Overview
A striking mid-century swung art glass vase featuring a vibrant, marbled blue and green slag glass composition. The piece showcases a classic ribbed body that flares into a dramatic, hand-stretched ruffled rim with a delicate beaded edge.
Preliminary identification
L.E. Smith Blue-Green Slag Glass Swung Vase
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Story
In the 1960s, American glassmakers revolutionized home decor by stretching hot glass by hand to create gravity-defying shapes. This vase's swirling blue and green colors mimic natural stone, bringing organic drama to mid-century modern homes.
Maker / Origin
Founded in 1907, the L.E. Smith Glass Company became famous for its vibrant mid-century swung vases, particularly their 'Bittersweet' and 'Firesglow' lines. Operating out of Pennsylvania, their skilled artisans hand-pulled each piece, ensuring that no two swung vases were ever completely identical.
Condition & Value
The vase appears to be in excellent vintage condition with no visible chips, cracks, or flea bites along the delicate beaded rim. The base shows minimal shelf wear, which is consistent with age and helps confirm its vintage origin. Excellent condition preserves the maximum market value.
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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.