WHAT IS NEAR-CUT, NU-CUT OR PRESS-CUT GLASS?

These are three interchangeable terminologies used to describe the intricate and elaborate designed PATTERN PRESSED GLASS that is either blown in a mold or pressed in a mold.

AMERICAN GLASS FRUIT BOWL

AMERICAN GLASS COMPOTE

Because of their similarities of patterns and clarity of blanks, many inexpert collectors and dealers have a tendency to refer to this type of glass as Brilliant cut glass which only refers to the real Brilliant Period Cut Glass that contained a high lead content up to at least 40 %. Pattern or Pressed Glass does not contain lead. These types of glass are two completely different worlds.

This Antique Pressed Glass Bowl is of American origin and dates approximately 1900-1910. As for attribution to a specific glass maker, such patterns were manufactured by various American glass companies. Such intricate designs as this bowl were produced to look somewhat like their expensive counterpart being that of the American Brilliant Cut. Pressed Glass, at the time, was produced for the masses by many American glass factories. Such patterns as this one was referred to by many glass companies as Near-Cut, Nu-Cut and Press-Cut. Such pieces were usually blown in a mold or pressed in a mold and polished at the bottom as is this bowl.

Another fine illustration is this American, cranberry and gold flashed edge pressed  glass  mayonnaise compote. The design is that of a mixture of hobstars, strawberry diamonds and overlapping gothic arches with star burst tops at each apex of each arch. The base is a multi pointed hobstar. It has a cranberry-ruby and gold flash edge. It measures 4 1/2" High by 6 1/2" Diameter. This piece dates 1900-1910.

This Kind Of Pressed Glass Is Often Referred To As Press Cut Or Near Cut By Many Glass Experts.

The reason for such classification is in the fact that it looks like the “American Brilliant Period Cut Glass” which is actually crystal or glass with lead content. This glass has no lead content and is “pressed” not “cut." It may have a similar look but most definitely not the same feel when handled or touched. From touring some sites, I have noticed that some dealers imply that such pieces are “Brilliant Glass” which is inaccurate and misleading to the novice buyer. Such pieces of glass were made for those who could not afford the Brilliant Cut Glass of the period. Such glass had a great look and was immediately salable.

Today such interesting pieces of pressed glass are highly sought after and are avidly collected by pressed glass collectors and is truly representative of the opulence of the Victorian Era in glass making. Some of these pressed glass pieces, depending upon which company produced them and the rarity are now attaining prices comparable to those cut glass pieces of the Brilliant Cut Glass Period.