Glass Condition

condition is important on Lalique and other collectible glass.
Here are things to look for :

Quality of the moulding: is there good detail? As moulds get older detail gets weaker.
Original staining adds to value.
Enamelled items, is there damage? Damage to enamelled items can cost more to repair that the item is worth.
Damage to an enamelled piece makes it virtually worthless.

Colored lalique: is it the most desirable color?
Some Colours are much more desirable than others
You could get badly stung if you pay rare prices for a common piece.-

Check on ebay to see what the piece you are considering has sold for in the past.

Check for damage such as grinding down edge chips, polishing , chips, cracks or drill holes.
Check if the piece is complete, is there a base, lid or original stopper missing? If so you may have problems sourcing a replacement.
Has it been converted, for example a bowl to a sconce or hanging light? Collectors want pieces in original condition.

The following is a guide only, as there are many variations and exceptions as to how lalique glass
is marked.
Early pieces were engraved by hand - by the artisan himself so there are variations between pieces.

The greatest confusion for new collectors is how the R is used in the signature. Some people believe that the use of the R means the piece must be made before 1945 and if there is no R that is must be after 1945. This is not so.

Pieces that are signed R. Lalique can be from old moulds such as worth perfume bottles issued with the R until very recently and some early lalique may not have the R.
Remember that many FAKE Lalique pieces are still being produced in Czech Republic,Romania and Taiwan.
Some of these are virtually indistinguishable from the real thing.
Fakes are usually only made of EXPENSIVE pieces - like the top vases. Fakes of Lalike minor pieces such as modern fish or glass rings are almost unknown.
If you are in any doubt then try to get a certificate of authenticity.
For pieces under $100 in value it is almost impossible to get a certificate of authenticity ...

Related posts:

1. Collecting Lalique Glass
2. Lalique Vases – Collecting Hints
3. Lalique Car Mascots
4. Lalique Art Nouveau Chandeliers
5. Lalique Art Nouveau Guides