First off, the other day I announced that the University of Southern Indiana was doing an exhibit of Carder Steuben. A cross reference to their web site announcement on this exhibit is

http://www.usi.edu/libarts/artcenter-galleries/2010-shovers.asp

Several more suggestions on the subject of how to remove labels.

First, John Styler of Prospect Heights, Illinois says

First I don’t believe the labels used back then were anything but mucilage glue, not the gummy products used today. Goo-B-Gone and Goof Off are chemical products that have very specific instructions as to their use and one wouldn’t know the outcome until damage is done if it’s the wrong thing.

I have to agree with Nettie Eller, it’s like the Red Badge of Courage and I wouldn’t monkey with it.

If you have a gum backed label nothing works better than good old butter with out the smell of those products, patience is the rule. The same applies to water if it’s mucilage glue.

A success story from Tiffany pastel collector Gordon Hancock of Patchogue, New York

I use Lacquer Thinner to remove labels. It will quickly be absorbed by the paper and dissolves the adhesive. Apply with a Q. Tip and clean up the residue with a tissue and Lacer Thinner. When clean give a final wipe with the tissue and Lacer Thinner. The Lacer Thinner will evaporate immediately and leave a perfectly clean surface. Of course work in a well ventilated area and away from any open flame. There is some odor but you are only using a very small amount so it is slight.

Years ago I purchased at auction an iridized Tiffany Pastel bowl that was advertised and illustrated in the auction catalog as brown. I bid over the phone. When I received the piece and examined it closely I realized the brown was nicotine stains in the stretch iridescence. I cleaned the nicotine off using Lacer thinner the only product I could find that would remove it. I now have a lovely Tiffany Pastel yellow bowl in my collection.

See you all in September, Best Regards, Gordon Hancock

June Riccio of Alamo, California has yet another suggestion

Lighter fluid wipes those gooey remains clean in seconds – no harm to the glass.