Various processes produce colored-glass pieces
Is a red-and-white glass decanter made of cased glass, flashed glass or stained glass?
All three were methods of adding color to a clear glass piece to make it more decorative. The cost and quality of each is different, and collectors should look carefully before they buy.
Stained glass is the least expensive way to color glass. This method uses a staining material that is brushed on, becomes red or amber, and adheres to the glass when heated. The layer of material is very thin, and if cleaned too vigorously, it could wear off.
Flashed glass is made by using an added thin layer of glass over a different color glass.
It is made by taking a “gather” of hot glass, dipping it into a second colored glass, then blowing it into shape. It leaves a thin layer of glass but makes a piece that seems to be made of one solid color, which would be more valuable.
Cased or plated glass is the most expensive. It is made by putting a thick layer of glass over a glass piece of a different color. It can be decorated on the outside or cut to expose the inside layer. Look at the rim at the top of a cased vase, and you’ll see two distinct layers.
Some glass, such as rubina verde, is made with a yellow glass body and red glass added inside. It makes a twocolor glass.
To make this even more difficult for beginning collectors, there are many different ways to decorate the outside of any of these glass pieces. The glass can be cut through to a different color or just in a clear section. It also can be painted with gilt and enamel.
Q: I have a Woodard kitchen table set that I believe is from the 1960s. It has four chairs and a round table with two leaves. Can you tell me what it is worth?
A: In 1866, Lyman E. Woodard bought a lumber-planing mill in Owosso, Michigan. He and his three brothers started Woodard Brothers in 1867 and made wooden furniture, window and door sashes, blinds and caskets. Lyman bought his brothers’ shares in 1890. He died in 1904 and the management of the company shifted to his sons.
In the 1930s, Woodard’s son Lee pioneered the use of wrought iron for outdoor furniture. Lee’s three sons were responsible for marketing, and the company eventually became Woodard and Sons.
During World War II, production shifted to parts for trucks, tanks and naval and aircraft equipment, but by 1946, they had resumed making metal furniture.
They are noted for their mid-century designs, especially the Sculptura line, which can sell today for thousands of dollars.
Wrought iron, aluminum and wicker furniture marked Woodard still is being made, though the company no longer is owned by the Woodard family. Your set’s value is about $75. Current prices
Prices recorded from throughout the U.S.
■ Adams Pottery, cup, little gray rabbit, verse, bunny with basket, flowers, squared handle, $22
■ World's Fair photo album, 1962, Seattle, gold-tone metal, century 21, monorail, accordion-style, 4 x 3 inches, $25
■ Window, leaded, alternating yellow daisies and leaves, portrait medallions, 59 ¾ x 14 ¼ inches, pair, $50
■ Raggedy Ann doll, cloth with striped dress and candy-corn buttons, hand-stitched facial features and auburn yarn hair, 19 inches, $90
■ Game table, Neoclassical, mahogany, foldover, crossbanded, pedestal, paw feet, 30 inches, $345