Preliminary identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a beautiful pressed glass pedestal cake stand featuring a distinctive openwork 'lace' or 'crochet' edge border. The design showcases a concentric ringed plate surface supported by a matching openwork pedestal base, creating an elegant, airy silhouette that was highly popular for formal dessert presentation.
Story
Introduced in the early 1900s by Ohio's Imperial Glass Company, this 'Old Homestead' pattern brought the look of expensive hand-cut and pierced glass to the growing American middle class, turning Sunday desserts into a theatrical event.
Maker / Origin
Founded in 1901 by Edward Muhleman, the Imperial Glass Company of Bellaire, Ohio, became one of the most prolific and innovative American glassmakers of the 20th century. Known for their vibrant carnival glass and elegant tableware, they survived the Great Depression by pivoting to creative, high-quality pressed patterns that mimicked luxury European crystal.
Condition & Value
The photos show the glass is bright and clear with no major clouding or sickness. There is some typical light surface scratching on the plate surface from utensil use, and minor dirt/residue in the crevices of the openwork loops.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
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.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.