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
Delightful Set of Glass Ice Plates
£ 105
Elite Antiques
Superb Murano Glass Comport
£ 165
Booth Antiques
Victorian Silver & Cranberry 'Bullet' Scent Bottle
£ 175
£ 80
£ 165
£ 75
Rare Antique Turquoise Blue Uranium / Vaseline Glass Perfume Scent Bottle c.1880
£ 75
WhatSheWants
£ 925
Tall Victorian Antique Specimen Showcase, English Glass, Taxidermy, Display Dome
£ 925
London Fine Ltd
£ 845
Antique Large Display Dome, English, Taxidermy, Specimen Showcase - Victorian c.1860
£ 845
London Fine Ltd
£ 765
Antique Taxidermy Specimen Dome, English, Glass, Tall Showcase - Victorian 1900
£ 765
London Fine Ltd
£ 170
William Rand Antiques
Edwardian Solid Silver & Glass Biscuit Barrel
£ 195
£ 795
Antique Tall Display Showcase, English, Taxidermy, Ornament Dome, Victorian
£ 795
London Fine Ltd
In a Nutshell Antiques & Interiors Ltd
Pair of Silver Mounted Cut Glass Decanters
£ 250
William Rand Antiques
Large Art Deco Cut Glass Mushroom Table Lamp
£ 220
William Rand Antiques
Rare Pair of Art Deco Bagley & Co Glass Bookends
£ 350
Exhibit Antiques & Collectibles
Rare Pair Georgian Emerald Green Ale Glasses C1820
£ 140
£ 175
Antique Moser Enamel & Gilt Bristol Blue Glass Chatelaine Perfume Scent Bottle c.1880
£ 175
WhatSheWants
Sunnyside Antiques
Silver & Cut Glass Cruet Set
£ 365
Jeff Sims Antiques
Pair of Victorian Teardrop Stem Sherry Glasses
£ 55
Jeff Sims Antiques
Delightful Lady's Small Whisky Glass
£ 35
Jeff Sims Antiques
Fabulous Okra 'merlin's Web' Vase
£ 125
Jeff Sims Antiques
Edwardian Cut Glass Cream Jug
£ 65
Jeff Sims Antiques
Walsh Walsh Port Glass and Sherry Glass
£ 65
Jeff Sims Antiques
A Gorgeous Pair of Victorian Cut Glass Champagne Flutes
£ 135
O Keeffe Antiques
French Pair Of Gilded Single Arm Wall Lights
£ 295
Jeff Sims Antiques
An Unusual 18th Century Jelly Glass
£ 45
Jeff Sims Antiques
Novelty Victorian Cut Glass 'piggin' Condiment Tub & Silver Spoon
£ 110
Newark Antiques and Interiors Ltd
Stunning Glass Decanter with Silver Mount by William Comyns
£ 210
Stunning Glass Decanter with Silver Mount by William Comyns
£ 210
Newark Antiques and Interiors Ltd
O Keeffe Antiques
Italian Pair Of Wooden 'palladio' Wall Lights
£ 695
O Keeffe Antiques
French Small Pair Of Twin Arm Wall Lights
£ 295
London City Antiques
Pair of Antique Edwardian Quality Cut Glass Decanters
£ 495
Andrew Cox Antiques
A Superb Large Victorian Green Glass Dump/paperweight
£ 275
London City Antiques
Antique Art Nouveau Quality Jug and Bowl Set
£ 575
£ 300
Booth Antiques
Victorian Bristol Green Silver Mounted Scent Bottle
£ 185
£ 125
D & J Hunt Antiques Ltd
A Light Grey &green Heart Motif Antique / Old Pine 3 Seater Box Settle / Bench
£ 545
A Light Grey &green Heart Motif Antique / Old Pine 3 Seater Box Settle / Bench
£ 545
D & J Hunt Antiques Ltd
Booth Antiques
Superb Victorian Fern Etched Celery Vase
£ 155
£ 295
1937 Hallmarked Solid Silver Crocodile Skin Bound Glass Hip Flask James Dixon
£ 295
Shires Antiques
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.