Your Vintage Glassware Might Be More Valuable Than You Think – Here Is How To Tell

A $4 Italian glass vase purchased at a thrift store was auctioned at $107,100. It was designed by the architect Carlo Scarpa for the Italian glassmaker Venini in the 1940s. If you own glassware from yesteryears, you could be holding onto a treasure. Here are ‘x’ tips to identify vintage glassware.

Research Antique Glassware 

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Some of the most popular glassware makers from former times are Tiffany Favrile, Fenton Art Glass Company, Hazel-Atlas Glass Company, Fire King, Anchor Hocking Company, and Indiana Glass Company. They manufactured artistic pieces of glassware in different styles. 

Research these brands to get more ideas. Websites such as https://sha.org/bottle/index.htm, https://loetz.com/, and http://www.antiquebottles.com/bottoms/ offer useful information on vintage glassware.

Understand Vintage Glassware Styles

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Vintage glassware styles such as Depression Glass, Jadeite, Hobnail, Carnival Glass, Milk Glass, Slag Glass, Kitchen Glass, Hen on Nest, and Art Glass have their uniqueness and history. 

For example, glassware from the Depression was a variety of colorful patterns that helped Americans tide over the Depression era. Slag Glass was known for its exquisite marbled effect.

Check for Evident Markings

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The markings on your classic glassware collection may have faded, but can still provide valuable insight. These markings are usually at the bottom or side of the glass. It could have the maker’s name, symbol, trademark, stamp, or logo.

A magnifying glass can be a useful tool for the identification of finer markings. Alternatively, place a piece of white paper on the mark and rub it with a charcoal pencil. 

The marking may be embossed, Pontil (circular), or mold lines. Pontil marking shows that the glassware was handmade and hence, more valuable. Some glassware pieces have bubbling marks that signify how the glass was made. 

Observe Distinct Markings

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Some vintage glassware has exclusive markings. Look for registration numbers, the maker’s signature, the artist’s engraved signature, or the acid badge. A glass perfume bottle or decanter may have a matching number with its stopper. 

Pay Attention to Craftsmanship

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Antique glassware may display excellent and rare examples of craftsmanship. It could be hand-blown, hand-cut, or hand-edged craftsmanship if it has intricate or nature-inspired patterns. Some pieces have unusual design, shape, or size. 

Check for Materials and Color

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Lead and pressed glass materials give noticeable weight and clarity to the glassware. Antique glassware is also known for its distinct and vibrant hues. For example, the works of Steuben Glass Works company are comprised of colors such as red, brown, and gold. Pink, amber, blue, and green are the colors of Depression Glass.

Inspect the Packaging

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The original packaging, box, or contents can reveal a lot more about the antiquity of the glassware. It can fetch a higher value with the original wrapping. 

Trace Your Family History

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Check with your parents or grandparents to see if you received the glassware as an inheritance. They can tell you about the store or brand they purchased from. You can also know whether they bought it as an art collection. The history behind your collection can give you a fair idea of its heritage and value.

Visit Museums

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There are dedicated museums that showcase glassware from the bygone era. You can get deep insights through their records, chronicles, galleries, and exhibitions. The top museums to explore glassware history are the Corning Museum of Glass, Museum of American Glass, Museum of Glass, Museum of Connecticut Glass, and Chrysler Museum of Art.

Keep an Eye on Auction Houses

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Peter Wilson Auctioneers, American Glass Gallery, Heritage Auctions, and Live Auctioneers conduct glassware auctions at regular intervals. You can attend these auctions. These auction houses also put up online records of their auctions and the current market value of vintage glassware.

Ask the Experts

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Contact professional appraisers to dig out more about the antiquity of your glassware and its current market value. They can help you evaluate the quality, popularity, rarity, and age of the glassware. They can also guide you on selling or auctioning the glassware for the best price.

12 Simple Items Pawn Shops Are Always Desperate to Buy

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Pawn stores provide the perfect opportunity to get some quick cash in exchange for valuables. They’re becoming increasingly popular because they don’t care about the person’s credit score while lending a loan based on the item’s market value. However, they don’t provide a fixed amount for all items.

Here’s a list of 12 things pawn stores crave and are willing to pay higher.

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