How to Identify Candlewick
Imperial Candlewick is a crystal design produced by the Imperial Glass Company in Bellaire, OH from 1936 to1983.. Named after the Colonial needlework craft of candlewicking, the crystal is recognizable because of the small delicate balls that trim the outside edge of every piece. This is one of several ways used to identify Imperial Candlewick from other brands of crystal.
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Things You'll Need
- Reference book such as "Candlewick: The Crystal Line," by Bob and Myrna Garrison.
Instructions
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Examine the bottom of the glassware. If the bottom is smooth and shiny, it is not Candlewick. Imperials' glassware, especially the earlier pieces, had rough and rather dull bottoms.
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2
Look at the glassware in light. If there is a bluish or grayish tint to the glassware, it is most likely Candlewick. It took Imperial several decades to perfect the clear crystal technique, so most Candlewick pieces have either a blue or gray tint. There are later pieces that are clear, but the tinted versions by far outnumber the clear ones.
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Take a careful look at the balls around the outer edge. Imperial Candlewick's balls are perfectly round, smooth and do not touch each other. The balls are seamless.
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Remember that the original Candlewick was only made in clear crystal (blue/gray tint aside). If it is colored glass, it is not original Imperial Candlewick. It could very well be Imperial, but not Candlewick.
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Tips & Warnings
To avoid confusion, only buy Candlewick from reputable Candlewick merchants. If purchasing the glassware online, make sure the seller has a good rating from previous customers.
Study the history and know the Imperial Candlewick products.
Remember - just because a piece of glassware has a sloped base and balls around the outter edges it does not mean it is Imperial Candlewick. Many companies have attempted to duplicate Candlewick and some molds were sold off to other glass companies when Imperial Glass was liquidated, but this does not mean it is an authentic piece of Candlewick.
