Not a piece of furniture
Other (Decorative Glassware/Collectible Item) · American Brilliant Cut Glass Period (c. 1876-1917) · Likely American maker from the Brilliant Period such as Libbey, Hawkes, or T.G. Hawkes & Co.
Type
Other (Decorative Glassware/Collectible Item)
Style Period
American Brilliant Cut Glass Period (c. 1876-1917)
Material
Heavy lead crystal glass with high refractive index
Age Estimate
Circa 1880-1915
Dimensions
Estimated small-to-medium bowl or dish (approx. 6-10 inches in diameter)
Origin
American or European (likely American Brilliant Cut Glass era)
Designer/Maker
Likely American maker from the Brilliant Period such as Libbey, Hawkes, or T.G. Hawkes & Co.
Value Estimate
Retail/collector market value ranges generally from $50 to $300 depending on exact maker mark, size, and condition
Description
This is not a piece of furniture, but rather an exquisite example of Brilliant Period cut glass, likely a bowl or heavy dish. It features dense, masterfully executed geometric cutting patterns including prominent hobstars, cane or diamond diapering, and fine miters that create an extraordinary play of light.
Key Features
Heavy lead content, sharp and crisp miter cuts, prominent hobstar motifs, star centers, and extreme clarity with high refractive sparkle
Color & Finish
Clear, highly refractive colorless lead glass with brilliantly polished facets
Construction Method
Hand-blown glass blank deeply cut and polished on a stone wheel, followed by acid or felt polishing
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Exceptional artisanal craftsmanship featuring complex geometric hand-cut motifs including hobstars, crosshatching, and fan patterns
Wood Grain & Species
Not applicable
Surface Treatment
Intricate wheel-cut and hand-polished facets creating sharp relief and maximum brilliance
Upholstery Details
Not applicable
Hardware & Fittings
Not applicable
Origin & Provenance
American or European (likely American Brilliant Cut Glass era)
Condition Notes
Appears to be in very good condition with typical minor microscopic rim nicks consistent with age, maintaining excellent clarity and sharp cutting edges
Interesting Facts
The American Brilliant Cut Glass era coincided with the Industrial Revolution and the Gilded Age, where wealthy households displayed elaborate cut glass to showcase their status through the dazzling play of artificial and natural light
Cultural Significance
Represents the absolute pinnacle of American glass cutting artistry, winning international acclaim at world fairs such as the 1893 Chicago World's Fair
Similar Pieces
Victorian pressed glass or mid-century mold-pressed crystal, distinguished by the sharpness of the cuts, weight, and presence of hand-polished facets rather than mold seams
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash only with mild detergent in warm water using a plastic basin with a towel at the bottom to prevent chipping; never put in a dishwasher
Value Estimate
Retail/collector market value ranges generally from $50 to $300 depending on exact maker mark, size, and condition
Sustainability Notes
An antique heirloom piece representing ultimate durability and reuse, keeping historical artistry alive through generations of preservation