Made in Czechoslovakia
How
To spot a fake
How
to spot a fake
This article deals with
glassware made in Czechoslovakia for the twenty year
period 1918 to 1938 with an addenda of Pottery, Porcelain
and Semi-Porcelain.
The Czechs and the Slovaks
settled in Bohemia centuries ago. In 1918, they were
set free of the Austria Hungary domination and granted
a country of their own called Czechoslovakia.
The same glass artisans
who made Bohemian, Mosher and Austrian glass, came forth
with a portrayal of color in glassware which brightened
the gloom of even the Great Depression of the 30's.
The glass of Czechoslovakia
is blown, molded and cut in the many forms of vases,
perfume bottles, water sets, boxes, lamps, baskets,
etc.
The Czechoslovakians created
great beauty with the skillful use of beads, flowers,
dancing girls, birds etc., in vivid colors and icy crystal.
The Art Deco influence is very strong since this was
the period when Art Deco was popular. Also the Egyptian
influence because of the opening of Tutankhamen's Tomb
1922-23.
BRIEF
HISTORY OF CZECHOSLOVAKIA
The Czechs and the Slovaks
are two distinct peoples. The ancestors of both were
Slavic tribes which came to Europe during the great
migrations of the 5th century A. D.
These tribes settled in
different areas where each people then lived its own
distinctive history and developed its culture, traditions
and national arms. Although the two languages are enough
alike so that the Czechs and Slovaks can understand
each other, each is a language in its own right.
1918
During World War I, the Czechs and the Slovaks were
of great help to the Allies. Consequently, when the
war ended in 1918, the Czechs and Slovaks were rewarded
for their efforts and granted a country of their own.
Bohemia, Moravia and Austrian Silesia made up the newly
created Czechoslovakia. Czechoslovakia is a land-locked
country bounded by Germany, Poland, Russia, Austria
and Hungary. The country is slightly smaller than the
state of New York.
1938
Munich Agreement: To pacify
Hitler, the western end of Czechoslovakia was given
to Germany by the Protectorate Powers of Czechoslovakia
(Great Britain, France and Italy). Some of the Czechoslovakian
territory was also given to Hungary and Poland.
1939 Hitler invaded the
remainder of Czechoslovakia.
1945 . End of World War
II and Czechoslovakia's original boundaries were returned.
1948 Communist controlled
and called Republic of Czechoslovakia.
The 1926 Census listed
the nationalities that made up Czechoslovakia as follows:
6.5 Million Czechs
3.3 Million Sudeten and Carpatho Germans
2.5 Million Slovaks
0.8 Million Hungarians
0.4 Million Ruthenians
0.1 Million Poles
Although the Slovaks, at
the end of World War I, were willing to form a common
state with the Czechs, they insisted on doing so as
Slovaks, retaining their identity as a nation.
The correct name used in
the Paris Peace Treaties is CZECHO-SLOV AKIA with a
hyphen. The Trade magazines of the twenties and early
thirties used the hyphen.
MARKS
Most pieces are marked. The mark is usually found on
the bottom.
Occasionally the mark can be found on the side.
Types of marks are: Acid Etched, Ink Stamped, molded,
Stamped in metal and small metal name plates.
The type of mark is of little importance. However, it
is of great importance that the piece be marked.
The Czechoslovakian glass of later date has a paper
sticker. Printed on sticker usually is "Bohemian
Glass Made in Czechoslovakia".
Following are some hand drawn
marks to be found on Czechoslovakian Glass:
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The Following are some
marks to be found on Czechoslovakian Pottery, Porcelain
and Semi-Porcelain:
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