Preliminary identification

Etched Blown-Glass Cordial or Cordial-Style Sherry Glass, c. 1900–1930s

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

This delicate glassware piece appears to be a vintage cordial or liqueur glass featuring hand-cut or wheel-etched floral and leaf motifs around its flared bowl. It stands on a baluster-knopped stem with a flat disc base, reflecting classic early-20th-century elegant glass design.

Story

At the turn of the 20th century, formal dining required specialized glassware for every course, from aperitifs to after-dinner liqueurs. These tiny, elegant cordial glasses were designed to be savored slowly, turning post-dinner drinks into an art form.

Maker / Origin

While unsigned fine glass can be challenging to attribute to a single factory, prominent American and European glasshouses like Libbey, Cambridge, and Tiffin produced vast quantities of etched stemware during this era. Artisans used small copper wheels to cut soft, matte-finished floral patterns directly into blown crystal blanks.

Condition & Value

Appears to be in good vintage condition with no visible chips, cracks, or heavy clouding on the bowl or rim. Pristine glass rim and foot preserve most of the value for single replacement stems.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.