Antiques -> Decorative Arts -> Stemware

How do you tell an antique goblet from an antique cup or mug? Goblets are stemware, with the earliest goblets made from earthenware and then expanding to other stronger materials as the years passed. The use of goblets pre-dates the Roman Empire, though the real explosion of their use occurred in Roman times. They created goblets from many different types of materials like pottery and even lead, for the common masses, while the elite and upper classes of their society used goblets made from glass and precious metals.

Glass goblets were refined chiefly by the Venetian Empire, with glass goblets still produced in Italy and the USA today. Antique goblets are rarely those made from glass, simply because glass is breakable. An antique goblet found today is most likely made from metal, which is a more durable and long-lasting material.

An antique medieval goblet, for example, would likely be made from a mixture of metals or even wood. Wood was used for many eating materials and even carved into stemware because it was so readily available and easy to work with. An antique wooden goblet from medieval times would have been more likely to belong to common people, where a metal goblet might have been used by the more wealthy. The highest classes also used glass and crystal goblets, often with detailed embellishments on the stems or with fancy handles. While antique medieval goblets are those from that time period and wonderful pieces of history, many goblets you’ll find for sale are called vintage medieval or medieval-inspired. Those are contemporary pieces merely bearing medieval designs, not antiques.

An antique goblet found today most likely would not have been used for many years, as collectors prefer to display them and keep them in good repair. While most will be metal, it is possible to find glass antique stemware, particularly in auctions from Venice and Murano Italy.

When purchasing a glass antique goblet, there are many things to consider. And while auctions are a great resource for finding these, it’s best if you can examine the goblet firsthand before purchase (or get a guarantee before purchase and examine it immediately upon arrival). First, determine whether the glass stemware has ever been broken or damaged and repaired. If you’re purchasing through an auction, read the details and ask questions. A glass goblet can be glued in such a way that it’s invisible. If you hold it up to a black light, however, the imperfection will show. Ask if the goblet will hold up under such an examination. Fakes are also a problem, which usually require examination by an expert to detect.

Also, the type of glass used in the antique goblet is important. Some older glass manufacturers used high alkali glass which breaks down over time. This glass will have a distinct odor, and may even “sweat” as molecules in the air react with the glass. If the glass is in this state of decay, it’s not a good investment.

Photo Credits: burningkarma

Originally posted 2008-10-10 14:00:24. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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