How to Identify an Antique Glass Vase

Antique glass can be found in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. There are many techniques that are used to make antique glass, and many of those techniques are still used. It is sometimes hard to determine if a glass vase is an antique or not. There are a few ways that you can determine if your antique vase is in fact an antique.

In order to determine if your antique glass vase is an antique, you are going to have to do some research on the type of glass vase that you have, as well as the name of the glass maker that made your vase. The Internet is a great place to search for specific information on individual glass makers and styles.

Carnival Glass

• This type of antique glass has an iridescent finish, which contains a pattern that is coated by a shiny metallic finish. This type of glass was made in the first part of the twentieth century.


• You can usually tell if your antique glass is a carnival glass piece if the iridescent rainbow pattern is evenly distributed throughout the glass. Antique glass is also usually thicker than modern day glass.

Depression Era

• This type of glass was produced during The Great Depression. It is able to be easily spotted because it is thinner than most antique glass. It is usually see-through and colored in a variety of different colors.


• Be careful of imitations that are often modeled after this era, reproductions are usually much thicker than authentic depression era glass. 

Tip

• Antique glass can often be hard to distinguish. Look for any markings of glass makers, or initials that may be able to help you identify the maker of your antique glass vase.