Were you recently gifted antique glass dishes but you aren’t aware of their value? Knowing the worth of your antique dishes is helpful since it allows you to determine whether they are glassware or China. Furthermore, once you know the value of your dishes, you can resell them at a good price.
A unique set of antique glass dishes in perfect shape is a special treat for any glass collector who enjoys glassware with alluring color combinations and designs. Without a doubt, antique glass dishes are a delightful slice of history that’s worth collecting especially if you are into designs that are rare yet stunning.
Currently, there are different types of antique glass dishes to pick from; you can select from unique designs that are affordable to stunning luxurious pieces.
We understand how difficult it might be trying to figure out whether an antique glass dish is worth it. Therefore, we have covered all the areas you need to know before determining whether to invest in a certain glass dish.
Without further delay, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
History Of Glass Dishes
Glass dishes have been around for decades! Unlike other inventions that were manufactured within the past few centuries, glass dishes can be traced back to 3,600 years ago in Mesopotamia. Other glass dishes have been linked to Syria or Egypt as well. By the 15th century, extensive glassware was being manufactured in Crete, Western Asia and Greece. At this time, glass dishes were luxurious items.
The modern production of glass dishes was prominent in the late 15th century. The process used in manufacturing glass dishes advanced and this improved the overall look of glassware. Glass dishes’ manufacturer’s became prominent from the 19th century.
Famous Manufacturers of Antique Glass Dishes
Even though the manufacturers of glassware dishes aren’t well-known since it’s rarely specified, here are a few manufacturers and famous brand names of antique glass dishes.
René Lalique
Renè Lalique was a french glass designer and Jeweller famously known for his unique designs. He devoted himself to glassware manufacturing and by 1910 he established a factory in Combs-la-Ville, France.
Once his reputation grew further, he eventually opened a larger factory in Wingen-sur-Moder, France. He was influential in the Art Nouveau movement.
Walker and Hall Co.
This company was established in 1845 in Sheffield, United Kingdom by Walker and Hall, who were flamboyant manufacturers of Silverware, Cutlery and Dishes. The company built a strong reputation in the 19th century, making it achieve worldwide success.
Pyrex
This company is famous for making glassware and kitchenware. Pyrex was established in 1915 during World War I influenced by Bessie Littleton and his wife Jessie Littleton. Out of all the brands we have mentioned, Pyrex is still well-known upto today!
Jewel Cut Co
Jewel cut glass company was established in 1907 during the brilliant glass period. It’s a brand that’s highly valued by antique glass dish collectors due to their unique designs. They primarily used the Aberdeen and Emerald patterns.
Hawkes
Hawkes was a cutting glass company founded by Thomas Gibbon Hawkes. The factory is revolutionary since it lasted up to 82 years, making it one of the companies that were successful during the brilliant glass period.
Libbey Glass Company
The company was founded in 1818 In East Cambridge, Massachusetts. The glass factory is one of the pioneers of brilliant cutting glass. Their pieces are famous among collectors as well.
Identifying Antique Glass Dishes
Undeniably, identifying antique glass dishes isn’t an easy task since little is known about them. Regardless, you can find hints to help you identify your antique glass dishes.
The markings under or on the side of the dish allows you to know who manufactured it. While some dishes have names stamped telling you exactly who made the glass, others have a date marks, allowing you to know how old the dish is.
The manufacturer of the glass dish, its age and rarity is one of the most important factors to consider when determining the worth of an antique glass dish.
On the other hand, some marks refer to historical references and these marks can be found around the logo of the company that manufactured the glass dish. Most of the dishes made before the 20th century have extremely simple designs and they are often heavier than vintage or modern glass dishes.
Keep reading to know more!
Find the mark or logo of the company
Begin by turning the dish upside down to observe the name or logo of the manufacturer. Some of the most famous glass makers during this era were Hawkes and Jewel Cut Co.
Once you know the name, you can research it online to know more about the brand and whether it’s valuable since some companies are more famous than others and their glassware’s worth is placed above other glass makers.
Look for the glass dish’s country of origin
You have to search for the name of the country where the glass dish was manufactured. You can check under the glass dish. This allows you to know whether it was imported or locally made. After 1891, a law was passed indicating all imported goods had to have the name of the country of origin.
So, if a glass dish doesn’t have the name of its country of origin, there’s a chance that it might be a very old piece made before 1891.
Look for the company codes or logos
A wide array of American manufacturers changed their logos from time to time. For instance, Libbey changed its logo up to three times in a few years.
You can observe the logo clearly to find the accurate date of the glass dish’s manufacture since some specific logos will tell you exactly when a dish was manufactured because the logos were changed after a few years.
The Value Of An Antique Glass Dish
The value of antique dishes varies depending on the manufacturer, design, rarity and its date of origin. If a piece was made by a company such as Hawkes during the brilliant cutting glass period, its worth increases and most of them can cost up to $15,000.
Most collectors love Aberdeen and emerald glass dishes patterns making these types of designs highly sought after.
On the other hand, most glass making industries closed their operations after a short while. Therefore, these pieces are extremely rare. Also, some glass dishes were made under the Art Nouveau period which is still popular among collectors, making such pieces great picks.
Final Words
As much as the fact that antique glass dishes are rarely known, it’s important to know how to identify them to ascertain their worth. You can find these pieces at:
- Your local thrift store
- Etsy
- eBay
- Antique store
Most antique glass dishes range from $20 to $20,000.
