Imperial Crystal Vase

Q: I have a 9 1/2-inch-high oval crystal vase that’s heavy and has lots of detail on it. Mother said it was “Imperial Crystal.” I found Imperial listed in a book at the library, but it said the company made only pottery. Who made my vase?

A: The name “Imperial” has been used by several companies. Some made pottery or porcelain and others made glass. The Imperial Glass Corp. produced glass in Bellaire, Ohio, from 1901 to 1984. Glass made by this company was sometimes marked “Imperial,” but we have never seen any marked “Imperial Crystal.” A company named Imperial Crystal exists today, but it doesn’t make vases like yours. It personalizes items made by other companies. Your vase was probably made by the Ohio company.