Ruby Stain Decorations: Notes and Discussion

Attached is data base of known decorations on ruby stain and other pattern glass. As some may note, since ruby staining is a decoration of pattern glass, it is redundant to talk of ruby stained decorations. However, here it is. The data base can also be used to search for pattern names for patterns not shown in Heacock’s classic reference book on the subject. Patterns can be traced to their manufacturer where decorations were applied in house. For example note the four berry engraving on Duncan’s Swag Block and No. 321. Based upon decoration and souveniring dates of production can be determined.

There are well over a thousand photos in the data base, it has taken over two years and two hurricanes to get this far, so there are still mistakes. Please let us know about any errors and send along photos of decorations not presently in the data base.

I understand that Peter Thomas has raised the issue of new engravings on old glass. We can confirm that this is correct. An example is seen on the Blocked Thumbprint Band mug in the data base. This grape bunch and leaf engraving should be considered to be suspect unless provenance is known. The engraving is excellent. We find it hard to believe that someone has a significant financial return in doing this. As Dr. Johnson once commented, the most incredible thing about a dog walking on his hind legs is not that the dog can do it, but that someone would have taught him to do it.

My thanks to David Kastor of Houston, Texas for allowing me to photograph glass that he has acquired. His observations and ideas were incisive and helpful and, in the sincerest form of flattery, we have adopted them as ours.

The material in this data base is copyrighted. Permission to download and personally use copyrighted material from this web site is granted, indeed, encouraged. However, use of this material for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden.