RZM Fine Arts and Antiques Inc: Ask the Appraiser

My husband and I really enjoy reading your column each week. It’s like we’re watching the Antiques Roadshow! Your knowledge of antiques and history is wonderful. That being said, we hope you will be able to give us some information on this glass vase. It had belonged to my husband’s grandmother for many years. It measures 8” tall and the color is so vibrant. It is in great condition too. We absolutely love it. It is so pretty when the light shines through it. How old is it and what is it worth? Thank you for your time to answer my questions.

Dorothy 

 I’m glad to know you enjoy reading this column each week. It is the primary reason I write it. The vase in question is known as “Cameo” glass. Your magnificent large, shouldered form cameo glass vase was produced in England by the renowned Thomas Webb & Sons Glass Company, in the 1890’s. A brief description of cameo glass. In board terms, a cameo is an object with at least two layers of different colors that are carved in low relief. Cameo glass is layers of glass fused together with the upper layers partially removed to create a design to reveal the base layer of contrasting color. You may ask, how are such precise designs achieved in such a delicate medium as glass? Not easily. To produce designs in cameo glass, portions of the outer layers of glass must be removed by acid-etching or carving. This process is done by utilizing hand-cutting tools and hydrofluoric acid. While an engraving wheel can cut away glass rapidly, actual hand cutting techniques are used for more refined work requiring a great degree of sculptural skill and attention to detail. Your particular vase features a vibrant yellow satin finish ground with a beautiful enamel motif of graceful flowers and leaves as accents throughout. I noticed the base of this vase is unmarked. Thomas Webb Cameo glass is rarely signed. In my career I have only encountered two pieces that were acid etched signed on the base. In the case of cameo glass, it is all about the quality of the detail that matters and your example has all the bells and whistles. You mention the vase is in “great condition.” I trust that translates to no chips, cracks or repairs. That being the case, the current retail value of this vase is $900 USD. I cannot overemphasize the importance of a damage free vase. One tiny chip or crack will greatly diminish the value of this vase. Please continue to take care of this beautiful family heirloom for future generations to enjoy.