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.
Kernow Furniture
26 Vintage Glass Christmas Baubles
£ 195
Jo Brayshaw
Large Cut Glass Rummer c.1900
£ 100
Jo Brayshaw
Harlequin Set of 6 Champagne Glasses c.1910
£ 100
Collectaline
Glass Table Lamp Converted Oil Lamp
£ 225
Driscolls Antiques Ltd
Quality Victorian Oak Antique Tantalus
£ 425
Sunnyside Antiques
English Glass Rummer Georgian
£ 95
£ 210
Mid Wales Antiques
Cut Lead Crystal Ships Decanter
£ 70
Jeff Sims Antiques
Victorian Harlequin Set of 6 Small Champagne Coupes
£ 185
Jeff Sims Antiques
Hukin & Heath Silver Mounted Whisky Tot / Chotopeg
£ 265
Jeff Sims Antiques
Delightful Small Cranberry Victorian Water Jug
£ 110
Mark Stacey Antiques & Decorative
Vintage Glass Head
£ 69
Jeff Sims Antiques
Superb Victorian Silver Plated & Cut Glass Claret Jug
£ 255
Antiques in Oxford
Art Deco Daum Glass Vase
£ 995
Jeff Sims Antiques
Quality Pair of Victorian Whisky Tumblers
£ 165
William Rand Antiques
Late Victorian Biscuit Barrel Box by John Grinsell & Sons
£ 165
Fontaine Decorative
Cut Glass Celery Glass
£ 110
Mark Stacey Antiques & Decorative
Good Regency Style Cut Glass Jug
£ 135
Fontaine Decorative
Etched Celery Glass
£ 110
Sunnyside Antiques
Whisky Glass - Vintage Advertising
£ 78
Andrew Cox Antiques
An Attractive Victorian Silver Mounted Scent Bottle
£ 195
Graham Smith Antiques Ltd
Edwardian Leaded Glass Shop Sign
£ 665
Newark Antiques and Interiors Ltd
Pair of Peking Cameo Glass Vases
£ 390
£ 135
Antique Miniature Ruby Red Overlay Chatelaine Perfume Scent Bottle Circa 1880
£ 135
WhatSheWants
£ 245
WhatSheWants
Antique Double Overlay Pink Over White Over Clear Waisted Perfume Scent Bottle Circa 1880
£ 180
Antique Double Overlay Pink Over White Over Clear Waisted Perfume Scent Bottle Circa 1880
£ 180
WhatSheWants
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Lovely Pair of Cut Glass Antique Edwardian Decanters
£ 235
Collectaline
Murano Pink & Red Swirl Glass Vase
£ 65
Jeff Sims Antiques
Elegant Pair of Edwardian Etched Champagne Coupes
£ 110
Jeff Sims Antiques
Victorian Cranberry Edged Cut Glass Comport
£ 135
Hutton-Clarke Antiques
Cut Glass Water Jug c.1830
£ 95
Youngs Antiques
18th Century Wine Bottle
£ 400
William Rand Antiques
Beautiful Italian Millefiori Glass Table Lamp
£ 175
William Rand Antiques
1930s Cut Glass Mushroom Table Lamp
£ 250
Larkin & Gallow
Antique Silver Mounted Tortoiseshell Lidded Cut Glass Bowl
£ 175
Mark Stacey Antiques & Decorative
French Opaline Glass Vase
£ 49
Jeff Sims Antiques
Fine Whitefriars Sea Green Wine Set
£ 395
Reepham Antiques
Baccarat Crystal Lustre Candlestick
£ 2,250
£ 595
Antique Pedestal Bowl, Continental, Red Glass, Decorative Ice Bucket c.1920
£ 595
London Fine Ltd
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Stunning Quality Antique Edwardian Cut Glass Ewer
£ 245
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.