The Hour

Have you ever found yourself browsing glassware in an antique shop, unsure how much an object is truly worth? Now you can decide for yourself, with top tips from antiques expert Anita Manning.

Speaking on STV’s The Hour, she said: “This is Anita’s mini master class: A guide to how you can tell the trivial trinkets from the true treasures. Today we’re going to be looking at glass.”

While glass may look great, this is not the best indication of its value. Instead, you must first establish how old is it.

Victorian glass tends to be characterized by a lot of decoration which is possibly too garish for today’s taste. In the 1930s and 40s, glassware became more simple, but was still colourful.

Heading in to the 1950s, glassware figures became popular. These were incredibly delicate, with plenty of decoration.

Another indication of an object’s worth is the maker’s name. This will normally be located on the bottom of the object, and with a bit of research it could tip you off to a major find.

Finally, check the object’s weight and finish. A good glass product will always have a bit of weight behind it, while a smooth finish suggests expert craftsmanship.

ANTIQUES ON THE HOUR

• More antiques from Anita
• China master class
• Victorian antique prints