Welcome to The Glass Database – A Global Resource for Glass Identification and History
Discover the artistry, heritage, and craftsmanship of glassmaking through a dynamic, collaborative research platform. The Glass Database is a free and growing digital archive dedicated to documenting glass objects, maker marks, production history, and stylistic development from around the world. Whether you’re researching a family heirloom, studying design trends, or identifying an unknown piece, our mission is to be your go-to resource for glass identification and education.
Explore the World of Glass
Imagine a platform that brings together the beauty and complexity of glass—from antique tableware to studio art glass, pressed patterns to blown sculptural forms. With thousands of cataloged entries and a wealth of reference materials, The Glass Database allows you to trace the history, examine the details, and appreciate the legacy of glassmaking in all its forms.
- Diverse Collections: Our archives span a wide range of glass types, styles, and periods—including Early American Pattern Glass, Depression-era glass, opalescent and carnival glass, cut and etched pieces, and contemporary studio work.
- Makers and Marks: We compile glassmakers’ marks, factory labels, signatures, and stylistic identifiers to help you trace the origins of individual items and better understand the companies and artists behind them.
- Techniques and Trends: Learn about production methods—from mold-blown to pressed, engraved to lampworked—and explore how innovations and aesthetics have shaped glass through time.
A Crowdsourced Archive Powered by You
The Glass Database is built on the contributions of collectors, scholars, and glass enthusiasts from around the world. It thrives on collaboration and community input.
- Contribute Your Knowledge: Share images, label scans, maker marks, or historical insights. Every piece you add helps expand the collective knowledge and aids others in their research.
- Compare and Discover: Use our visual database for side-by-side comparison of shapes, colors, motifs, and details. Research similar items and identify subtle differences that point to specific origins or production dates.
- Ask, Answer, Engage: Participate in discussions, comment on entries, and help solve identification mysteries. The platform is designed to be interactive and open to all levels of experience.
Always Free, Always Evolving
As a free online initiative, The Glass Database is designed to be accessible to anyone, anywhere. It’s continuously updated with new entries, insights, and discoveries—reflecting the vibrant and ever-changing world of glass collecting and research.
Join the Community
This is more than just a reference site—it’s a living project that grows with every contribution. By joining, you become part of a global community dedicated to preserving and understanding the legacy of glassmaking. Your participation helps shape a lasting resource for generations of collectors, researchers, and enthusiasts.