How to Identify Baccarat Crystal

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Finding a piece of Baccarat crystal is a rare treasure, but it’s important to verify that it’s authentic before you spend a lot of money on an item. Baccarat is a French company which has been producing high-quality lead crystal since 1816. If you study Baccarat’s marks and the various styles of crystal they produced, you’ll be able to identify the real thing when you see it!

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Finding Baccarat’s Markings

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-1.jpg\/aid9783496-v4-728px-Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    From about 1846-1849, Baccarat’s famous paperweights were marked with the letter B and the year. The marking might be on the bottom of the paperweight or on one of the colorful glass canes that are used as decoration inside of the paperweights. [1]
    • Paperweights made in 1846 have the mark B1846. The B, 8, and 6 are red, and the 1 and 4 are blue. [2]
    • Paperweights from 1847 are marked with B1847. The B, 8, and 7 are blue, the 1 is green, and the 4 is red. [3]
    • A Baccarat paperweight made in 1848 will be marked B1848, with a blue B, green 1 and 4, and red 8 and 9. [4]
    • In 1849, paperweights were marked only with the year, without the letter B. The 1 and 4 will be green and the 8 and 9 are red. [5]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-2.jpg\/aid9783496-v4-728px-Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This logo was usually etched onto the base of the crystal. The first logo featured a wine glass, a carafe, and a goblet, with “BACCARAT FRANCE” printed in capital letters within a circle. [6]
    • Baccarat crystal has been used for some of the world's finest perfumes, including Houbigant, Guerlain, D'Orsay, Ybry, Christian Dior, and Maison Francis Kurkdjian. [7]
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6e\/Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6e\/Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-3.jpg\/aid9783496-v4-728px-Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Baccarat has made a wide variety of crystal objects, including vases, stemware, chandeliers, decanters, candy dishes, and more. Check the bottom or base of the piece for the logo featuring the wine glass, carafe, and goblet. [8]
    • Later pieces may only feature the words "BACCARAT FRANCE" without the images.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/03\/Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/03\/Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-4.jpg\/aid9783496-v4-728px-Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Modern pieces are etched with the word “Baccarat” and do not feature the whole logo. They may also be etched with a large letter B. [9]
    • Today's Baccarat crystal includes the classics such as stemware and paperweights, as well as modern pieces like ashtrays, crystal clocks, and jewelry. [10]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f7\/Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f7\/Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-5.jpg\/aid9783496-v4-728px-Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Certain Baccarat crystal is marked with a sticker. This is often a rectangular or quadrilateral sticker featuring the Baccarat logo. [11]
    • Rectangular stickers usually have a red border and a white background, with the circular Baccarat logo appearing above the name. They are sometimes solid red with gold writing.
    • Quadrilateral stickers are gold with a black border and the Baccarat name in the center of the sticker. There is no circular logo.
    6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Identifying Unmarked Pieces

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2a\/Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2a\/Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-6.jpg\/aid9783496-v4-728px-Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Baccarat strives to be at the cutting edge of style, so you can often date pieces based on the design. Read old catalogs and look at pictures of Baccarat crystal online to familiarize yourself with the work. [12]
    • Cube shapes were popular in the 1920s and 1950s, when Art Nouveau styles were popular. [13]
    • Venetian glass had a heavy influence on styles manufactured in the 1960s. [14]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/60\/Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/60\/Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-7.jpg\/aid9783496-v4-728px-Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Due to subtle differences in manufacturing and the intricate nature of crystal, it can be hard to compare your piece to a photograph of a similar style. Line drawings, like those used in early catalogs, can help you determine the date of your piece with more accuracy. [15]
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f8\/Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f8\/Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-8.jpg\/aid9783496-v4-728px-Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Baccarat has employed different crystal designers through the years, each of whom brings their unique style to Baccarat crystal. By familiarizing yourself with these designers and their art, you will be able to identify their work when you see it.
    • For instance, if you are familiar with the Ballon pattern from 1916, which features trellis-like embellishments, you may be able to identify a piece as Baccarat even if there are no Baccarat markings.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/47\/Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/47\/Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-9.jpg\/aid9783496-v4-728px-Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Reproduction Baccarat are common, but due to the replication process, original Baccarat crystal will be significantly heavier than an imitation.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-10.jpg\/aid9783496-v4-728px-Identify-Baccarat-Crystal-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you're still not sure about the origin of your piece, contact a Baccarat representative or visit a Baccarat dealer near you.
    • You could also look online to find antique dealers who specialize in glass art and Baccarat crystal.
    6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Tell if Jade Is Real
      How to
      Tell Ivory from Bone
      How to
      Identify an Unopened Geode
      How to
      Polish Stones
      How to
      Find Geodes
      How to
      Identify Gemstones
      What Are the Benefits of Black Obsidian? How to Make the Most of This Glassy Gem
      How to
      Tell Crystal from Glass
      How to
      Tell if a Crystal Is Real
      How to
      Identify Gold in Quartz
      How to
      Polish Rocks by Hand
      How to
      Crack Open a Geode
      How to
      Engrave Stone
      How to
      Break Big Rocks
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.worthpoint.com/articles/blog-entry/all-marks-indentiying-baccarat-crystal-glass
      2. ↑ http://www.hobbizine.com/page1061.html
      3. ↑ http://www.hobbizine.com/page1061.html
      4. ↑ http://www.hobbizine.com/page1061.html
      5. ↑ http://www.hobbizine.com/page1061.html
      6. ↑ https://www.worthpoint.com/articles/blog-entry/all-marks-indentiying-baccarat-crystal-glass
      7. ↑ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/you/article-1315949/A-spritz-time-The-perfume-pedigree-nose.html
      8. ↑ https://www.collectorsweekly.com/art-glass/baccarat
      9. ↑ https://www.crystalclassics.com/baccarat/catalog2017.htm
      1. ↑ https://us.baccarat.com/en/beautiful-gifts-in-a-red-box/mini-medicis/
      2. ↑ https://www.collectorsweekly.com/art-glass/baccarat
      3. ↑ https://ourpastimes.com/date-baccarat-crystal-glass-8325257.html
      4. ↑ https://ourpastimes.com/date-baccarat-crystal-glass-8325257.html
      5. ↑ https://ourpastimes.com/date-baccarat-crystal-glass-8325257.html
      6. ↑ http://www.lamidesarts.fr/epages/167248.sf/en_US/?ObjectPath=/Shops/167248/Products/102004

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To identify Baccarat crystal, look for a marking on the base of the piece. Baccarat paperweights from 1846-1849 will be marked with the letter B and the year the piece was crafted. Starting in about 1920, perfume bottles were etched with a Baccarat logo featuring a decanter, a goblet, and a wine glass, with the words “BACCARAT FRANCE” circling the logo. This logo was used on other crystal pieces starting in 1936. Modern pieces are often laser etched with the word “Baccarat.” For tips on identifying unmarked Baccarat pieces, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 104,498 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Sally Carr

        Jul 31, 2019

        "Helped me advise friends where to go for help in identifying Baccarat."
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement