Iris Reproduction Additional Information

This Web Site discusses some of the reproductions that have surfaced in the Iris & Herringbone pattern in recent years, but is way behind on what I know for a fact that's been going on, especially with this pattern.

The reproductions have only been produced in the crystal color that is causing all the havoc! None that I know of at this moment have been reproduced in the iridescent color, or what some call marigold. I've listed the ones I know for now that have been reproduced in crystal.

1. 6 1/2" Ice Tea Tumbler:

This one is very hard to detect from a photo on e-Bay, even if the photo is a very good close up. The pattern on the reproduction is very washed out, but only on the very first reproductions that first appeared in late 1999’ early 2000’. Some of the later produced pieces had a pretty good herringbone pattern on them. So don't go by this on point of interest alone.

(This site also shows photos of this tumbler) From the front page of this site: click on "library" then click on "Reading Room". Then at the top of the next page click on, "Iris Reproductions Alert" By Gene Florence. This section will give you info on the recently reproduced 6 1/2" ice tea tumblers.

I recently acquired several reproduction ice tea tumblers, (on purpose), and the pattern was very well done on all of them but one. So be very careful when buying this tumbler. There are other ways to tell if indeed you have a reproduction ice tea tumbler. But for some of the more subtle differences, you've got to have an original and a reproduction in your hand to really know what to look for. Because some of the differences are very slight, like on the pedals.

Let me give you a few hints to help you know the differences between the original and a reproduction. The seam on the side of the tumbler on the original is very sharp to the touch on most of them. And the seam goes all the way to the end of the herringbone pattern towards the top of the tumbler where the pattern ends. On the reproduction, the seam is much more rounded, but still somewhat sharp to the touch. And doesn't go all the way to the end of the herringbone pattern towards the top of the tumbler where the pattern ends. It also stops short by at least 11/16 ths on an inch, and on some 13/16 ths of an inch short. Both the original and the reproduction tumbler have the exact same amount of "rays” on the underside of the foot, 32. But on the reproduction, the rays are somewhat sharp to the touch. The rays have a much more pronounced edge on them than do the originals. On the original the rays are "very" rounded to the touch. They have "no" edge to them whatsoever. If you turn the tumbler upside down measure across the bottom. On the original, it should measure 3 3/16 ths of an inch exactly. And on the reproduction, it should measure 3 1/16th of an inch exactly. Also, while it’s still upside down; look at the hole in the bottom of the tumbler. The original has a very flat feeling to the bottom of the hole. While on the reproduction the hole is somewhat convex, with the glass feeling like it's raised in the center of the hole. The original center hole, still looking from the bottom of the tumbler, is also much larger than is the reproductions center hole. But you have to have them side-by-side to see this difference. But it's very apparent when they are side by side. I couldn't get a measurement on this particular part of the tumbler, didn't have the right tool.

One other little detail that I would like to add about this tumbler that is very important is, looking from the top of the foot where the seam/mold line is, the seam/mold line on the reproduction is very faint, almost non-existent. But if you look really hard you can see it. And if you have a good finger nail your might can even feel it. While the seam/mold line on the original is very pronounced. Even a tad bit sharp to the touch on most, because of the extra glass on the seam/mold line that was very common on this pattern especially, as it also was on many other patterns produced during the Depression Era.

One other point of interest. Turn the tumbler upside down and see if you can see the seam/mold line at all, looking from the bottom side of the foot. On the reproduction, the seam/mold line can’t be seen from the bottom side. It's almost totally invisible. Unless you're looking at it under magnification. While on an original, the seam/mold line is "very" visible and easy to see.

Also, looking with the tumbler still turned upside down, look and see how far the rays stop from the outer edge of the foot. On an original, the rays stop way short from the edge of the foot, exactly 1/4" short. Measuring from one of the "points" of one of the rays, to the outer edge of the foot. While on the reproduction, the rays are only a hair over 1/8th" from the outer edge of the foot, measuring it the same exact way.

2. Coasters:
From the front page of this site, click on "Library", then on the next page click on reproductions. Scroll down the page until you come to the iris & herringbone listing. There are very good photos of the reproduction coasters on this page.

Originals measure 3 5/16 ths across the top exactly, and have only a 1/4" of glass in the bottom, which is about half of the area in the bottom of the coaster.
The reproductions measure 3 1/4" across the top exactly. And have between 3/8" & 1/2" of glass in the bottom, which is very noticeable, and fills the bottom of the coaster to about 2/3 rds full.

