Glassware dates to the dawn of history, and the first glass collectors probably appeared soon after the first glass objects cooled. Early pieces included pendants and beads--often made to imitate jewels--and small flasks fashioned by winding hot glass threads around a removable core. These appealing shapes were natural collectibles. The activity of glass collecting was born. 

The discovery of glass blowing in the late first century B.C. made glass making more efficient and economical. Tableware was either free blown or mould blown until the glass press was invented in the 1820s. This process speeded up production, lowered costs, and opened up new markets among the general population. 

Glass collecting
Glass collecting has been boosted over the years by the steady proliferation of antique shops and shows. Although more expensive examples of early glass are still the preserve of traditional auction houses, more recently online auction sites such as AuctionHunter have helped to popularise the more affordable end of the market made the Internet a major force in glass collecting. 

Glass is collected in a bewildering number of categories: by shape (toothpick holders, salt shakers, cruets); by geographical origin; by manufacturer by type (art glass, cut glass, pattern glass); by colour or decoration; by age; or by a seemingly limitless number of overlapping categories.  Some people collect any piece of glass that strikes their fancy! 

There is a good market for most types of collectible glass--especially the better or rarer examples. Art glass by Tiffany leads the way with prices often in the five-figure range. Carnival glass, the so-called "poor-man's Tiffany," can also sell for thousands, although it was originally a cheap, pressed glass. 

One of the hottest glass category since the 1970s has been Depression glass--pastel-colored, machine-made ware that originally sold in cut price shops or was given away in cereal boxes. Although interest in this collectable may have peaked, prices remain high. 

Identification
Hundreds of books on glassware have been published in the past 25 years. This availability of information makes it easier for dealers and collectors to identify pieces. 

Nevertheless, major problems still exist in authenticating glassware. While books are helpful, they do contain mistakes and sometimes contain contradictory information. Since few pieces were marked until recent times, a lot of guesswork is involved in authenticating items not documented in the glass literature. A further difficulty is that many types of glass have been reproduced. Even experienced collectors have been fooled by a new piece being misrepresented as an antique. 

Distinguishing new glass from old can be difficult, especially for the inexperienced. Some things to look out for in spotting a reproduction are: lack of wear on the base; an oily feel on the glass surface; signs of careless workmanship; a thick and heavy feel to the glass; and unusual colours not normally found in older glass. 

The grading and valuation of glassware depends on many factors. Published price guides usually only give prices for pieces in mint condition; any cracks, chips, or signs of repair lower the value. Besides condition, glass is graded according to rarity, as well as that intangible quality known as aesthetic beauty. Ultimately, a piece of glass is worth whatever the buyer will pay. 

Caring for glass
Most glass can be cleaned with a mild dishwashing detergent. It is a good idea to place a soft liner in your sink or dish pan in case the piece is dropped while cleaning. Safe solvents are available for removing marks left by stickers and certain types of stains. Ask a good glass dealer or repairman to recommend one. 

Glass repair has always been a controversial subject among collectors. Some prefer to keep their glass "as is" even if an item has a few chips or cracks. Others favour restoration to eliminate unsightly blemishes. Both damage and evidence of glass repair can lower the value of a piece, so decisions should be made carefully on a case-by-case basis. 

Try to avoid storing glass where it will be subjected to extreme hot and cold temperatures. Also, glass should not be exposed to continuous sunlight as this may produce damage. For storage, each piece should be individually wrapped in soft paper and packed in a cardboard box. If items must be shipped, it is safer to "double box" expensive pieces.