How can I tell if it is authentic or reproduction Iris and Herringbone?

      At the Strathroy Antique Mall I'm asked "How can i tell if Iris and herringbone pattern is authentic or reproduction?" so I thought I would write an article so you can easily identify when Iris and Herringbone is authentic or a reproduction.
     How can you tell if it old or new? I constantly hear that question while customers are looking at iris and herringbone pieces. I can help you when you are at the Strathroy Antique Mall but when your out on your own you need to know the differences.
     One thing to know in advance is what pieces do they reproduce so you can study them more than usual or even pass on collectioning them.
Some reproduced Iris and Herringbone:
 6" Crystal water tumbler. Both are the same size, color and have rayed bottom base. The rayed edges are sharper than original . The herringbone is not as clear sharp or vivid as the authentic one.
 6 1/2" Ice Tea Tumbler can be recognized by as a reproduction by flipping your tumbler upside down. Can you see the "Mold" line on the foot? With all the originals, the "Mold" was "Very" visible when you look at it from this perspective. If you have to use a magnifier to see it than it probably is a reproduction.
the 6" water glass and 6 1/2" ice tea tumbler originals are made in four sections. So there would be 4 iris flowers and the two opposite each other are identical and should match perfectly. If they are not identical then it is a reproduction.
    One  sure way to tell if your Tumbler is reproduction or not is to look to the right of the Iris flower design, there is a very long thick stem coming from the bottom of the tumbler to the top edge of the flower (right side) of the flower, curving slightly to the left at the top as it ends. It has been crossed, like a "X " towards the top of the stem, with a partial stem. If you turn the tumbler to the exact opposite side it should match exactly. If it doesn't and it's only half  of an "X" or none it's an reproduction. The opposing sides will not match this side but the pattern is different but once again should match each other exactly or its a reproduction. They will be more which i will be psoting but this is a good start to start examing and studing your pieces in advance and soon it will come naturally.

   One thing that helps is to find books on fakes and study the originals and keep an eye on any new ones you add to your collections. It is fine to purchase reproductions as long as they are marked that and you are aware they are when purchasing them.

Please view my other blog that tells you "What is Iris and Herringbone pattern?"

          In the Strathroy Antique Mall a common question we get asked is "Is it crystal or depression glass?" Many customers call it depression glass and others call it crystal. If interested in Knowing the difference view my other blog "Is Iris and Herringbone Crystal or Depression?" that I will be blogging shortly.