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Modern glass (since about 1959) is produced by floating the molten glass on top of a ribbon of molten metal to give a uniform thickness and a distortion-free surface.  For about 50 years immediately prior to the invention of this float glass method, glass was produced using a machine to draw the glass from its molten state into sheets.  This method resulted in some distortion of the surface.  Prior to the turn of the last century, glass was generally mouth blown into cylinders and then flattened into sheets by hand.  This process produced glass containing various imperfections both within the glass and on its surface.  "Restoration window glass" is used to describe a style of glass produced to replicate both the machine drawn and mouth blown antique products.

Used primarily for renovation and restoration of historic buildings and antique furniture, restoration styled glass is also incorporated into high quality period buildings and furniture.

There are basically three types of restoration style glass:
  • Hand-Blown:
    This glass is for restoration of panes predating the turn of the twentieth century because it is still produced using the same techniques and materials as the original.  It tends to have somewhat more irregular imperfections and distortion.  Due to the high cost of the requisite skilled labor, this glass can be rather expensive.
  • Machine-Drawn:
    The machine-drawn restoration window glass is the glass of choice for the restoration of pieces from about 1900-1950. It is also suitable for applications where tempering, size and price considerations preclude the use of hand-blown glass.
  • Heat-Treated:
    Through a special process, regular window glass is reheated up to its softening point. The sheet of glass then loses its surface flatness and begins to exhibit a slightly wavy characteristic reminiscent of blown glass. Also during this time, the sheet of glass begins to show mild surface imperfections that add a bit of a seedy look. The outcome is a modified glass that is a very good representation of old world restoration window glass.

View a comparison chart of the Hollander Restoration Window Glass family:
Table of Restoration Window Glass Family Portrait (PDF file, 802 KB)

   
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