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Mercury Glass
Mercury Glass, also known as silvered glass, is handblown, double-walled glassware with a reflective surface. It was created by pouring a silver or mercury compound into the space between the walls of the piece, usually via a base hole. The silvering compound adhered to the interior walls of the glass, the excess was drained off, and the hole was then stoppered with a wood, cork, lead, or glass plug to prevent tarnishing and water seepage. Late 17th-century European examples exist, but most collectible pieces originated in England, France, and the United States between 1850 and 1920.
Mercury glass is found in many forms, including plates, figurines, lamps, goblets, gazing balls, vases, candlesticks, and curtain tie-backs. Although some pieces are fairly simple, many reflect their Victorian origins with acid-etched fruit or flower motifs, wheel-turned cutting, and hand-painting.
Some collectors look for glass with bubbles, simple, elegant forms, light weight, and a patina to the silver—all factors that denote age. Other collectors prefer the more elaborate examples, which are generally quite heavy, and evaluate them according to their type of decoration. For example, all etching, cutting, and painting should be as finely done as on the best clear cut glass and painted china. Prices vary with form, decoration, and condition. Although its reflective surface makes mercury glass easy to identify, few pieces are marked. The best signed examples are by E. Varnish and Co. of London, and Hall Thomson. Other company names to look for and research include the Boston Silver Glass, New England Glass, and Dithridge Glass companies.
Mercury glass is found in many forms, including plates, figurines, lamps, goblets, gazing balls, vases, candlesticks, and curtain tie-backs. Although some pieces are fairly simple, many reflect their Victorian origins with acid-etched fruit or flower motifs, wheel-turned cutting, and hand-painting.
Some collectors look for glass with bubbles, simple, elegant forms, light weight, and a patina to the silver—all factors that denote age. Other collectors prefer the more elaborate examples, which are generally quite heavy, and evaluate them according to their type of decoration. For example, all etching, cutting, and painting should be as finely done as on the best clear cut glass and painted china. Prices vary with form, decoration, and condition. Although its reflective surface makes mercury glass easy to identify, few pieces are marked. The best signed examples are by E. Varnish and Co. of London, and Hall Thomson. Other company names to look for and research include the Boston Silver Glass, New England Glass, and Dithridge Glass companies.
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, Jun 19 2007, 11:39 AM EDT
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