Is it pressed glass or cut glass?

So, you're holding a piece of glassware and need to know if it's cut glass or pressed glass. The following article from wikiHow will get you on the right track. My lamp shade is definitely pressed glass. Now to find out if it's signed and determine cost. If you're reading this and know exactly what I have please share your knowledge.

How to Differentiate Pressed from Cut Glass

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Wondering how you can tell the difference between cut and pressed glass? Press your nose to the screen and keep reading for the answers.

Steps

1. Check for seams. Pressed and poured glasses have seams. For pressed glass, the seam runs along one side, for poured it will run on both sides. In a vase, a seam that crosses over the bottom is poured glass. In a faceted drop such as a 'crystal', the seam will run all the way around the edge like a ring for poured glass. In cut glass, there are no seams.
   
2. Inspect the interior. In poured or pressed glass, the interior of the glass is not smooth - it will have slight dimples that mirror the exterior. Cut glass has a smooth interior.
   
3. Examine the edges. Cut glass has crisp edges to the design, whereas poured or pressed glass has roundish edges.
   

Tips

• Don't think that your piece lacks value if it is pressed or poured! This technique has been around a long time and most Depression-era glass is actually pressed, not cut.
  
• If your piece is pressed, and you want to determine value, consult Kovels ( http://www.kovel.com ) Antique guide, or a reputable antique dealer in your area. You can also check eBay for an idea what an authentic piece might sell for.
  

Warnings

• Many Depression-era styles are recreated today, so your piece will need a trained eye to be absolutely certain of authenticity.
  

Related wikiHows

• How to Cut Glass
  
• How to Etch Glass by Sandblasting
  
• How to Create a Faux Paint Antique Finish
  
• How to Make Shot Glass Candles
  
• How to Paint on Glass and Have a Smooth Finished Effect
  

Sources and Citations

• Kovel's antique guide
  
• eBay
  

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