. So buyers are cautious and because they are so many that have no clue what they’re handling, I see many things selling on eBay and in auction going for way under value simply because it’s misrepresented.

I hope my feedback is helpful and not unwarranted. These are my thoughts and experiences as someone “new to glass” and not just Steuben. I’ve always had a love for glassware and the arts, being an artist myself, but my fire for the history came after finding my first piece of sea glass in Grand Cayman a few years ago… I wanted to know where it came from. When the opportunity came available this year to truly get into collecting and selling, I dove at the chance.

Thank you for your time!

Kristin Beaird