The Wafer

One feature that helps identify stemmed Steuben items is a wafer. Eric Ericson provides some insight on wafers. However, there isn’t much written about this based on a quick look. We seek input from you readers if you’re familiar with other resources or can comment based on your own personal experience.

From Eric E. Ericson’s text

A Guide to Colored Steuben Glass 1903 – 1933 at page 84

The most typical characteristic of verifying an unsigned stemmed Steuben item will be that feature found on those which are signed in great numbers.

The Jade Green compote pictured herein (ed. can’t identify, but see a number of examples below) illustrates the classic application of the technique which has come to be called “the Wafer.” In this case the wafer is of Alabaster and joins as is typical, the stem to the lower bowl portion at the top, and, the pedestal base, thus accounting for two in number. The illustration is classical in that a different material is used for the joining process. This was Mr. Carder’s original intent in its use.

In the case of transparent crystal, especially objects of lesser size, the process was laborious, and was thought best to be modified. The modification, using the stem ends for wafer effect was a result. The workable glass was flattened slightly at each end, resembling an ellipse when viewed from the side, and these portions joined the bowl wit the base giving the appearance of separate wafers.

The functional aspect f this step was to insure a sturdier product for household use by preventing base-stem and bowl-stem separation by a hard blow.

In certain Steuben wares, especially sherbets, the two-wafer modification was further modiefied by utilizing one wafer only. These can be seen joining the stem to the base. Also on many larger urn-type vases, a wafer will be noted used in the same manner. On certain candlesticks two wafers will be in evidence together, joining the stem to the older portion. They may be of the same color as the main object, or they may be of clear crystal.

…. Other manufacturers used the wafer also; however, a check on color and shape will insure against error.

Shape #6614

Shape #542 , Style D

Shape #8351

Shape #6670

Shape #6241