Overview
A set of six exquisite hand-cut lead crystal highball tumblers in the intricate 'Berlin' pattern. These pieces showcase the brilliant marriage of traditional Bohemian glass-cutting mastery with American design sensibility.
Preliminary identification
Kusak Cut Glass Works 'Berlin' Pattern Highball Glasses
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Story
In 1914, Anton Kusak fled political unrest in Bohemia, carrying only his glass-cutting tools. He founded his workshop in Seattle, transforming raw European crystal into sparkling masterpieces for American high society.
Maker / Origin
Kusak Cut Glass Works was established in Seattle by Czech immigrant Anton Kusak. The company became legendary for importing top-tier mouth-blown crystal blanks from the historic Bohemia region and hand-cutting them in their Washington state workshop, maintaining Old World standards for generations.
Condition & Value
The glasses appear to be in excellent condition with no visible chips, clouding, or flea bites along the delicate cut edges. Pristine clarity and lack of rim wear will ensure they reach the higher end of the valuation range. Value is based on a set of six matching glasses in excellent condition.
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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
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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 compsRegional 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.