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
Charming Late Victorian Etched Bedside Carafe
£ 75
Jeff Sims Antiques
Handsome Victorian Cut Glass Decanter
£ 125
Jeff Sims Antiques
Lovely Victorian Cut Glass Pickle / Preserve Jar
£ 75
Exhibit Antiques & Collectibles
Pair of Large 19th Century Glass Wine Decanters c.1840
£ 280
£ 175
Bridport Antiques at The Alleyways Centre
18th Century Air Twist Bell Bowl Wine Glass
£ 245
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Stunning Quality Antique Victorian Hourglass Shaped Decanter
£ 265
Stunning Quality Antique Victorian Hourglass Shaped Decanter
£ 265
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Wonderful Quality Antique Edwardian Cut Glass Silver Plated Biscuit Barrel
£ 425
Wonderful Quality Antique Edwardian Cut Glass Silver Plated Biscuit Barrel
£ 425
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Marylebone Antiques
Vintage Murano Glass Mushroom Lamp by Peil & Putzler
£ 495
£ 400
London City Antiques
Unusual Pair of Irish Antique Quality Cut Glass Decanters
£ 695
Vintage World
Rare Etagère or Bonbonniere Made of Bubbled Glass
£ 199
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Stunning Quality Pair of Antique Victorian Cut Glass Comports
£ 525
Stunning Quality Pair of Antique Victorian Cut Glass Comports
£ 525
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Elegant Antique Edwardian Silver Plated Jam Pot & Spoon
£ 225
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Fine Quality Antique Victorian Bohemian Glass Vase
£ 325
Newark Antiques and Interiors Ltd
19th Century Double Overlay Sugar Bowl
£ 215
£ 175
£ 225
The Antique Warehouse
Glass Art Table Centre Bowl: Stunning Czechoslovakian 'Glass Art' Table Centre Bowl, of Good Proportion
£ 175
Glass Art Table Centre Bowl: Stunning Czechoslovakian 'Glass Art' Table Centre Bowl, of Good Proportion
£ 175
The Antique Warehouse
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Stunning Quality Antique Victorian Cut Glass Decanter
£ 195
Rams Head Antiques
Beautiful Vintage Murano Glass Birds Hand Blown Salviati
£ 495
Exhibit Antiques & Collectibles
Georgian Cut Glass Perfume Bottle c.1820
£ 130
Graham Smith Antiques Ltd
Mid 18th Century Wine Glass
£ 365
Jeff Sims Antiques
Handsome Georgian Revival Cut Glass Rose Bowl
£ 155
Exhibit Antiques & Collectibles
Pair of 19th Century Glass Custard Cups with Original Lids c.1880
£ 79
Pair of 19th Century Glass Custard Cups with Original Lids c.1880
£ 79
Exhibit Antiques & Collectibles
Andrew Cox Antiques
Gorgeous Pair of Star Etched Champagne Glasses
£ 145
Jeff Sims Antiques
Superb Pair of Queen's Burmese Glass Vases
£ 275
Exhibit Antiques & Collectibles
Victorian Glass Pickle Jar c.1880
£ 69
Whites Antiques
Mid 20th Century French Green Mercury Glass Witches Ball
£ 350
London City Antiques
Antique Victorian Quality Oak Tantalus by Mappin & Webb
£ 795
Exhibit Antiques & Collectibles
Victorian Salviati Murano Zanfirico & Aventurine Glass Bowl c.1870
£ 75
Victorian Salviati Murano Zanfirico & Aventurine Glass Bowl c.1870
£ 75
Exhibit Antiques & Collectibles
Exhibit Antiques & Collectibles
19th Century Salviati Murano Zanfirico & Aventurine Glass Bowl c.1870
£ 65
19th Century Salviati Murano Zanfirico & Aventurine Glass Bowl c.1870
£ 65
Exhibit Antiques & Collectibles
Exhibit Antiques & Collectibles
Salviati Murano Zanfirico & Aventurine Glass Bowl c.1870
£ 65
Jeff Sims Antiques
Gorgeous Pair of Victorian Cut Cranberry Wine Glasses
£ 155
Lambert & Co.
Mid 20th Century Art Glass Bowl by Val St Lambert
£ 180
Exhibit Antiques & Collectibles
Georgian Facet Cut Wine Glass with Thick Foot c.1790
£ 140
Exhibit Antiques & Collectibles
Georgian Enamelled Opaque Twist Wine Glass c.1765
£ 1,250
Exhibit Antiques & Collectibles
18th Century Double Ogee Glass Rummer c.1780
£ 79
Exhibit Antiques & Collectibles
Victorian Bucket Bowl Deceptive Glass Rummer c.1890
£ 65
Exhibit Antiques & Collectibles
English 18th Century Georgian Opaque Twist Short Wine Firing Glass c.1760
£ 290
English 18th Century Georgian Opaque Twist Short Wine Firing Glass c.1760
£ 290
Exhibit Antiques & Collectibles
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.