Overview
This set features delicate wheel-etched floral motifs on clear glass, accented by a genuine sterling silver overlay on the rims, handles, and decorative borders.
Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
This set features delicate wheel-etched floral motifs on clear glass, accented by a genuine sterling silver overlay on the rims, handles, and decorative borders.
Story
The early 20th century saw a boom in 'industrial luxury,' where specialized workshops in towns like Meriden, Connecticut—known as the 'Silver City'—perfected the art of electroplating precious metals onto fragile glass.
Maker / Origin
While often unsigned, these pieces were frequently the work of 'decorating' companies like Rockwell or Silver City, who purchased high-quality glass 'blanks' from famous firms like Tiffin or Cambridge Glass.
Condition & Value
The silver shows a heavy patina (tarnish), which is expected for its age and confirms it is likely sterling rather than a base metal. There is no visible 'silver loss' or peeling in the photos, which is excellent, as this is the most common form of damage. The glass appears clear without significant clouding or 'sick glass' syndrome.
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