Continuing Definitions of Acid Etched or Acid Cut Back

from A Guide to Colored Steuben Glass 1903 – 1933 (Book One) pps 37-42

Acid Cut Back

“As relates to items in the Acid Cut Back or acid etched category, (or Cameo Etched as it is called in the 1932 Steuben catalog) all being correct descriptive terms, the point is that here we are dealing with an item of low quantitative output.

“In discussing this particular Steuben type with Mr. Carder, he pointed out that there were approximately 400 patterns, or designs, made for Acid Cut Back major items. Some designs looked better on the drawing board than the finished product, and in these cases only one item was made. Others which showed up exceptionally well were allowed to through a total of six production pieces. Thus, if a mean average is taken of four completions per design, based upon an average number of designs as 400, the result is 1,600. Mr. Carder remembers the number 1,800 quite well, and this figure can be accepted as being a close approximation of the total output of Acid Cut Back pieces.”

“The Acid Cut Backs are for the most part quite imposing artistically and also in their sheer, sensual impact. Commonly called ‘cameo,’ it is not wise to do so while Mr. Carder is listening, and in fact they are not cameo. The design,, which can be either in relief or bas relief was due to the action of a hydrofluoric acid bath.”

“Usually the Acid Cut Backs have one portion glossy and one portion acidized. Some are completely acidized. In these cases the protective wax layer was removed in the final stages to allow it to become the same texture as the design. Normally, items in this category are colorless crystal. They are unique in that most Steuben Acid Cut Backs are of two layer structure, whereas they are but a single homogeneous mass.”

“The most inspiring pieces are those made of two layers, usually with an Alabaster ground and an overlay of one of the vivid Steuben crystal colors. In this category, Flemish Blue, Gold Purple, God Ruby, Black, Jade Green, Amethyst, Gold Aurene, Blue Aurene were used as the overlay glass. The designs which they form are in relief and glossy, while the Alabaster accentuates the artistic endeavor quite handsomely.

“Other Acid Cut Backs may be found in Black with overlay of Gold Aurene, and Jade Green with an overlay of Black.

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“Designs are for the most part of floral nature. In Jade Green and Amethyst there seem to be a great number which closely resemble an Oriental motif, and are actually some of the most detailed items, from the point of view of many hours to negotiate completion.

“The most desirable Acid Cut Backs are those depicting aquatic and animal life forms. Not many were created with these scenes, and in view of the low total production quantitatively, they are very much sought after.

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“Many collectors and dealers who have been unfamiliar with Mr. Carder’s Acid Cut Back items have passed them up, since they appeared to be unsigned. It is quite true that there are more unsigned ones known than signed; however, the important things to remember are: 1. Sharpness of cut; 2. Massiveness of the items; 3. Grecian shape; 4. Floral or Chinese motif; 5. Color structure. With these in mind, one should have no trouble in recognizing one if fortunate enough to find one.”