About Antique Window Glass

Homeowners of historic houses, design professionals, and restoration enthusiasts can now learn about the history of antique window glass on Bendheim’s Restoration Glass^® website.

The story takes readers on a journey beginning in the 7^th century when mouth-blown “crown” glass was originally developed and later revived in the 11^th century. The 11^th century also sees the invention of the mouthblown “cylinder” glass technique of making window glass, first developed in Germany. The history of authentic antique window glassmaking ends after the Industrial Revolution when the first mechanical method for “drawing” window glass is invented in the United States.

The article discusses cylinder and crown glass – two authentic, mouthblown antique window glass types typically found in historical structures in the United States. Their unique manufacturing methods are revealed, featuring vintage and contemporary photos of the mouth-blown production process.

Visitors will also find information about the benefits of Bendheim’s Restoration Glass^® (new antique window glass) blending the historical accuracy of authentic antique window glass with modern technology and standards. Found in our country’s most prestigious restorations, including the White House, Mount Vernon, and Monticello, it features slight distortions and imperfections characteristic of window glasses from the 17^th through early 20^th centuries. Concurrently, it offers consistency of color, brilliance and body, is easier to handle than salvaged authentic antique window glass, and can be provided in safety laminated form meeting the most current safety building codes.