Mason:

My husband and I have recently moved to an old townhome on Church Hill.  We have numerous windows in the house with cracked glass that we'd like to fix.  Problem is, the glass people we've talked-to cannot match our old, wavy glass.  It's either "perfect" new glass, or a fake-looking reproduction.  We'd love it to be the real thing - what should we do?

Liz S., Richmond, VA

Liz:

Actually, you have plenty of options, if you know where to look.  Local architectural salvage yard Caravati's (http://www.caravatis.com/) has a stock of authentic salvaged antique glass panes, which may be cut to size.  If for some reason you cannot get a match from this local stock, know that there are a few manufacturers still creating this mouthblown restoration glass.  Bendheim (http://www.bendheim.com/) imports it from Germany, and can cut to order, or laminate where Code might require safety glass (such as doors).

As an old-house person, be forewarned you if you have not been to Caravati's... schedule a couple hours to check out their thousands of unique old salvage pieces.  If you leave with only a few pieces of glass, you'll be back!

Mason

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