The place to debunk myths about glass!

I've been a glass collector for many years and have heard some amazingly creative stories about glass during that time. These I've nicknamed "glass myths", and whilst chatting with other glass collectors I found that they too had heard similar claims.

I thought it would be an idea to have a place where we could debunk some of these odd stories and try and set the record straight.

If you have heard a glass myth which I don't have noted on the list please drop me a line about it and I'll add it. Do also please say if you want it adding anonymously or crediting to you, and if so under what name.

Meanwhile, please browse and enjoy the Glass Myths!

Myths List

"All glass with a polished pontil is Whitefriars"

No it isn't! A polished pontil mark is the sign that an item was blown using a pontil rod and then the base has been finished off cleanly and polished to a neat finish. It is not an indicator of any one maker, as many glassmakers round the world make glass with pontil marks.

"Straw marks are marks which were produced in glass when it was allowed to cool on top of straw."

Nope, this isn't true either. I suspect that hot glass on straw would set it alight! The real reason for straw marks on glass is a temperature differential . I'll point you towards a well-written piece by Dave Peterson about how they really happen: http://www.patternglass.com/School/Lessons/Straw.htm