What Is Pressed Glass? PHASE II

Similarities to Cut Glass

Yes, some pressed glass items mimic cut glass and were made as a cheaper alternative to their more labor-intensive and costly counterparts. One company associated with this type of product is the Imperial Glass Company. Imperial used the Nucut (pronounced “new cut”) mark on many of its pressed glass pieces that simulate cut glass.

But when examined in comparison, the “cuts” on pressed glass pieces do not have the sharp feel to them found when running a finger across a piece of cut glass as if checking glassware for damage. And although the patterns are intricate, sometimes mold lines are present in these pieces as well.

How to Tell the Difference

The first thing to look for is the presence of a pontil mark on the bottom of the piece. Whether it’s rough where the glass making rod was broken off, just a polished bump, or smoothed out to form an oval or round indention, blown glass will have some type of pontil mark present.

Molded or pressed glass will not have a pontil mark on the bottom. Instead, look for seams present to indicate that a mold was used in the manufacture, as mentioned above. The mold seams are usually found on the sides of the piece where a mold would have fit together during production. Rough mold seams often indicate lesser quality glass, but that doesn’t mean those pieces are not collectible. Many types of molded glass, including milk glass, EAPG, and Depression glass, along with many other types are readily found today and they do have a following among collectors.