A Paul Miles Memorial Paper
February, 1999

Additional Pattern Identifications For
"American Cut and Engraved Glass"  by A. Christian Revi

By Bill Barnett and Criag Carlson
(taken from THE  HOBSTAR of the American Cut Glass Assocl., February 1999)

 

 

For a number of years, Paul Miles worked with other ACGA members who enjoy identifying cut glass patterns. What began as an intellectual exercise for improving ones ability to identify patterns grew into a coordinated effort by Paul to put this information onto paper so that other ACGA members could benefit by the work of a few individuals. Unfortunately, Paul became

ill with a serious heart problem. Prior to Paul's going to Houston for surgery, he sent us his database of information so that his work could be continued.

 

The work reported here is the first in a series of pattern identification papers. Our purpose is to add to the knowledge of ACGA members and should not be interpreted as a criticism of the pioneering authors who worked so hard to produce the books we all enjoy and value. Since publication of these books, the ACGA has published catalog reprints, which have made

additional pattern identifications possible. We are proud to share Paul's work with you and request that if you have additional pattern identifications, you will share them with us so that the information can be provided in turn to all ACGA members.

 

Our first paper deals with Mr. Revi's excellent book, American Cut and Engraved Glass. The following table of Additional Pattern Identifications lists the Page number in Mr. Revi's book, the Location on the page of the item being referenced, the Cutting Firm who produced the glass, Mr. Revi's Pattern Name (in quotes when it differs from the cutting firm 's pattern name), the Cutting Firm Pattern Name and the documentation Source used to identify the specific pattern.

 

In order to conserve space, an ACRONYM  KEY following the ID table defines the acronyms used in referencing the documentation sources. This Key will be updated as necessary and will apply to all future papers we produce. Once you get used to the "shorthand" method of identifying the various books and reprints, we are confident you will feel comfortable with the end product.

 

For a number of years, Paul worked with Craig Carlson, Ron Noll, Tom Marple and other ACGA members on pattern identifications.  As patterns were identified, these individuals would send them to Paul who would review them.  If Paul agreed with the pattern identification, he would send them to the other participants. Only after Paul received agreement from all of those involved, would he add the pattern to his list. A time consuming task, but in the end, a most rewarding one.

 

 We think we have developed a format that you will find easy to understand. We hope you will write the pattern names in your books (small removable paper labels are ideal) and that you will study the pattern and look up the Identification Source  In this manner your pattern identification knowledge will be enhanced. One word of caution though – pattern identification research can become habit forming.