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CRANBERRY GLASS






CRANBERRY GLASS


Cranberry Glass has been recognized for its beauty and splendor, since its birth in 1612 in Italy. Reaching its heyday in the mid to late-1880s, its bold colour complimented the Victorian taste for rich ornamentation, heavy curtains and elaborate wallpapers.



 It can still flatter today's popular 'uncluttered' style, as well as fit in to a more traditional scheme.




One of the biggest advantages to collecting glass is price. In general, glass of a particular date costs a lot less than its silver or ceramic counterpart.





 Although Cranberry Glass is sometimes expensive, there are still pieces out there for beginners to unearth.







If you are a complete novice, start buying from a specialist dealer. Don't be afraid to ask questions - a good dealer will want to offer advice and help - especially if they think you may become a regular customer!

CRANBERRY GLASS





Be sure to obtain a detailed receipt of each purchase - one outlining condition and restoration, provenance and date.






This can be useful if there are any future squabbles over authenticity. Cranberry glass is sometimes faked in better glass than the original!





Feeling confident? Then visit fairs and auctions houses to build your collection. If you are an impulse buyer, however avoid shopping at auction - you will invariably spend too much!




Make sure you handle pieces where possible - you are a potential buyer so most dealers   won't mind you handling their goods - as long as you are careful of course!

CRANBERRY GLASS






This will help you familiarise yourself with different types of Cranberry Glass. Although "Cranberry" is a description of colour not all pink-red glass is true Cranberry - it also depends on hue and date.







Beware of 'bargains' - there is usually a reason why a piece is so cheap. Remember - you can always negotiate prices.





 If your budget is relatively small, start off collecting small pieces such as wine glasses - from £10 per glass - there are so many out there that prices are rather low.





 If you find a damaged piece that you like, ask the seller for their "best" price. Beautiful pieces with minor damage such as chips, are available at a fraction of the usual price.









CRANBERRY GLASS
The finest Cranberry glass came from Bohemia, and it is predictably expensive. Look out for novelty items in Cranberry, like scent bottles and walking sticks - these can command sums up to £10,000 - purely for originality.






You can use your Cranberry wine glasses - they will look very attractive at a lunch or dinner party - but do take extra care, as they are delicate. Don't put them in the dishwasher!



CRANBERRY GLASS BUYING TIPS

  
Buy the best you can afford.

If a piece has some imperfections, this should be reflected in the price.

Handle pieces where possible - this helps you identify pieces, as marks on glass are rare.

If you are buying for profit - haggle!

Before you 'hit the shops', decide what you want to collect and what you can afford.

If you are an impulse buyer - avoid auctions!

If at auction, decide firmly on an upper limit for each bid - and stick to it.

Be wary of 'bargains' - there is usually a good reason why a piece is so cheap.

Your receipts will help you to keep up-to-date with market trends.

Inspect the base of pieces for signs of wear and tear.

Watch out for fakes. Reproductions are often made from better quality glass than the originals 
and are hard to spot.

Beware. Some of these pink-red beauties are simply a thin layer of true Cranberry sandwiched between two layers of clear glass!

Good cranberry should be clear and symmetrical, free of large bubbles and have no raised mould lines.

Collectibles Coach

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