To All

I must say I was surprised at the results when discussion on the color yellow started. There is a group of Collectors out there that do have an interest in properly identifying and matching the shades of color to existing pieces. What I did find was through the responses that were coming in and our research that everyone had their own interpretation to results of the testing we were doing. I realized immediately that for the information that was coming in to be used to it’s optimal potential we would need to regulate some of our testing procedures to assure we were all using structured and identical mediums. Even a project as simple as placing a piece under a black light and reporting on it needed some structure. We realized we were using different lights, holding pieces different distances, etc. Even formulas needed reviewing to insure proper interpretation. These small complications are not something that can’t easily be resolved and
the discovery that ensues worthwhile.

Again I am 100% convinced we collectively have every color Carder used in his TCCs ( Transparent Colored Crystals) in captivity. I am positive by turning to our collections we can single out these last few examples of rare or unidentified color we have left. There really is not that many of them. Most are in agreement to Antique Green. The final touches are in place with Nile, and Celadon-Window Glass. We have one more shade of a dark emerald green that could perhaps be Dark Olive, or Cairo Green not discussed yet. There are a few extremely rare colors left. Some are referring to one as Smoke, another Russian Amber, and there are a couple of others I am aware of. I also hope to even cage Canary. There is also one more shade of blue that I have seen that is slipping through our fingers.

I am asking for some more time to improve testing mediums and make more inquiries to you all who hold all the colors collectively in your collections. I can’t say what a pleasure it was to see June Riccio’s piece of Medium Blue Jade! It really inspired me. I have seen the color before but in a questionable piece and her piece certainly confirmed my suspicion it existed. Now I want someone to show me a piece of Selenium Jade! If it is one thing I have learned about Mr. Carder is never say never. Honestly I was attracted to Steuben 33 years ago by it’s beauty but my passion was solidified by the mystery.

I figure we can carry on in this sub-category of Steuben color used in TCCs and the results can be shared by everyone. I should have a report on the yellow’s before long. I will also make a formal request for examples of what some refer to as “smoke” or Smokey Topaz and see if we can tie this color to Carder’s color name of “Dark Topaz” which does contain uranium and can easily be separated. Please send any information you may wish to share on color in TCCs.

Question: Can somebody please tell me how Pink Florentia reacts to black light to assist in my research of the color Dark Topaz and or Cinnamon Flint a color similar to Cairn Gorm that reacts to black light. The purpose to this is to properly assign Cinnamon Gold Ruby to one of the above as cinnamon is used int two different color types..

There is an experiential form of Intarsia from about 1916-1917 made in a fashion more similar to Cintra I would like to discuss with anyone who thinks they may have seen something of the sort. I had a possible piece that was signed F Carder at one time and know where it is at now.

To answer Don Love’s question about his blue stemware. Yes there is another blue that reacts to black light. They will not be Celeste Blue as you first thought. They should likely be Marina Blue which will also react. Marina and Persian are the two blues that will react. The mystery blue I mentioned earlier in this article possibly will react as it appears dichromatic but is in a much lighter shade and not likely to be confused. Perhaps a photo sent would be of some help, It looks to me that our recent discussions on color has been a success and is helping us as collectors to properly identify the colors used in our Steuben TCCs.

To add to the discussion of Flemish and Cobalt both are a cobalt colored blue. Beth had some valuable information on this subject with regard to cobalt being used for Aurenes. I would like add there is also Dark Flemish, Extra Dark Flemish, and Hard Flemish. These colors suggest to me simply that there may be two shades of Flemish the previous three just being slightly darker than our standard Flemish.

What a pleasure it has all been,
Rande Bly