It was an embarassing and unsuccessful chapter in Leerdam's history.
Maastricht had flattered Leerdam with imitation for 35 years, and now Leerdam returned the dubious compliment.
Rather than colouring the glass as usual they tried an innovative solution and merely applied a layer of coloured paint to the base of the foot. The effect was cheap and cheerful but easily damaged, with the result that it was unpopular in an increasingly crowded market.
Spectrum signalled the end of non-machine production of mass products. Since the mid-sixties production at Leerdam has been completely mechanised and produces millions of wine glasses each year in a very limited number of patterns.
