Palmer Pekarek: Hello! I am Palmer Pekarek from rubylane.

com and today we are talking about antiques and collectables and how to authenticate them.

We are going to use this pitcher's markings and manufacturing method to help us to determine its age. This heavy pressed glass pitcher by USGlass in the heart king pattern, was created in 1910.

The straw mark on the side of the handle is a factory flaw, not damaged. This can help us to determine its authenticity. It has an excellent advertising premium with complements of the Illinois Furniture Company on the bottom of its base. In an effort to take advantage of high collector demand for antique glassware, many companies are currently making new glass designs that look old or quaint. So it pays to educate yourself about characteristics common to the type of antique glass you want to collect. What is the sign of age, look for patterns of wear, and areas where silverware would logically have rested; your fingers rubbed on it, or it may be scratched in the same way. Check underneath or on the bottoms of feet of antique chairs or tables. Scratches may have been added to artificially age a new piece. Wear should be random however, not uniform in nature. Pressed pattern glass pieces, like this plume pitcher, were made in sectional moulds. Conversely, new reproduction items that are meant to be mistaken for old often have exaggerated mould seams. Old pressed pattern glass of the 19 and early 20 Century may have been made in a more primitive manufacturing environment. But it was made with great pride and attention to detail. You can often see this detail upon closer examination of the item.

Many manufacturers have information about their products online to help find out about the manufacturing methods used in the creation of this pitcher. Hopefully these tips have helped you understand the manufacturing process and markings on an antique and collectable so you can determine its authenticity.