Kovels Antiques & Collecting: Art Glass
By Terry and Kim Kovel
Art Glass
Glass can be extremely difficult to identify and date. Fortunately for collectors, the vase pictured here is signed and dated: Lundberg Studios, 1977. Lundberg Studios, founded in 1970 and still active, makes iridescent glass with shapes and patterns reminiscent of famous art glass makers like Tiffany. They are not copies or reproductions but contemporary pieces taking inspiration from older styles.
Art glass isn't always antique. This vase made by Lundberg Studios in the 1970s combines classic techniques with modern sensibilities. PHOTO CREDIT: Rivich Auction
When it comes to contemporary glass (which Kovels defines as glass made after about 1970), the highest prices usually go to sculptural, avant-garde pieces made with unconventional techniques; simpler, more traditional pieces can be bargains. For example, this vase at Rivich Auction sold for $94 -- a fraction of the value of similar-looking vases from the art nouveau and art deco eras of the early 20th century. But remember, all it takes for a contemporary piece to become an antique is time.
Q: I want to know the value of these Tropicana Hotel Las Vegas silver charms. One is listed on eBay for $129.99 the other for $54.99. The only difference I can see is that the $129.99 charm has a tag on it that reads "Las Vegas Nevada." Both have a mark on the bottom that reads "sterling." That is the only mark.
A: Sellers can list their items on eBay for any price, but that doesn't mean they will get customers who pay that price. Online sellers may have to lower their asking prices or accept a customer's best offer. To get a better idea of an item's value, search for sold prices on eBay (use the Advanced Search page and click the box for "Sold Items").
There are some collectors' clubs that specialize in Las Vegas memorabilia. For more information, you may want to contact the Casino Collectibles Association (ccgtcc.com). Don't forget about crossover appeal! Many collectibles fit into more than one category, which can increase their desirability (and value). Hotel charms like these may also interest collectors of vintage jewelry, travel souvenirs and advertising.
TIP: To remove the remains of masking tape and labels from glass, rub the spot with WD-40 lubricating and penetrating oil.
CURRENT PRICES
Textile, weaving, pictorial, bear, stylized, red, white beaded trim, dark blue ground, red side borders, Tlingit, 20th century, 38 x 36 inches, $160.
Sewing, lacemaker's lamp, whale oil, pewter, two lenses, stepped round foot, early 1800s, 9 inches, $220.
Print, Parrish, Romance, mountain landscape with castles, carved wood frame, The House Of Art, N.Y., c. 1924, 25 x 16 inches, $530.
Libbey, compote, amberina, panel optic, ruffled rim, spool connector, round foot, alexandrite edge, signed, late 1800s, 8 x 12 inches, $560.
Hampshire pottery, lamp, kerosene, dome shade, matte green, pink flowers, stylized leafy border, squat base, electrified, marked, c. 1910, 20 1/2 x 11 inches, $1,510.
For more collecting news, tips and resources, visit www.Kovels.com
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