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DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 2478 — Form Analysis: Mold-Blown vs Free-Blown Techniques in Genuine Favrile Glass
One of the most overlooked yet structurally decisive aspects of evaluating Favrile glass is understanding how the piece was formed. Surface iridescence and decorative appeal often distract from the underlying manufacturing method, yet mold-blown and free-blown techniques leave distinctly different structural evidence. Because both techniques were used historically at Tiffany Studios, confusion frequently arises when collectors equate symmetry with reproduction or irregularity with authenticity without disciplined analysis. Accurately distinguishing mold-blown from free-blown Favrile glass is essential for preventing misclassification, protecting market value, and ensuring that authentication, appraisal, resale, or estate disclosure decisions are based on structural evidence rather than assumption.
DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 2478 gives you a complete, beginner-friendly, non-destructive workflow for evaluating mold-blown versus free-blown techniques in genuine Favrile glass. Using simple visual techniques—no specialized tools, no risky handling, and no prior experience required—you’ll learn the same observational methods used in professional appraisal and authentication work—structured, repeatable, and proven across major collectible categories.
Inside this guide, you’ll learn how to:
Identify structural traits that distinguish free-blown from mold-blown production
Recognize wall thickness variation patterns consistent with historic hand production
Detect mold seam indicators and understand how authentic examples differ from modern molded reproductions
Evaluate rim finishing, edge behavior, and pontil relationships using non-destructive inspection methods
Analyze pattern distortion under light to assess internal variation
Understand how iridescence integration should align with form expansion
Avoid assuming authenticity or reproduction status based solely on symmetry
Classify pieces using precise, defensible terminology
Determine when professional authentication is warranted before auction or resale
Apply the full DJR structured form-analysis framework to any Favrile example
This guide is intended for situations where relying on visual similarity, seller assurances, or informal opinions creates unacceptable risk. It is most often used before purchase, resale, insurance submission, or estate transfer when authenticity confidence, manufacturing origin, or disclosure accuracy may materially affect value, credibility, or future liquidity. Using a structured professional framework at this stage helps prevent assumptions that are difficult or costly to correct later.
Whether you are reviewing estate finds, analyzing auction listings, preparing items for resale, or documenting inherited collections, this guide provides a disciplined structural framework for responsible classification and evaluation.
Digital Download — PDF • 8 Pages • Instant Access
One of the most overlooked yet structurally decisive aspects of evaluating Favrile glass is understanding how the piece was formed. Surface iridescence and decorative appeal often distract from the underlying manufacturing method, yet mold-blown and free-blown techniques leave distinctly different structural evidence. Because both techniques were used historically at Tiffany Studios, confusion frequently arises when collectors equate symmetry with reproduction or irregularity with authenticity without disciplined analysis. Accurately distinguishing mold-blown from free-blown Favrile glass is essential for preventing misclassification, protecting market value, and ensuring that authentication, appraisal, resale, or estate disclosure decisions are based on structural evidence rather than assumption.
DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 2478 gives you a complete, beginner-friendly, non-destructive workflow for evaluating mold-blown versus free-blown techniques in genuine Favrile glass. Using simple visual techniques—no specialized tools, no risky handling, and no prior experience required—you’ll learn the same observational methods used in professional appraisal and authentication work—structured, repeatable, and proven across major collectible categories.
Inside this guide, you’ll learn how to:
Identify structural traits that distinguish free-blown from mold-blown production
Recognize wall thickness variation patterns consistent with historic hand production
Detect mold seam indicators and understand how authentic examples differ from modern molded reproductions
Evaluate rim finishing, edge behavior, and pontil relationships using non-destructive inspection methods
Analyze pattern distortion under light to assess internal variation
Understand how iridescence integration should align with form expansion
Avoid assuming authenticity or reproduction status based solely on symmetry
Classify pieces using precise, defensible terminology
Determine when professional authentication is warranted before auction or resale
Apply the full DJR structured form-analysis framework to any Favrile example
This guide is intended for situations where relying on visual similarity, seller assurances, or informal opinions creates unacceptable risk. It is most often used before purchase, resale, insurance submission, or estate transfer when authenticity confidence, manufacturing origin, or disclosure accuracy may materially affect value, credibility, or future liquidity. Using a structured professional framework at this stage helps prevent assumptions that are difficult or costly to correct later.
Whether you are reviewing estate finds, analyzing auction listings, preparing items for resale, or documenting inherited collections, this guide provides a disciplined structural framework for responsible classification and evaluation.
Digital Download — PDF • 8 Pages • Instant Access