The production of pressed glass began to escalate in the United States during the mid-1800s, this is when the Early American Pattern Glass (or EAPG) industry started to truly perfect itself. Unfortunately however, this era was quite brief due to the interruption of World War I and eventually the Great Depression, when significantly less-expensive pressed glassware was enveloped by smart shoppers. It was during what is known as the “American Brilliant” (1876-1917, respectively) period that consisted during the late 19th century until the early part of the 20th century, in which leaded crystal that was intricately cut in one’s home was a clear cut sign of one’s social status and hierarchy. Interestingly, a top layer of white glass was carved away and revealed a background of dark blue glass behind it the white images. Carved glass is yet another form of cut glass and the earliest surviving example of this technique, is a piece of 1st-century cameo glass that is regarded as the Portland Vase.
This effect was often also utilized to create beautiful patterns, decorations and designs. Glass was cut by simply holding a cooled piece of glass up to a grinding wheel to create and carve grooves in the side of the glass. Let us begin with cut glass cut glass is the oldest form of glassware, and dates back to approximately 2,000 years ago, which is closely tied to the introduction of glassblowing itself in many Western regions. So, don't be too quick to put Grandpa's binoculars out at your next garage sale. They may be worth more than you think.Night Shift at an Indianna Glass Factory Year 1908 American glasses were made in a range of sizes and magnifications, all the way up to giant 20x120 pedestal-mounted units found on the bridges of battleships and destroyers. The British introduced all manner of binoculars, none with particularly fine optics but many with quirky designs.Īlthough most have disappeared into collections, some can still be found along London's Portobello Road and occasionally online. As precision instruments go, they can be quite reasonable, often less than the likely cost of reproducing them today. Counterfeits have not been a big problem in this category either, eliminating some of the usual hazards of collecting. In fact, most collector interest revolves around optics from World War II, both Allied and Axis. Military pieces: Authentic artifacts can still be collected - if you know where to lookĬoin collecting: Look for age, rarity and condition Moreover, unlike many other collectible categories, binoculars have great utility. They are useful in a thousand ways, and their portability and general ruggedness allows them to add value to almost any distant situation. If the sense of sight as an information-gathering tool is perhaps our most important one, something that serves to enhance that ability must be a good thing, right? Right.
Other than optical coatings introduced during the war to aid light transmission and reduce reflection, there has been no other technological advancement of great significance for all that time. When you consider how much cameras, microscopes and other optical devices have changed, it's remarkable that binoculars have remained so much the same. And that's one of the most interesting things about binoculars. Unlike any other viewing instrument, basic binocular design has remain unchanged for 100 years. Indeed, many binoculars made during World War II - and there were dozens of varieties on both sides - are still considered today to be among the best you can buy.
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