How to Identify Waterford Glass

Waterford glass is highly prized by modern day collectors.

Waterford glass is heavy cut glass produced by the Waterford Crystal company since 1729. William and George Penrose began the company in Waterford, Ireland, hence the name of the glass. Waterford glass has two stylistic periods, Rocco and Neoclassical. Production was stopped in 1851, due to heavy British taxes, but started again in 1951 by the Irish Glass Bottle Co. Thus, modern collectors prize Waterford glass, making identification a valuable skill.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Internet connection

Instructions

1. Hold the glass to a light source and look for the acid-etched Waterford name in gothic script on the underside of the glass. This may be a difficult task. If successful, it results in easy identification of Waterford glass.

2. Examine the different aspects of the glass. There are certain patterns and features specific to Waterford glass products. For example, pieces produced before 1830 have a smoky, bluish gray color, which is lacking in later pieces.

3. Cross-reference the pattern of your glass with online guidebooks of known Waterford glass patterns. This will require extensive research, but is the only available identification tool if a logo isn't present on the underside. If the pattern is identified in the guidebooks as a Waterford, you can safely assume it is authentic.

4. Take your piece into an antiques store that specializes in collectible glass pieces. An expert will be able to examine your piece and determine whether it's a Waterford product.

5. Upload a picture of your glass piece onto the Internet. There are numerous forums online where experts will be glad to help you determine the maker of your glass. To the trained eye, a Waterford piece can be easily distinguishable.

6. Find an appraiser who will determine your piece as a Waterford. Due to the fee that appraisers charge, this should be a last resort when all other methods of identification have failed.

Tips & Warnings

• Authenticate your piece with numerous sources before attempting to sell your piece as a Waterford. There can be legal consequences for improperly describing your piece as a Waterford.

• If you are attempting to sell, do not accept any price for your Waterford glass piece without properly identifying the actual value. There are websites that will allow you to cross-reference your pieces selling price with similar previously sold pieces.

References

• Britannica: Waterford Glass
• Penrose Crystal: History