Glass has been produced for over 3600 years and during that time man has never stopped creating new and wonderful objects from it. Over time we learned to colour, fuse, engrave and cut it while never forgetting how fragile the material really is. By the mid 19th Century manufacturers had worked out ways to make glass in large sheets as well as press domestic glass ware into moulds to produce decorative yet inexpensive items. Thankfully the immense skills of the past for blowing, cutting and engraving glass never went away and many great masters have come out of the Art Glass movement of the late 19th Century to today.
Today both antique and vintage glass is as popular as ever and can be collected and enjoyed by anyone. From elegant 18th Century drinking glasses or sweet little scent bottles, the way the light plays on and within the glass is unforgettable. There are also many pieces which can still be used on a daily basis today such as wide handled water jugs, decanters and bowls. In each case condition is obviously crucial as glass is one of the few materials which can never to properly repaired back to new.
At LoveAntiques we have a fine selection of glassware for all your collecting and daily needs. Our reputable dealers understand what makes pieces desirable today and ensures you understand the full condition of the glass before buying.
Piers Rankin Silver Antiques
Silver Neck & Cut Glass Urn Shaped Vase 1902
£ 185
Collectaline
Stunning Murano Glass Fish
£ 395
TimesAncient
Roman Glass Perfume Bottle
£ 175
Jeff Sims Antiques
Delightful Early Victorian Small Ribbed Celery Vase
£ 145
Collectaline
Whitefriars Swan in Ocean Green
£ 30
London City Antiques
Antique Edwardian Quality Cut Glass Ships Decanter
£ 325
London City Antiques
Antique Victorian Quality Cut Glass Decanter
£ 265
Driscolls Antiques Ltd
Stunning Mahogany Tantalus with Gin, Whiskey & Brandy Silver Decanter Labels
£ 495
Stunning Mahogany Tantalus with Gin, Whiskey & Brandy Silver Decanter Labels
£ 495
Driscolls Antiques Ltd
£ 58
Pair of Antique Clear Cut Glass Perfume Scent Bottles with Sterling Silver Lid c.1890
£ 58
WhatSheWants
Neville Platt Antiques
Late 19th Century Finger Bowl
£ 15
The Antique Warehouse
Murano Glass Vase: Genuine Venetian Glass Bud Vase by Murano
£ 100
£ 165
£ 425
Antique Showcase Dome, English Glass, Taxidermy, Display Case - Victorian c.1900
£ 425
London Fine Ltd
The Antique Warehouse
Murano Glass Vase: Genuine 24k Gold Painted Murano Venetian Glass Posy Vase
£ 110
Murano Glass Vase: Genuine 24k Gold Painted Murano Venetian Glass Posy Vase
£ 110
The Antique Warehouse
£ 695
Tall Antique Display Showcase, English, Glass, Taxidermy, Dome - Victorian c.1850
£ 695
London Fine Ltd
£ 895
Tall Antique Taxidermy Showcase, English, Display Dome, Specimen Case, Victorian
£ 895
London Fine Ltd
£ 1,195
Large Antique Carriage Clock Dome, English, Glass, Display, Showcase, Victorian
£ 1,195
London Fine Ltd
£ 695
Antique Ovoid Display Dome, English Glass, Taxidermy, Clock, Showcase, Victorian
£ 695
London Fine Ltd
Piers Rankin Silver Antiques
Victorian John Round Silver Plated Six Bottle Cruet Stand
£ 255
Piers Rankin Silver Antiques
Fine Quality Victorian Sterling Silver Claret Jug
£ 475
RegencySilver Antiques
Heavy Cubiod Antique Cut Glass Silver Plated Lid Perfume Scent Cologne Bottle
£ 18
Heavy Cubiod Antique Cut Glass Silver Plated Lid Perfume Scent Cologne Bottle
£ 18
RegencySilver Antiques
Wessex House Antiques
Victorian Hand Blown & Cut Port Glass c.1865
£ 65
Athey Antiques
Stained Glass Panel
£ 295
Piers Rankin Silver Antiques
Sterling Silver John Grinsell Victorian Perfume Bottle
£ 165
RegencySilver Antiques
Antique Victorian Cranberry Glass & Silver Bullet Shape Red Scent Perfume Bottle
£ 90
Antique Victorian Cranberry Glass & Silver Bullet Shape Red Scent Perfume Bottle
£ 90
RegencySilver Antiques
£ 695
Tall Antique Taxidermy Dome, English, Glass, Pine, Display Case, Victorian, 1880
£ 695
London Fine Ltd
Applecross Antiques
Pair of Antique English Victorian Ruby Glass Lustres
£ 1,250
Graham Smith Antiques Ltd
Edwardian Glass Magnum Decanter
£ 445
London City Antiques
Antique Victorian Quality Oak Tantalus by Mappin & Webb
