On this site we try hard to use our terminology precisely. The result should be that we are able to communicate more exact detail about the condition of glass, dimensions, colour and prices. We also publish 'price-lists' which are intended to act as a guide for us in buying more items, and intend to offer valuations based on our areas of expertise.

Whether buying or selling, the following terminology is used when we describe
  • General Condition
  • Specific Condition
  • Dimensions
  • Colour
  • Price Levels
  • Accurate Photography


    • General Condition

    Perfect:
    The item is undamaged, retains it's polished and unscratched finish (except under the foot) and would be considered 'as new' by a retailer. If it's actually an antique, then such an item may command a premium above our listed price.
    Very Good:
    The item is a very good example with no chips, no sharp scratches, no cracks chips, or fleabites. Depending on it's age the piece may have small 'signs of use' including undistracting wear to the underside of the foot. It displays well, and is worth the full listed price.
    Good:
    The item is a good example without major production flaws and bears a few marks typical of normal use; Fleabites or cracks are specifically described. Any uneven grinding of the rim, or inconsistency in the colour is noted. The flaws noted have been accounted for in reducing the value below our listed price.
    Poor:
    A glass object which has a 'running' crack or starburst fracture is usually condemned to death. Sometimes we shed a tear as we smash 'em! Only the irreplaceable (i.e. unica) have any chance of retaining any financial value!

    Specific Condition
    An item which is in good condition may still include one or more of the following shortcomings, which are specifed in the description and shown in our photos.
    Production flaws
    may include colour flaws, uneven 'waves', grains of 'sand' or small bubbles in the body of the glass.
    Flea-bites
    are small chips to the rim which are thought to occur spontaneously, and certainly happen very easily with certain shapes of ground edge. Since we collect functional glass which has almost invariably been used, it must be accepted that many of the most collectable designs are prone to this problem. We make careful notes and offer photographs to our customers at no cost.
    Chips
    A chip is a small crack which has returned to the edge of the object, leaving a 'nibble' on one side of the rim. This sort of problem is particularly typical of certain (sharply-pointed)ground edges, such as used on the rims of spherical forms. The measurement is taken along the longest dimension of the chip.
    Bites
    A bite is a small crack which has returned to the edge of the object, leaving a damage which affects both sides of the rim. This means that the profile of the object is impaired. The measurement is taken along the longest dimension of the bite.
    'Aanslag'
    is the dutch word for the mineral salts/calcium deposits which adhere to the glass when hard water has been left in it for a long time (e.g. to evaporate). This deposit can actually bond with the glass at a molecular level (on Dutch glass, anyway), and is therefore ultimately impossible to remove. It causes a cloudy opaquesness on the inner surfaces of the vessel when it is dry, although it may be almost invisible when in water. We have collected a few trade secrets along the way, and are always surprised at how much the appearance of the items we buy can be improved. We do NOT use any processes which might cause (further) damage to the surface of the glass (inside or out) without declaring it in our catalogue descriptions, but we are not able to verify what techniques may have been used by previous owners.

    Dimensions

    Our measurements are approximate! We will do our best to measure exactly, but there are some practical limits. Certain items offered on this site (e.g. Leerdam H-series) were hand finished by grinding the rim, and the variations of hand-finishing resulted in erratic heights when finished (sometimes as much as 1cm on a vase of 20cm height). If you are looking to complete a pair or set of such items, please take the initiative to ask us about the EXACT height.
    In general our measurements follow these rules.
    Height The external measurement from the highest point of the item (when standing)to the ground.(=the height of a shelf needed to diplay the item)
    Width: The external measurement of the item at it's widest point (= the width of a cabinet shelf needed to display the item (standing))
    Mouth: The internal diameter of a vessel at (the widest point of) its opening.
    Neck: The internal diameter of a vessel at the narrowest point of its opening.

    Colour

    All the images on this site have been used to give a 'reasonable' impression of colour, and are combined with the colour-names used in factory catalogues (where known). However the colour of different glass batches will never have been exactly identical, and therefore colour variation is inevitable.
    For some items (e.g.hyacinth glasses) this is a very broad variation of several colours over a prolonged period. We offer special photography services which can help in selecting colour matches.

    Date

    The date given is normally the year of the catalogue in which the design first appeared. Later editions may have a different colour, or ammended (e.g. satin or engraved) finish. Where this is the case we try to indicate the decade during which the colour was introduced.

    Description

    The terms listed above and used on this site are offered from our best knowledge, but customers should not infer that our knowledge is perfect. We are happy to answer any questions about any part of the description.

    Price Levels

    Catalogue (or Listed, or Retail) Price:
    The price in our web-shop is the full 'antique-shop' value, and equates to the reasonable replacement value claimable on (our) insurance. This is the price which is listed in our shop, and also the price on our price lists.
    Trade Price:
    Normally 70% of the catalogue price, reflecting the fact that the condition report is guaranteed and that transport/viewing/retailing costs etc. are not included. This price also anticipates a larger number of items, and is available to customers whose invoice totals more than 200 euros AND includes more than five items.
    Buying Price:
    Dealers have to depend on house clearancess and markets, etc. and this is the threshold amount that we consider a 'good buy', and it represents 33-50% of the catalogue value. We consider that paying less than this amount to the seller would bring 'bad karma'. If you want to guess what we will be able to offer you in cash for items listed on this site, this should be a rough guide. (Of course you can ask also ask us for a no-strings offer, and get a more accurate answer!)
    Auction Prices
    We occassionally refer to prices at auction as an indication of scarcity and collectability. We make every effort to date our information, but do not guarantee that we have surveyed all the relevant information. In providing such information we are not implying that it is typical of prices generally, or correct in the specific.

    Accurate Photography

    We are very happy to supply (watermarked) digital photographs of any item to other collectors or potential buyers/sellers, but we know that such photographs are NOT always 'accurate'. Please remember that photography is often not a good representation of colour, especially in the case of glass objects.
    If you are concerned about fluorescence, iridescence or lustre (etc.) we will do our best to capture the object with that specifically in mind.