09-19-2017 05:18 PM
I recently purchased a lead glass CRYSTAL bell.
When I was taking photos I noticed an artifact within the glass. Could it be remnants of Lead?
09-19-2017 06:11 PM - edited 09-19-2017 06:15 PM
metallic lead is not used in the production of lead crystal, it is a compound of lead-lead oxide which is a powder. this inclusion is just a contamination. On first look I would doubt it was lead crystal.
09-20-2017 06:23 AM
Your bell is part of the Byrde's Collection by Bleikristall and is 24% lead crystal.
09-20-2017 01:49 PM
Just to clarify, the word Bleikristall is not a manufacturer or importer / exporter, but the German word for lead crystal which can be found on many German glass factory's wares.
The "Byrde's Collection" was a specific line which was produced by Hofbauer, not sure enough of the bell is pictured to make a definitive attribution to that company or specific line (although it looks very similar).
As md1919 noted, the area you pictured is an "inclusion" which occurred during production and significantly reduces the value (if it is a Hofbauer bell, these are currently selling on R Ltd. for $13.99, so with this issue, much less.)
09-20-2017 05:39 PM