Overview
An elegant footed glass compote featuring a 'rolled' or scalloped rim and intricate floral silver overlay. The design utilizes a specialized electroplating process to fuse sterling silver directly onto the glass surface.
Preliminary identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
An elegant footed glass compote featuring a 'rolled' or scalloped rim and intricate floral silver overlay. The design utilizes a specialized electroplating process to fuse sterling silver directly onto the glass surface.
Story
In the early 1900s, American workshops perfected a way to 'marry' precious metal to glass. This piece survived the Great Depression, where many similar items were sadly melted down for their silver content.
Maker / Origin
Companies like Silver City Glass and Rockwell were masters of the 'Silver Overlay' technique in Connecticut and New York. They often purchased glass 'blanks' from famous makers like Tiffin or Cambridge and applied their own signature silver patterns to create luxury giftware.
Condition & Value
The silver appears largely intact but shows significant tarnish (patina), which many collectors prefer left alone. There is some visible yellowing of the adhesive or flux under the silver on the base. Condition is fair to good; heavy polishing could damage the thin silver layer. The $4.99 price tag is a fantastic bargain.
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.