Thoughts on Identification

from p. 237 of Frederick Carder and Steuben Glass by Thomas P. Dimitroff

Extremely challenging identification problems present themselves when the the piece of glassware in question reflects a situation in which more than one glass company produced items in the same or nearly the same shape or color. Also challenging are items similar to Carder’s glassware that are unsigned, carry fake signatures, or even have genuine paper labels. Although uncommon a new previously undocumented piece or type of Carder glass may appear. In all of these situations, a synthesis of all of the identification elements must be applied. Additional elements, which rely heavily on a person’s knowledge and experience, may be needed. Examples of this may include examining the weight, thickness, and quality of the glass itself. Also to be considered are such things as how the component parts of objects are joined together and factors as detailed as the way in which the veins on applied leaves are made. In these situations, a knowledgeable person will remember that identification is a process that requires familiarity with the variety of elements that make a piece Carder Steuben. A good and accurate identification of a Carder Steuben object utilizes as many different identification elements as possible.

Also, in a footnote to Fig. 10.89 at page 236 the author states “Many of Carder’s colors are subtle and vary on slightly from one another. It is not uncommon to find colors that have not been definitely identified.