The measurement on this one item is very crucial! Many times I've brought this to a sellers attention so they could re-measure their coaster to make sure of the exact measurement. The reproduction coasters have the herringbone V's all over the bottom, just like the originals. So the correct measurement, and the amount of glass in the bottom are crucial for proper identification.

4. 4" Flat Juice Glass/Tumbler:
Now this one has really stirred up things on e-Bay since it’s arrival in early 2000’.

The original has a definite lip at the top of the rim that you can feel with your fingernail. The reproduction does not!
The original only has about a 1/4" of glass in the bottom. The reproduction has 3/8" to a 1/2" of glass in the bottom just like the reproduction coasters. It's very noticeable to the eye.
The original has a bluish grayish tint or tinge to it. It may even look a little yellowish when held up to a light, depending on how you see colors. The reproduction has no tint or color to it at all. It's very crystal clear.
The original has the herringbone V's sparingly on the bottom of the tumbler. The reproduction flat juice does not have any herringbone V's on the bottom at all. This is the easiest way to spot the reproduction piece, and this is how it looks. It only has the iris flower, with a very pronounced circle going around it about a 1/4" from the edge of the bottom. Just inside the indention on the bottom. And "no" herringbone V's on the bottom!
A photo of an original 4", flat juice tumbler, and also one of a reproduction are shown below, so you can see the differences.

Here’s a photo of an original Iris, 4", Flat Juice Tumbler.
Here’s a photo of a reproduction Iris, 4", Flat Juice Tumbler.

5. 4 1/2" Beaded Berry Bowl:
This bowl has been reported showing up quite a lot lately, but what people have been doing is they have been stripping the "Iridescent Color" off, thus trying to make them look like the crystal bowls which go for quite a bit more money than do the iridescent bowls. But even after doing this it tends to still leave a slight tint or tinge of the iridescence on it which gives it that, not so quite clear look. Gives it a cloudy look, kind of brown looking like it's dirty. You can tell if you ever have one in your hands to look at! Or if anyone states in a description that it looks a little "dirty", be very careful! It may not be dirt on it. Could be some remnants of the iridescent color.

6. 9" Dinner Plate:
From the front page of this site, Click on "Library", then on the next page Click on "Reading Room." At the top of the next page, click on "Iris Reproduction Alert" By Gene Florence. You will find pictures of the 9" Dinner Plate, which will show you exactly how to tell an original from a reproduction.

7. Candy Dish Bottom:
Actually not “candy bottoms” at all. But rather a short "vase" produced by Jeannette for the floral industry for use as a vase. There’s a very easy way to spot the re-issued pieces, because the bottom of the foot of the candy bottom/Vase lacks the rays on it like the original’s do. It's just plain ole clear. The original has rays that can be felt from the under side. But you can see the rays very clearly on the originals. Unless it's the milk white vase produced in the 50’s, or the stained style produced in the mid 70’s, then you have too feel or look on the under side of the foot to see or feel the rays. The candy bottom/vase was re-issued in the 70's in several different two tone colors. And was also re-issued in the 50's. But it was produced from an original mold in the "milk white" color. I've actually seen this bottom, and it looks just like an original, rays and all. But just in the "milk white" color. No tops/lids were ever produced for any of these bottoms either. Not even the "milk white" bottom that looks just like an original crystal bottom.

Also: The "iridescent" colored pieces were first produced during the 50's. And because of popular demand in the late 60’s, Jeannette re-issued the “iridescent” color in late 1969 – 1970. These pieces are much more colorful than their 50’s counter-parts. Some crystal pieces were produced during that time period also.

Also the, "Corsage" styled pieces (painted flowers in several different colors, trimmed in gold) were produced by Jeannette, and styled by the Century Glass Co. during the mid 40's; first showing up in 1946.

Also: Some of the stained colored pieces were produced in the 50's and again during the 70's, depending on what piece it was. But there are always the exceptions to the rule. I recently acquired a "ruby red" stained candy dish and matching lid. This was from an original mold. I e-mailed Gene Florence to ask him if he'd ever seen a candy dish stained "ruby red" before. He told me "I've heard of them before, but have never actually seen one before." The lid is in "mint" condition, but there's considerable loss of the staining to one side of the candy bottom. But other than that, it's as good as they get. Florence also stated that it was probably a 'Special Order' done for someone upon request." So, know that these odd and rarely seen pieces are still out there somewhere, just waiting to be discovered!

I hope this information will keep anyone from getting burned in the future. Or help you to identify the pieces that you already have in your collection that you just weren't sure about. If anyone has any additional information to add to this list, or any correction to a mistake that I've made, by all means let me know. And I'll check in to it and post a correction to the fact.

ponderman@triad.rr.com
In Christ,
MD...........PondermaN