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.
Graham Deakin Antiques
Whitefriars Rare Pewter Traffic Light Glass
£ 140
Carse Antiques
Georgian Bristol Green Glass Decanter
£ 130
Jeff Sims Antiques
Edwardian Silver and Glass Match Striker
£ 135
Jeff Sims Antiques
Lovely Victorian Slice Cut Rummer
£ 125
Jeff Sims Antiques
A Small Late 19th Century Etched Whisky Glass
£ 110
Booth Antiques
Bohemian 19th Century Etched Glass Decanter
£ 135
Digby Antiques (Wiltshire)
Georgian Silver Topped Glass Perfume Scent Bottle
£ 160
£ 110
Queens Antiques & Collectables
George IV Silver Whisky Decanter Label John Reily 1823
£ 130
Church Street Antiques
1920's Cut Glass Mushroom Lamp
£ 650
Patrick Howard Antiques
Antique Irish Tipperary Waterford Glass Cut Crystal Victorian Turnover Bowl 19thC
£ 675
Antique Irish Tipperary Waterford Glass Cut Crystal Victorian Turnover Bowl 19thC
£ 675
Patrick Howard Antiques
Robert Belcher Antiques
1920s Millefiori Glass Paperweight
£ 155
Queens Antiques & Collectables
Antique Sterling Silver Vase & Green Glass Liner Goldsmiths & Silversmiths 1909
£ 295
Antique Sterling Silver Vase & Green Glass Liner Goldsmiths & Silversmiths 1909
£ 295
Queens Antiques & Collectables
Aion Classique
French Silver & Glass Heart Shaped Scent with Dropper
£ 175
Aion Classique
French 19th Century Silver & Opaline Glass Scent Bottle
£ 225
Aion Classique
Victorian Silver Mounted Cranberry Glass Scent Bottle
£ 225
Piers Rankin Silver Antiques
Plain Edwardian Mappin & Webb Silver Plated Biscuit or Trinket Barrel
£ 175
Plain Edwardian Mappin & Webb Silver Plated Biscuit or Trinket Barrel
£ 175
Piers Rankin Silver Antiques
Piers Rankin Silver Antiques
Late Victorian Glass and Sterling Silver Match Striker
£ 230
Piers Rankin Silver Antiques
Cut Glass Cocktail Jigger Silver Plated Mount
£ 150
WhatSheWants
Antique Acorn Form Vinaigrette Perfume Scent Bottle Brooch Sterling Silver Lid Circa 1880
£ 150
Antique Acorn Form Vinaigrette Perfume Scent Bottle Brooch Sterling Silver Lid Circa 1880
£ 150
WhatSheWants
Salisbury Antiques Centre
Pair of Smoked Glass Side Tables
£ 420
O Keeffe Antiques
French Pair Of Crystal Twin Arm Wall Lights
£ 375
London City Antiques
Antique Victorian Quality Silver Plated Tantalus
£ 795
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Lovely Quality Antique Edwardian Oak Tantalus
£ 595
£ 120
£ 175
WhatSheWants
Antique Moserenamel & Gilt Cornucopia / Horn Form Chatelaine Perfume Scent Bottle c.1880
£ 265
Antique Moserenamel & Gilt Cornucopia / Horn Form Chatelaine Perfume Scent Bottle c.1880
£ 265
WhatSheWants
£ 1,795
Graham Deakin Antiques
Glass Ewer and Stopper
£ 110
Graham Deakin Antiques
Large Cut Glass Drinking Glass
£ 65
£ 1,100
Piers Rankin Silver Antiques
Handsome Edwardian Sterling Silver and Glass Ink Bottle
£ 260
Piers Rankin Silver Antiques
Late Victorian Continental Silver Perfume Bottle
£ 185
Piers Rankin Silver Antiques
Late Victorian Sterling Silver Neck Glug Glug Decanter
£ 255
Jeff Sims Antiques
Georgian Silver Madeira Decanter Label
£ 165
Larkin & Gallow
Antique William Comyns Silver & Cut Glass Quaich
£ 130
Larkin & Gallow
Antique Quaich in Silver & Cut Glass by William Comyns
£ 130
Larkin & Gallow
Antique Silver Rim Hukin & Heath Glug Glug Spirit Decanter
£ 120
Beau French Boutique
Pair Mid Century Slag Glass Tulip Lotus Pendant Lights
£ 185
William Rand Antiques
Victorian Silver Topped Ribbed Glass Glug Glug Decanter, 1892
£ 220
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.