Craigies’ Silver Overlay Presentation

Alan – We thought we might add that roughly 65% of our Symposium presentation Saturday at 11:15 specifically deals with Frederick Carder and Steuben Glass. Much of our collection is Sterling over Carder Steuben Glass.

See you in 10 days !!!

Susan Craigie, Richmond, VA

Shuman Bubbles

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Bubbly (air trap glass) was an early Steuben production item that had great success. Manufactured in the ’20s and ’30s, the bubbles were used by Carder in a decorative and also controlled sense. Bubbles in the glass were achieved originally with spiked molds. When molten glass was rolled over the slab, the spikes left marks in the hot glass. A second applied layer of glass locked in the air, so that the controlled designs could be achieved.

Random bubbles in the glass could be created by introducing a willow branch into the pot and withdrawing it immediately. Gasses were released from the green wood, enabling the artisans to begin working this glass. This same process would also eliminate both greenish and pinkish tinges when the workers wished colorless glass.

All shapes and forms, including vases, bowls, colognes and even luminors, were manufactured. This ware was popular in clear crystal. Wisteria, French Blue, Topaz, Pomona Green, Antique Green and Bristol Yellow.