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.
£ 85
Robert Belcher Antiques
Four Mast 18th Century Ship in a Bottle - English Folk Art
£ 425
William Rand Antiques
Victorian Silver & Glass Claret Jug by John Grinsell
£ 595
Andrew Cox Antiques
Gorgeous Silver & Blue Guilloche Enamel Perfume / Cologne Bottle
Andrew Cox Antiques
Charming Late 19th Century Enamel Painted Decanter
£ 145
Neville Platt Antiques
Victorian Rummer
£ 25
Prometheus Antiques
Colbalt Blue Glass Cornucopia Vase
£ 125
Antiques et Cetera
Stunning Vintage Cut & Etched Bavarian Green Colour Hock Glass
£ 40
Williams Antiques & Restoration
Green Glass Bowl
£ 25
Piers Rankin Silver Antiques
Victorian Silver Plated Claret Jug with Floral Engraved Mount & Pineapple Finial
£ 185
Victorian Silver Plated Claret Jug with Floral Engraved Mount & Pineapple Finial
£ 185
Piers Rankin Silver Antiques
Digby Antiques (Wiltshire)
Whisky Noggin, Glass & Silver Collar, Label
£ 245
Piers Rankin Silver Antiques
Late Victorian Sterling Silver & Cut Glass Perfume Bottle
£ 175
Exhibit Antiques & Collectibles
19th Century Green Gadrooned Glass Vase c.1880
£ 120
Piers Rankin Silver Antiques
Victorian Silver Plated Claret Jug with Onion Shaped Body
£ 195
Exhibit Antiques & Collectibles
18th Century Kit Kat Balustroid Wine Glass c.1740
£ 590
Exhibit Antiques & Collectibles
Rare Georgian Facet Cut Plain Stem Wine Glass c.1770
£ 140
Exhibit Antiques & Collectibles
Stunning Antique Bohemian Ruby Cut Glass Wine Decanter c.1920
£ 180
Stunning Antique Bohemian Ruby Cut Glass Wine Decanter c.1920
£ 180
Exhibit Antiques & Collectibles
£ 120
Antique Miniature Clear Glass Enamelled Chatelaine Egg Form Perfume Scent Bottle c.1880
£ 120
WhatSheWants
Robert Belcher Antiques
Rare & Decorative Italian Millefiori Art Glass Duck
£ 425
Piers Rankin Silver Antiques
Stylish Sterling Silver Mounted Claret Jug with Plain Mount
£ 445
Stylish Sterling Silver Mounted Claret Jug with Plain Mount
£ 445
Piers Rankin Silver Antiques
WhatSheWants
Antique Moser Blue Opaline & Enamel Heart Shape Chatelaine Miniature Perfume Scent Bottle c.1880
£ 155
Antique Moser Blue Opaline & Enamel Heart Shape Chatelaine Miniature Perfume Scent Bottle c.1880
£ 155
WhatSheWants
WhatSheWants
Antique White Opaline Disc Form Chatelaine Perfume Scent Bottle with Gilt Metal Mount C1880
£ 145
Antique White Opaline Disc Form Chatelaine Perfume Scent Bottle with Gilt Metal Mount C1880
£ 145
WhatSheWants
WhatSheWants
Antique Candy Cane Ruby Red & White Striped Latticino Perfume Scent Bottle Silver Lid Circa 1880
£ 180
Antique Candy Cane Ruby Red & White Striped Latticino Perfume Scent Bottle Silver Lid Circa 1880
£ 180
WhatSheWants
Graham Smith Antiques Ltd
Opaque Twist Stem Sweetmeat Dish
£ 495
Piers Rankin Silver Antiques
Victorian Silver Plated and Glass Claret Jug with Cranberry Glass Overlay
£ 325
Victorian Silver Plated and Glass Claret Jug with Cranberry Glass Overlay
£ 325
Piers Rankin Silver Antiques
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
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.