Collectors, too, have plenty of scope, for though Georgian glass is comparatively rare and fine pieces command big prices, yet the amateur is not faced at the outset, as in the case of glass of a period prior to this, with two very serious propositions—an almost prohibitive price and a more or less doubtful authenticity.
The illustrations shown of eighteenth-century glass will make it clear that, although they are some of the most satisfactory specimens of the time, not even an amateur could mistake them for modern, their shapes alone being almost a guarantee of the date of their origin. Even if the shape be imitated, the peculiar dark, pearly look of the old flint glass cannot, and it forms a simple and definite test.
The pair of decanters on the right ([Fig. 14]) are almost unique—the deep cutting, the curiously shaped stoppers, the long or rounded necks, and the flat-cut shoulders being absolutely characteristic. But it is not unusual to find these graceful shapes copied; and again the collector must beware. Some of the quart decanters have, as will be seen from the two on the left of the illustration, hollow bottoms in which are inserted tiny musical boxes. When the decanter was raised the box started playing some familiar air, generally “Home, Sweet Home.” Whether the intention was to remind
18th CENTURY CUT SWEETMEAT GLASSES IN OLD SHEFFIELD PLATED STANDS.
18th CENTURY DECANTERS, SHEWING VARIETY OF DESIGNS IN CUTTING.
FIG. 14.
the holder that he was at home, or to hint that he might think of going there, probably depended upon circumstances.