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.
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Beautiful Quality Antique Victorian Papier-mache Inlaid Desk Set
£ 375
Beautiful Quality Antique Victorian Papier-mache Inlaid Desk Set
£ 375
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
St James Collectables
Mid-Century Icona Murano Sommerso Glass Vase
£ 235
St James Collectables
Vintage Murano Sommerso Glass Vase: Faceted Italian Design
£ 135
St James Collectables
Flávio Poli for Archimede Seguso Murano Bowl
£ 245
Digby Antiques (Wiltshire)
Victorian Silver Topped Cranberry Glass Perfume Bottle
St James Collectables
Vintage Murano Sommerso Glass Vase by Mandruzzato
Booth Antiques
Exquisite Silver & Cut Glass Greyhound Head Scent Bottle
£ 295
Booth Antiques
Fabulous Mid Victorian Large Cut Glass Bonbonnière
£ 225
Booth Antiques
Edwardian Silver Mounted Opaline Glass Scent Bottle
£ 235
£ 210
£ 210
Jeff Sims Antiques
Large Edwardian Cut Glass Wine Dispenser
£ 235
Jeff Sims Antiques
Unusual Edwardian Silver Mounted Oil/Condiment Bottle
£ 135
£ 75
Antiques et Cetera
Tall Vintage Empoli Opaline Italian Glass Jug / Vase
£ 50
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Fantastic Quality Antique Edwardian Silver Plated Claret Jug
£ 545
Fantastic Quality Antique Edwardian Silver Plated Claret Jug
£ 545
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Stunning Quality Antique Edwardian Cranberry Glass Biscuit Barrel
£ 365
Stunning Quality Antique Edwardian Cranberry Glass Biscuit Barrel
£ 365
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Antiques et Cetera
Large Bohemian Cobalt Blue Cut & Etched Clear Glass Punch Bowl
£ 400
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Fine Quality Antique Edwardian Cut Glass Dish
£ 325
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Pretty Pair of Antique Edwardian Decanters
£ 295
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Pretty Antique Victorian Cranberry Glass Decanter
£ 295
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Stunning Quality Pair of Antique Victorian Cut Glass Lidded Jars
£ 425
Stunning Quality Pair of Antique Victorian Cut Glass Lidded Jars
£ 425
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Merchant House Antiques
Art Deco Metal Coffee Table
£ 495
William Rand Antiques
Silver Desk Stand & Inkwell
£ 800
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Fine Quality Pair of Antique Edwardian Cut Glass Lidded Jars
£ 465
Fine Quality Pair of Antique Edwardian Cut Glass Lidded Jars
£ 465
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Wonderful Quality Antique Edwardian Cranberry Glass Decanter
£ 265
Wonderful Quality Antique Edwardian Cranberry Glass Decanter
£ 265
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Bentleigh Antiques
Flemish Carved Oak Stained Glass Narrow Freestanding Cabinet
£ 1,395
Digby Antiques (Wiltshire)
Early 19th Century Sutherland Glass
£ 95
Highland Antiques Limited
Victorian Antique Wooden Tea Caddy Box with Twin Silver Caddies, London 1862
£ 6,995
Victorian Antique Wooden Tea Caddy Box with Twin Silver Caddies, London 1862
£ 6,995
Highland Antiques Limited
Robert Belcher Antiques
Ship in a Bottle Folk Art Diorama Circa 1930
£ 795
Robert Belcher Antiques
Rare and Beautiful Millefiori Glass Paperweight
£ 285
WhatSheWants
Art Deco German Crown Top Perfume Scent Bottle Enamel & Edelweiss Silver Overlay Circa 1930
£ 88
Art Deco German Crown Top Perfume Scent Bottle Enamel & Edelweiss Silver Overlay Circa 1930
£ 88
WhatSheWants
£ 135
Andrew Cox Antiques
A Superb William IV Silver Pierced Drum Mustard Pot
£ 310
Andrew Cox Antiques
A Gorgeous French Silver Gilt Miniature Scent Bottle
£ 225
Middleton's Antiques
19th Century Antique Cut Glass Decanter
£ 135
Beeches Vintage
Antique Victorian Silver Topped Glass Jar
£ 135
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Fantastic Quality Large Antique Edwardian Cut Glass Dish
£ 495
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Pretty Antique Edwardian Quality Cut Glass Cruet
£ 175
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.