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.
Jeff Sims Antiques
Victorian Bristol Blue Glass Cream Jug
£ 75
Jeff Sims Antiques
Superb Georgian Cut Glass Lidded Butter Dish
£ 225
Jeff Sims Antiques
Rare Silver Gilt & Lithyalin Glass Scent Bottle
£ 325
Jeff Sims Antiques
Fabulous Georgian Regency Cut Glass Rummer
£ 165
WhatSheWants
Antique Moser Enamel & Gilt Ruby Red Glass Miniature Chatelaine Perfume Scent Bottle c.1880
£ 125
Antique Moser Enamel & Gilt Ruby Red Glass Miniature Chatelaine Perfume Scent Bottle c.1880
£ 125
WhatSheWants
William Rand Antiques
Art Deco Ceiling Light Plafonnier, Marbled Glass
£ 175
Digby Antiques (Wiltshire)
Georgian Glass Non-spill Excise Inkwell
£ 68
The Lakes Emporium
Pair of Victorian Cranberry Glass Table Lustres
£ 225
£ 165
Victorian Hand Blown Scent Bottle with Silver Overlay Assayed Birmingham 1901
£ 165
The Lakes Emporium
Church Street Antiques
Pair of Iconic "Empire State" Art Deco Wall Lights
£ 1,250
Church Street Antiques
Pair of Late 19th Century Gilt Metal Blue Glass Cornucopia
£ 1,350
£ 2,250
London City Antiques
Unusual Antique 19th Century Victorian Black Forest Bear
£ 2,295
Antiques et Cetera
Two Beautiful Quality Made Perfume Atomisers for Christmas
£ 55
The Purply Shop
Loetz Marmorierte Malachite Glass Vase c.1893
£ 390
Aion Classique
Fabulous Art Deco Silver & Enamel Cologne Bottle
£ 195
£ 42.99
Vintage Cristal D’arques Longchamp Crystal Glasses 28cl / Set of 6 / 24% Lead Crystal
£ 42.99
MebleinUK
£ 42.99
Vintage Cristal D’arques Longchamp Crystal Glasses 6cl / Set of 6 / 24% Lead Crystal
£ 42.99
MebleinUK
Newark Antiques and Interiors Ltd
Fabulous Bernard Instone Arts & Crafts Scent Bottle
£ 355
Kernow Furniture
Large Vintage Glass Fishing Float
£ 285
The Silver Cabinet
Antique Silver Mounted Claret Jug
£ 300
Andrew Cox Antiques
Fabulous Late Victorian Silver Mounted Claret Jug
£ 495
London City Antiques
Superb Quality Pair of Antique Edwardian Cut Glass Decanters with Silver Mounts
£ 785
Superb Quality Pair of Antique Edwardian Cut Glass Decanters with Silver Mounts
£ 785
London City Antiques
WhatSheWants
Vintage Perfume Bottle Presentation Corday Rue de La Paix Paris Streetlamp Rare Figural c.1950
£ 245
Vintage Perfume Bottle Presentation Corday Rue de La Paix Paris Streetlamp Rare Figural c.1950
£ 245
WhatSheWants
Aion Classique
Victorian Silver Mounted Bristol Green Scent Bottle
£ 210
£ 245
Booth Antiques
Wonderful Kralik 'martele' Iridescent Vase
£ 175
Booth Antiques
Superb Victorian Cut Glass Whisky Tumbler
£ 135
£ 185
The Antique Magpie
Super Art Deco Scent / Perfume Bottle 1920s / 1930s
£ 32
artsncraftsfurniture
Vaseline Glass Shades
£ 475
Rams Head Antiques
Antique Chinese Cloisonne Bowl
£ 265
artsncraftsfurniture
Victorian Glass Shade
£ 35
Rams Head Antiques
Rare Pair of Murano Glass Lamps Original Shades
£ 465
Sunnyside Antiques
Georgian Drinking Glass
£ 160
Sunnyside Antiques
Antique Wine Glass
£ 165
artsncraftsfurniture
Vaseline Glass Pot
£ 25
artsncraftsfurniture
Vaseline Glass Vase
£ 50
artsncraftsfurniture
Davidson,s Glass Jug and Beaker
£ 65
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.