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
Very Stylish Plain Edwardian Sterling Silver Claret Jug
£ 425
Piers Rankin Silver Antiques
Green Guilloche Enamel & Silver Dressing Table Jar
£ 325
Robert Belcher Antiques
19th Century Bohemian Overlaid Glass Claret Jug c.1890
£ 1,295
£ 450
Piers Rankin Silver Antiques
Boxed Set of Asprey Enamel & Silver Perfume Bottles
£ 475
Piers Rankin Silver Antiques
Late Victorian Silver Plated Claret Jug with Plain Mount
£ 235
The Lakes Emporium
Pair of Victorian Glass Vases with Ceramic Portraits of Young Ladies
£ 215
£ 149
A Red Scent Bottle with Sterling Silver Mount by Charles May, Birmingham 1893
£ 149
The Purply Shop
The Purply Shop
Gilded Green Glass Scent Bottle c.1900
£ 149
£ 149
Newark Antiques and Interiors Ltd
Fratelli Toso Mosaic Vase
£ 150
Antiques et Cetera
Vintage Set of Two Rare Waterford Hibernia Pattern Champagne Flutes
£ 99
£ 345
£ 350
Church Street Antiques
Pair of Victorian Diamond Cut Crystal Lustres
£ 650
Piers Rankin Silver Antiques
Oval Victorian Silver Plated and Cut Glass Biscuit Box
£ 355
Piers Rankin Silver Antiques
Large Size Victorian Silver Plated Water or Beer Jug
£ 345
Piers Rankin Silver Antiques
Superb Late Victorian Silver Plated and Cut Glass Claret Jug
£ 245
Superb Late Victorian Silver Plated and Cut Glass Claret Jug
£ 245
Piers Rankin Silver Antiques
Newark Antiques and Interiors Ltd
Ermanno Nason Female Glass Sculpture
£ 440
Newark Antiques and Interiors Ltd
Oiva Toikka Glass Whip-poor-will Bird
£ 180
Newark Antiques and Interiors Ltd
Signed Art Glass Vase by Adam Jablonski
£ 280
Booth Antiques
Edwardian Star & Greek Key Etched Biscuit Barrel
£ 135
Booth Antiques
Kralik Art Nouveau Iridescent Vase
£ 175
Booth Antiques
Fabulous Walsh Walsh Iridescent Art Nouveau Vase
£ 175
Aion Classique
Art Deco Silver & Enamel Cologne Bottle
£ 135
Aion Classique
Victorian Flash Cut Silver Mounted Scent Bottle
£ 245
£ 220
Silver Mounted Glug-Glug Glass Decanter, by William Comyns, London, 1905
£ 220
The Purply Shop
The Purply Shop
Loetz Iridescent Glass Vase with Silver Collar c.1900
£ 275
The Purply Shop
Silver Mounted Glass Liqueur Decanter Set c.1920
£ 495
The Purply Shop
Fritz Heckert Glass Vase by Otto Thamm c.1902
£ 495
London City Antiques
Pair of Antique Victorian Quality Cut Glass Decanters
£ 575
Jeff Sims Antiques
Fine Set of 8 Victorian Greek Key Etched Champagne Bowls
£ 255
Jeff Sims Antiques
Superb Set of 6 Victorian Cranberry Wine Glasses
£ 225
£ 2,950
Andrew Cox Antiques
A Handsome And Substantial Georgian Pan Rummer
£ 155
£ 595
Antique Cut Glass Cordial Ewer, English, Silver Plate, Serving Jug - Edwardian
£ 595
London Fine Ltd
Aion Classique
Lovely Edwardian Silver Mounted Scent Flask
£ 165
Aion Classique
Fabulous Iris Embossed Silver Topped Trinket Box
£ 195
£ 100
The Purply Shop
Loetz Green Metallin Silver Overlay Vase c.1905
£ 395
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.