French Glassware

If the mention of antique French glass conjures images of priceless products designed by the famous houses of Baccarat, Lalique, and Saint-Louis, think again. The tale of early French glass production is far less glamorous and, at certain stages, it is almost exclusively geared to the middle class.

JUST THE FACTS

What to look for: The most popular example available today is the panel-cut style in all sizes. Larger red wine glasses are the most difficult to acquire (red wine is the favorite beverage in France, and these glasses were used more and had the most breakage).

Condition: Any sign of damage adversely affects value to some degree. Minor chips are not important, but avoid cracked vessels. Silking -- a sign of internal deterioration that produces a faint, light frosting seen when the glass is held to the light -- is not too serious if it is not very noticeable. But crizzling, in which the glass appears opaque and has fine surface crackling, greatly affects monetary value. Don't worry if your glasses are not identical in height. Handmade glassware naturally varies in size.

Price range: Because glassware is portable, it is a relatively easy thing to collect, not to mention a good investment. In 1984 a typical panel-cut stemmed water glass sold for about $35; plan to spend around $125 today. Panel-cut flutes that sold for $45 in the 1980s now range from $110 to $125. A single piece of good quality verre de fougère (slightly green or yellowish-gray glass produced from fern ash) would cost no less than $500. A good panel-cut, engraved tumbler from the Empire Period would sell for about $800 in Paris.
 

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