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How to Find the Value of Old Glass

Valuing old glass can be problematic because most glass doesn't have a datable maker's mark imprinted on it. Without that mark, it's hard to identify the item, which in turn makes it difficult to track down its price in a guide. On the bright side, this presents an opportunity for the keen-eyed collector, who can still happen upon rarities sitting anonymously on dealers' stalls. Trust your gut instinct and consider these factors: age, method of manufacture, decoration, design and function.

Instructions

- 1
  Check the base--this is the best place to detect signs of age. When an item is picked up and put down hundreds of times, it develops tiny, random scratches which are exceedingly hard to fake. You don't want to see any brand-new labels with bar-codes. With wine glasses, look for a tint of gray in the body of the glass and a thick, heavy foot. Age in itself is no guarantee of value, but it might be an indication of rarity.
- 2
  Keep looking at the base. If a piece of old glass is hand-blown, the base will usually be concave. In its center you will find a pontil mark where the rod was attached to the glass. On the best pieces, the pontil mark is ground smooth but remains visible to the eye. On pieces of molded--i.e.,mass-produced--glass, the base will usually have a rolled rim and an impressed serial number. Molded glass rarely has much value.
- 3
  Examine the decoration. In the 19th century, huge amounts of glass were cut with hobnail and diamond patterns. The collector will only be attracted by something more unusual, such as fine, detailed engraving of floral designs or hand-painted enamel vignettes.
- 4
  Step back and take in the overall look of the piece. A bold, striking design is one of the most important factors in value, and even more so when the design speaks of a collectible period, such as Art Deco or Art Nouveau.
- 5
  Consider the function of the piece. What is it for and how well will it fit into the 21st century home? Decorative vases, paperweights, decanters, goblets and lamps all perform well at auction because they remain relevant to modern living.
- 6
  Take this information to the library. You will find 20th century glass covered in both specific guides and books on modern collectibles. Often these guides will point you towards identifiable makers and with this information you can establish a reasonably precise value for your piece. Older glass tends to be dealt with in general books on the history of glass making, and, if you're lucky, these can help you narrow down your piece to an individual maker.

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