£ 795
Jeff Sims Antiques
Fine Victorian Cut Glass Wine Flute
£ 135
Applecross Antiques
Antique English Victorian Green Vaseline Glass Epergne
£ 1,100
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Fine Quality Antique Edwardian Cut Glass & Silver Plated Spill Vase
£ 295
Fine Quality Antique Edwardian Cut Glass & Silver Plated Spill Vase
£ 295
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Artsonline.org.uk
Antique Glass Domed Display Case for Taxidermy Collectables Statue
£ 640
Newark Antiques and Interiors Ltd
Georgian DSOT Wine Glass with Moulded Bowl
£ 245
Antiques et Cetera
Stunning Vintage Art Glass Vase - Ideal / Wedding / Birthday Present
£ 40
Sovereign Antiques
Decanter Quality Crystal Cut Glass Silver Plated
£ 395
Piers Rankin Silver Antiques
Edwardian Silver and Glass Whisky Noggin by Hukin & Heath
£ 220
Newark Antiques and Interiors Ltd
Georgian Glass with Fluted Ogee Bowl
£ 180
Newark Antiques and Interiors Ltd
Georgian DSOT Glass with Engraving
£ 275
Graham Smith Antiques Ltd
Large Victorian Ruby Glass Goblet
£ 300
Sadly it can be quite difficult for people to tell if a piece of glass is old or not as glass does not really age much like other materials. Specialists with years of experience will attempt to discern the clarity of the glass, whether it was hand blown or machine made, wear marks, imperfections within it body of the glass and stylistic traits through its overall form or decoration. Just like any other object, glass has always been the subject of ever changing fashion in its shape and details. These shapes can usually be researched quite easily via the internet. While most antique glass is unsigned, there is a greater chance of finding a maker's or artist's signature on vintage pieces. If in doubt it is always worth showing your item to a specialist.
The short answer is yes vintage cut glass can be valuable but usually not worth a fortune. These items are usually purchased for use rather than as fine collectables so the condition, clarity and overall look of the piece are what will give the item value. As a general rule, the higher the clarity and the more brilliant the antique cut glass, the more worth it has and it is quite hard for an amateur to spot the difference between antique and vintage pieces as the styles have remained the same. It is also worth noting that moulded glass to mimic cut glass has been around since the 19th Century. These are naturally less valuable than genuine cut items and the edges of the 'cuts' will be far smoother compared to the real thing.
The Roman glass holds the record for the most valuable piece of glassware set out in an auction, which was highly prized by its affluent merchant over 17000 years ago. The mastered craftsmanship of Roman glass was drawn heavily on the skills and practises used in metalworking, gemcutting, and pottery production.
Coveted through the ages for its warm color and vintage beauty, Royal Lace was arguably the most in-demand vintage collectible of Depression glass, manufactured by Hazel Atlas Glass Company. These art glass were manufactured in a variety of colours including pink, blue, green, crystal, cobalt blue, and the ever-fascinating amethyst. The complete Royal Lace set includes butter dish, candlesticks, cookie jar, creamer, cups, saucers, pitchers, plates, platter, salt and pepper shakers, sugar bowl, and tumblers. Some pieces of this glass are extremely expensive due to their rarity and fine artistry.
Love Antiques is the perfect destination for antique glass dealers, hobbyists, and collectors from around the world. For more than 25 years, we have been a trusted source for the finest collectibles. Our website is regularly updated with newly-acquired items of vintage glassware UK of unmatched distinction, covering a vast range of styles, from early Georgian, Victorian, to mid-century Modern. With just a few clicks, you can purchase your antique glassware and get a chance to explore the ultimate collections from trusted antique glass dealers UK has which you won’t find anywhere else. You can now shop at the convenience of your home. For more information, send us an email.