What is “freehand” glass?
I have a vase made by Imperial that a friend said is in the freehand line. A: “Freehand” or “off-hand” glass was made by glass artists without the use of a mold. That means pieces may be similar, but no two are exactly alike. Imperial Glass Co. of Bellaire, Ohio, began making this type of glass in 1923. The company president had encouraged some glass artists to move to Ohio and make the glass. They designed and made vases, candlesticks and more. Some had contrasting glass strands on the outside of the piece. Some were hand cut after being formed. Most were made in particular patterns that featured dragged loops, spider webs or leaves and vines. The glassware was expensive because of the handwork, so Imperial created a less-expensive line made by blowing glass into a mold. It was called Lead Lustre. Even the Lead Lustre line was discontinued in 1929. Q: We own an old meat saw designed to be used in a butcher shop. A stamped mark on the frame says, “Empire Saw Co., Albany, N.Y.” There’s
