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How to Identify Valuable Mid-Century Glassware
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How to Identify Valuable Mid-Century Glassware

A field guide to spotting Murano, Scandinavian, and American studio glass at DC-area estate sales.

By The Hunt Editorial Team

September 18, 20246 min read

Weight, pontil marks, and color intensity separate studio glass from decorative lookalikes.

Hold pieces to the light. Real mid-century studio glass has depth that reproductions rarely capture.

Murano often shows a heavier base and a particular saturation of color. Scandinavian studio work is cooler and more restrained. American studio glass from the 1960s and 1970s can look casual until you feel the wall thickness.

Condition notes matter more than a signature. A ground pontil with a later chip is still a chip. Photograph the base before you bid.

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