Identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
The item is identified by its highly distinctive 'Moon and Star' pressed glass pattern and the 'Amberina' (red-to-amber) color gradient. These characteristics are strongly associated with L.E. Smith Glass Company's production of kitchenware during the 1960s and 1970s.
Story
The 'Moon and Star' pattern was originally introduced in the 1880s by the Society of American Glass Workers, but L.E. Smith famously acquired the molds and popularized the pattern in the mid-20th century. Their Amberina glass, characterized by a heat-sensitive gradient from ruby red to amber, is a quintessential example of 1960s-1970s American pressed glass production. Mid-century colored glass, particularly Amberina and cadmium-reactive glass, has seen a strong resurgence among younger collectors and maximalist decorators.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
The exterior appears vibrant and structurally intact based on the description, with a strong color gradient. However, pressed glass canisters of this era are highly prone to 'flea bites', chips, and roughness along the inner rim of the lid and the top edge of the base from decades of use.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Mid-century colored glass, particularly Amberina and cadmium-reactive glass, has seen a strong resurgence among younger collectors and maximalist decorators. The 'Moon and Star' pattern is a staple of vintage kitchenware, with canisters being highly sought after for functional display. Single canisters trade steadily on platforms like eBay, Etsy, and Mercari, though complete sets command a disproportionate premium.
▲ Iconic 'Moon and Star' pattern by L.E. Smith is highly recognizable and actively collected.
▲ Vibrant Amberina colorway is currently trending in the vintage glass market.
▲ Presence of the original matching lid retains baseline functional value.
▼ Unverified size — if this is the smallest 5" model, value is capped at the lower end of the range.
▼ Unverified inner rim condition — hidden chips or 'flea bites' on the lid or base rim could reduce value significantly.
Best Venue
List on a vintage-focused marketplace like Etsy or Mercari, where mid-century colored glass performs best. Ensure the listing includes the exact height with the lid on, as this dictates which tier of the price range it falls into, and provide clear close-up photos of the inner rims.
Upside Potential
If the canister is confirmed to be the largest 11.5" size and is in absolute mint condition with zero rim roughness, it could reach or slightly exceed the high end of the range to the right retail buyer.
Also found — market-range context
Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.