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How to Collect Vintage Glass Shoes

Decorative glass shoes and slippers were a favorite of Victorian ladies in the late 19th century. Classy and ornamental, they lent an air of sophistication to home décor. Sometimes used to store toothpicks, snuff, tiny bouquets and jewelry, they could be molded like simple colored glass slippers or embellished with anything from an animal face to elaborate flower designs. Antique collectors look for glass shoes from several well-known companies as well as one-of-a-kind creations.

Instructions

- 1
  Identify vintage glass slipper and shoe styles. Shoes with a bumpy pattern, called hobnails, may be struck in clear, colored or solid white ̶0;milk̶1; glass. Vintage shoes (or boots) with a circular floret and a raised or obscured button, referred to as daisy and button style, attract many collectors. Frosted slippers and shoes use the same type of glass that makes a frosty beer mug.
- 2
  Familiarize yourself with Mosser vintage shoes. This company began making glass shoes in 1971,and its early models, such as a ruby red slipper with a bow, sell fast in Internet auctions. The Vaseline Opalescent glass slipper also rates highly with collectors.
- 3
  Peruse antique stores, vintage websites and eBay for glass shoes. Glass House Antiques, Yesterday's Jewels and other specialty vintage glass sellers online offer a good selection of Fenton shoes and older creations by lesser-known companies and artists. Check out eBay shops like Mom's Tiara Antique Glass Collection or Antique Glass Carnival. Collectorsweekly.com lists antique shows that may sell glass shoes and features interviews with antique store owners who specialize in these items.
- 4
  Look for glass shoes made by Fenton Art Glass Company. Fenton first opened its doors in 1905 and has produced some of the most popular glass shoe and slipper designs. Their best-selling vintage molds include the rose slipper, kitten-heeled Imperial slipper, and the covered candy box slipper.
- 5
  Search for tiny, rare ̶0;thimble holders.̶1; Because of their diminutive size, many small vintage shoes were lost, so collectors prize the few remaining ones. Some vintage thimble holders resemble the modern ̶0;mule̶1; style of shoes, or Oxford shoes. They average 2 inches in length, and may be made of clear or colored glass. Even though vintage collectors refer to them as ̶0;thimble-holders̶1;, some may have been used to hold perfume samples.
- 6
  Find shoes made of "case" glass. This process resulted in a white line marking the inside of the miniature. The glass may be clear or mottled, and sometimes decorated with leaves or other painted motifs.

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