Federal Glass Georgian Lovebirds Sherbet - Never Reproduced
This is a Georgian sherbet from Federal Glass, a very nice and favorite depression glass pattern. Georgian is nicknamed “Lovebirds” due to the medallion of two lovebirds alternating with basket medallions.
I recently got an email from an eBayer informing me that my sherbet is most likely reproduced because “it was too heavy, too large and not marked with the Federal glassmaker’s mark.”
This individual unfortunately is misinformed, but even more unfortunately, there are guides on eBay and possibly elsewhere that claim glass without the Federal F in a shield is not truly by Federal Glass.
I consulted my reference books by Gene Florence and by Barbara Mauzy and none mention Georgian reproductions. Further, it is well-established that Federal, like most depression glass makers, marked only a few pieces.
I emailed a very gracious author, Barbara Mauzy, who was extremely generous with her time and confirmed that Federal marked very few pieces. “At this time there is no information pertaining to the existence of Georgian reproductions. Yes, some of the pieces are marked, but the vast majority of this pattern is unmarked. The “F” symbol actually would be an interference to the Georgian motif. This is why you rarely see any company’s mark on dinnerware. I hope this helps and relax and love your glass!”
As for the size and weight of my sherbet, the eBay correspondent based their comment solely on the photo, which shows the small sherbet close up. It is the normal size and weight.
So what does this tell you? First, if you collect depression glass then learn about your patterns. There is good information on the internet and there is not-so-good. Read and ask questions. I recommend Gene Florence’s Encyclopedia of Depression Glass and Barbara Mauzy’s books for excellent discussions of fakes and reproductions. There are patterns that I seldom buy online, such as Cherry Blossom, but if you know your patterns you can buy with confidence. Here is a post I wrote about my Cherry Blossom butter dish that I got online because I knew what to look for to assure authenticity.
Also, even if pieces are marked, don’t assume they are authentic! Sad to say, some fake Heisey glass has the H in a diamond mark, and some reissues also have marks. Your best assurance to buy safely is knowledge!