Preliminary identification

Depression-Era Etched Champagne Coupe / Sherbet Glass

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

This is an elegant, delicate crystal champagne coupe or sherbet glass from the Depression era, featuring a beautiful wheel-carved floral and ribbon motif. The glass showcases a classic ribbed stem and a wide, shallow bowl that epitomizes the sophisticated dining style of the early 20th century. It represents a time when even everyday glassware was treated as an opportunity for artistic expression.

Story

During the Great Depression, American glassmakers kept their furnaces burning by creating affordable, beautifully etched glassware. These delicate coupes brought a touch of Hollywood glamour to modest dining tables across the country.

Maker / Origin

While the exact maker is unconfirmed, companies like Fostoria, Cambridge, and Heisey dominated this era of American elegant glass. They employed highly skilled artisans who hand-etched and cut intricate designs into high-quality blown glass, elevating utilitarian items into works of art.

Condition & Value

The glass appears to be in excellent vintage condition with no visible chips, flea bites, or cloudiness (glass sickness) from dishwasher use. Maintaining this pristine clarity is vital, as any cloudiness or rim chips would reduce the value by 50-70%.

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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 comps
Regional 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.