How to Authenticate Antique Glassware

Authenticating antique glassware is part science, part detective work. Here are the five checks our curators perform on every piece before it enters the Champions collection.

**1. Pontil marks.** Hand-blown glass usually has a pontil scar on the base where the rod was attached. A polished or absent pontil can indicate later machine production.

**2. Weight and balance.** Genuine antique crystal tends to be heavier than modern reproductions, with a satisfying heft that reflects the lead content and hand-forming.

**3. Wear patterns.** True age shows in the base — look for uneven, soft wear rather than uniform scratching. Reproductions often look "too perfect."

**4. Inclusions and bubbles.** Small bubbles and seed inclusions are normal in old hand-blown glass. Perfect clarity throughout can suggest modern manufacturing.

**5. Marks and labels.** Registry marks, etched signatures, and original labels all help date a piece. Our team cross-references these against manufacturer archives.

Every item in the Champions collection passes these checks — so you can buy with confidence.