Overview
A striking hand-blown amethyst glass decanter set featuring a spherical 'ball' body, a clear applied handle, and four matching hourglass-shaped tumblers.
Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
A striking hand-blown amethyst glass decanter set featuring a spherical 'ball' body, a clear applied handle, and four matching hourglass-shaped tumblers.
Story
In the 1960s, the hills of West Virginia were home to a glass-blowing revolution that traded traditional clear crystal for the bold, saturated 'pop' colors of the Mid-Century Modern era.
Maker / Origin
The Blenko Glass Company, founded by William J. Blenko in 1893, became an American icon by blending ancient mouth-blowing techniques with avant-garde design.
Condition & Value
The glass appears to have excellent clarity without 'sickness' (permanent clouding from dishwasher use). The stopper appears original and the handle attachment points look secure. Any small bubbles inside the glass are 'seeds,' which are a natural and desirable hallmark of hand-blown glass rather than a defect.
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.
Regional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375