Preliminary identification

Tiffin Glass Satin Green 'Teardrop' Bud Vase

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

This is a striking Depression-era satin glass bud vase featuring a slender, elongated neck that flares into a delicate, four-pointed ruffled rim. The base is a distinctive hexagonal foot, and the entire piece is finished in a soft, acid-etched 'satin' or 'frosted' lime-green glaze that was highly popular during the Art Deco period.

Story

In the late 1920s, Ohio glassmakers discovered that dipping finished glassware into acid baths created a velvety, frosted texture. This technique transformed simple green glass into glowing, ethereal centerpieces for American dining tables.

Maker / Origin

The Tiffin Glass Company, operating under the United States Glass Company umbrella in Ohio, was renowned for its high-quality art glass and elegant tableware. During the Great Depression, they survived by pivoting to colorful, affordable, yet beautifully styled glassware that brought a sense of luxury to struggling households.

Condition & Value

The vase appears to be in good vintage condition with no major cracks visible. There is a small flea bite or minor rough spot visible on one of the delicate ruffled points of the rim. This minor wear is common for utilitarian glassware of this age and reduces the value by about 15-20%.

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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.