What is EAPG (Early American Pattern Glass)? Early American Pattern Glass, also known as simply 'pattern glass', or Victorian glass is pressed glass tableware (& some related novelty glass items) was made only during the Victorian period ca 1850-1910, only in America, and in 'sets' such that all of the pieces in the set matched in design. These sets of dishes were made by hundreds of glass factories- some more long-lived and more well-known today than others. The number of patterns of EAPG has been estimated to be as high as 3000 however in some of those patterns only a few forms (or items) were made. The number of patterns made in extensive sets was probably closer to 1000. In the 3rd and 4th decade of the 20th century, sets of pressed glass dishes were made also and those are generally referred to as 'Depression Era Glass'. EAPG was manufactured in beautiful clear crystal glass & in a limited number of colors. As a testimony of its lasting beauty and appeal, many reproductions of the early patterns are on the market. These can lead to confusion on the part of beginning EAPG collectors and underscores the importance of making all antiques investments through reputable dealers. While the wealthy of that period would have used blown glass and china from abroad, this 'pressed ware' as it was called commercially, were the dishes used by the 'everyday housewives'. Despite our romantic notions about those times, life was very difficult for these Victorian Era ladies who endured the Civil War, reconstruction, Westward Expansion, & dread diseases and who enjoyed none of our modern 'conveniences' such as running water or electricity. Unfortunately for the unsuspecting beginning collectors there are also charlatans who are engaging in the ruinous practice of turning pattern glass what they call 'sun purple'. You may go HERE for a full discussion of this serious situation. Whether you have begun a collection of EAPG because of your sheer love of the glass & its historical roots in America or because you have some pieces handed down through the generations, we hope you will use it, enjoy it & remember with fondness our early American settlers & pioneers who created our great Land grounded in tremendous personal strength and solid spiritual values. Here is a link that might be useful: EPAG

2 bowls match, cups & bottom are same looks like.12 cups & cheap plastic ladle also 12 plastic hooks to hang cups over side of bowl. These were sets sold in 50's &60's for $10-15 as wedding gifts mostly, I have 1 & the bottom plate is starburst same as top large bowl. Sold as punch bowl, cake plate with smaller bowl used for stand & upper large bowl was filled with fruit salad usually with cooked dressing,milk,eggs, pineapple juice & put over salad helped keep bananas, apple slices, fresh peaches from darkling also red & green grapes in winter or melons in summer, looked very pretty & healthier & more chic if you served shower cake, fruit salad,coffee & tea(punch came later about 60's.) folks thought it was great! Most people back in those days came from up to 100 miles away so this helped "feed" you. Sandwiches or little buns with minced ham came later as folks income went up!! (Far more than you wanted to know!!LOL)

It may be helpful to determine if the glass is soda-, lead-, or heavy-leaded crystal. In trying to date some Bohemian stemware, the Rakow Museum curators in Corning suggested I determine the specific gravity of the glass. Remembering my chemistry from back in college almost 50 years ago - yeah, I can do that.... Use Archimede's Principle to determine the *volume* of the piece. Select a proper vessel to hold the object and add enough water to cover. Mark that level. Then submerge the glassware and mark that level, too. The difference in the two will be the object's volume in cubic centimeters. Now weigh the object. Divide one by the other and the result is the specific gravity in grams per cubic centimeter. Soda glass will be on the order of 2.4 g/cc. Leaded glass is about 3.5 g/cc. Heavy leaded crystal will be 4.5+.... With this info, I was able to identify my stemware as Bohemian, 1840-1850. Sadly, no one is buying clear bohemian glass these days.... Cheers

Use the finest grade sandpaper you can find. Sand lightly, then apply a coat of "Mineral Oil" which is sold in pharmacies as a laxative. Yuck, but it's a "food grade" oil meaning it is safe on wooden butcherblocks, salad bowls and the like. It does not have any odor. Wipe on a light coat with a soft rag, then gently wipe off with another clean cloth. Don't use paper towels for this project. Good luck!