Preliminary identification

Victorian Emerald Green Blown Glass Pitcher with Applied Handle, c.1880

Photo reference

5 uploaded photos

Overview

A striking emerald green hand-blown glass pitcher featuring a classic baluster form, a flared rim with an elegant pouring spout, and a pedestal foot. It is distinguished by a hand-applied, celery-style loop handle with a decorative curled lower terminal and a matching applied glass ring collar around the neck.

Story

Victorian glassmakers in the 1880s used metallic oxides to achieve this deep, mesmerizing emerald green. This pitcher was a showpiece designed to catch the gaslight of a formal parlor, turning a simple water vessel into a glowing jewel.

Maker / Origin

While unsigned, this piece represents the high-quality art glass produced by leading Victorian-era houses such as Boston & Sandwich in Massachusetts or the renowned workshops of Stourbridge, England. These makers elevated utilitarian tableware into highly decorative art, employing master gaffers who worked in hot, fast-paced environments to shape molten glass by hand.

Condition & Value

The pitcher appears to be in excellent condition with no visible chips, cracks, or clouding in the glass. The attachment points of the applied handle and collar are secure and clean. Excellent condition for glass of this age commands a premium.

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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.