Last week I installed a beautiful leaded glass sash that made me curious about the history of leaded glass.
“Leaded glass” refers generically to all glass assemblies held in place by lead, copper, or zinc cames. The process is called "caming" and involves cutting and piecing together small pieces of glass individually fitted to make "artwork" (imagine your typical stained glass).
Cames may also give clues as to the age of your windows. Zinc cames, for example, developed by Chicago Metallic in association with Frank Lloyd Wright, first appeared in 1893. In general, however, dating a window by the came alone is difficult unless it is disassembled to view the “heart” (center web) for millmarks. Over one hundred varieties of lead came were available in the early 20th century. Moreover, came was sometimes produced to look old. Henderson’s Antique Leading from the 1920s was made “to resemble the old hand wrought lead” and also carried “easy-fix” clip-on Georgian-style ornaments.
As with all elements in older and historic buildings, maintenance of leaded glass units is necessary to prevent more serious problems. It is essential to keep the frame maintained regardless of the material. Often, this simply entails regular painting and caulking, and periodic replacement of the glazing compound. Wood frames should be kept painted and caulked; new sections should be spliced into deteriorated ones, and repairs made where necessary.
Call for timely scheduling of a tune-up by PORTALS.
“Leaded glass” refers generically to all glass assemblies held in place by lead, copper, or zinc cames. The process is called "caming" and involves cutting and piecing together small pieces of glass individually fitted to make "artwork" (imagine your typical stained glass).
Cames may also give clues as to the age of your windows. Zinc cames, for example, developed by Chicago Metallic in association with Frank Lloyd Wright, first appeared in 1893. In general, however, dating a window by the came alone is difficult unless it is disassembled to view the “heart” (center web) for millmarks. Over one hundred varieties of lead came were available in the early 20th century. Moreover, came was sometimes produced to look old. Henderson’s Antique Leading from the 1920s was made “to resemble the old hand wrought lead” and also carried “easy-fix” clip-on Georgian-style ornaments.
As with all elements in older and historic buildings, maintenance of leaded glass units is necessary to prevent more serious problems. It is essential to keep the frame maintained regardless of the material. Often, this simply entails regular painting and caulking, and periodic replacement of the glazing compound. Wood frames should be kept painted and caulked; new sections should be spliced into deteriorated ones, and repairs made where necessary.
Call for timely scheduling of a tune-up by PORTALS.
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