Perspective on the Date of Production

We’ve had several discussions on how to date glass. It was pointed out that the records on shape numbers allow us to date the earliest date glass was produced at Steuben. However, it doesn’t preclude any dating of that shape number thereafter up to 1932 or later. However, other factory records may give clues. There are myriads of factory records at CMoG, many of which have been reviewed, but many which haven’t yet been examined. Willson Craigie of Richmond, Virginia points out the relevance of aging.

Great explanation from Scott about dates. I understand this very well. I believe that we (Carder Steuben Club) should make every effort to supply a general approximate date when we help curators with descriptions. I suggest this as I believe it useful, informative Detail which a museum visitor should have. While shape numbers are critically important to us, I’d wager that most museum visitors have no clue. We should supply both bits of information if we have it available to us. I realize some items were made over a 30 year period of time. Other pieces had a much smaller window.

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Another Redlands Historical Museum Identification

This is another problematic piece. There is no label on it and no apparent inventory number. I measured it today and it is 3 1/4″ tall. On the skimpy museum inventory page, there is a Steuben 6″ Tazza in Cobalt Blue. Is that it?

This is Steuben shape 2760 in Celeste Blue with a colorless stem.

Marshall Ketchum

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One More from Redlands

This is HGM Steuben No 17. The item is described on the label as a Steuben 12″ vase in crystal and unmarked. If it is Steuben, is it post-Carder?

A quick look at the Madigan book indicates that this may be the SP783 vase released in 1949. That would make it post Carder. According to Madigan all post 1932 modern Steuben were signed with the diamond point signature so if this one is unsigned someone may have polished the bottom.

Marshall Ketchum

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2013 Carder Steuben Club annual Symposium will be held at The Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, NY from September 19-21, 2013. The festivities will begin with Frederick Carder’s 150th birthday celebration on the evening of September 18, 2013.