Q: I am interested in your opinion and the potential value of a cut-glass lamp that has been in the family for a long time. Originally, it was in my grandmother's house in Parkersburg, West Virginia, and probably dating to the early 20th century. It stands about 19 inches tall, and the globe is about 12 inches across. Unfortunately, not all of the prisms match, and a couple are missing, no doubt bearing on its potential value. I am unable to find any markings as to a manufacturer or craftsman on it. I also have a couple of ancillaries; matching pieces to it which may add desirability. I am not interested in selling it, but I am interested in your opinion. Thank you for your time, and most certainly your column in the paper. — J.H., Alachua 

A: You have a beautiful cut-glass lamp. During the last quarter of the 19th and into the early 20th century, America was producing some of the most elaborate, beautiful cut crystal in the world. Collectors of American cut glass refer to the era circa 1870s to early 20th century as the Brilliant Period. 

One of the obvious signs of cut glass is very sharp edges of the pattern resulting from the wheel polishing after the pattern is wheel-cut into the glass. All of this created a high cost for consumers; most folks could not afford to buy cut glass although it was produced in large quantities by many companies. Pressed glass made in molds in the same pattern was much more affordable and made in massive quantities, including complete dinnerware sets, etc. In order to compete and make cut glass more affordable, acid polishing was developed after wheel cutting instead of wheel polishing, reducing time and labor. Acid polishing worked fine, but it left the edges rounded and not sharp to the touch. Old timers used to warn one to be careful not to cut a finger when touching the sharp edges of a cut-glass bowl. 

Your photographs are quite clear. It appears to me that your cut-glass lamp is likely acid polished and thus made after World War I. Some cut glass was marked by the maker with an acid-etched stamp, which can be almost invisible on the glass surface. To find the mark, one looks across the surface in direct sunlight. The sun or light source should reflect off of the surface like a mirror and then rotate the surface in a full circular motion. If the mark is there, it will jump out at you. Take the lampshade out of the mount and hold it in both hands upside down so the inside surface can be seen.

Good luck! Let me know if you find it. If your lamp has no chips or cracks, it would likely sell close to $1,000. If signed, depending on the maker, the value would be higher. Prisms are typically found chipped and missing, and can be replaced and have very little effect on dollar value. 

The cut-glass creamer would sell below $100 and was made by a different maker as well as the basket, which would sell below $50.

The butterfly image on the shade of your lamp could indicate the maker. My guess is the Libbey Glass Company. There is an organization dedicated to education, research and enjoyment of collecting Brilliant Period cut glass called the American Cut Glass Association should you want to do more research on your lamp. The website is cutglass.org.

John Sikorski, with more than 35 years of experience, is an Ocala-based antiques advisor, consultant and broker. Send your questions to Sikorski's Attic, c/o The Ocala Star-Banner, 2121 SW 19th Ave. Road, Ocala, FL 34471-7752, or email absantique@aol.com.