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Glassware

Glass is probably one of the most important, and yet one of the most overlooked materials used in everyday life. From very early times, glass has been used for various kinds of vessels such as bowls, vases, bottles, jars, and drinking glasses. Archaeological evidence suggests glass making dates back to at least 3600 BC in Mesopotamia, Egypt, or Syria. It’s unclear which of these was the first to start making glass, but glass objects have been found in all three regions. The earliest glass objects were beads.

The main component of glass is a mineral compound known as silica (also called silicon dioxide or quartz). To make glass, silica is combined with a range of different ingredients and then fired. The most common type of glass used today – and throughout its long history – is known as soda-lime glass, the type of glass that is clear and colorless to the naked eye. Soda-lime glass production involves mixing together silica with ‘soda’ or sodium carbonate, and ‘lime’ or calcium oxide, before heating them together in a furnace at temperatures of around 1320 degrees Celsius. The molten mixture produced as a result is then worked into a shape and left to cool, producing solid glass.

A movement began in England in the 1870’s and was called Arts and Crafts. It was promoted by the influential artist, William Morris. Some of the goals that drove the Arts and Crafts movement were improvements in the fields of education, science, conservation, and design aesthetics. Arts and Crafts was, in reality, a social movement as well as a design style and this movement continued into the 20th century.

In terms of elegance and craftsmanship, 20th century glassware offers a glimpse into an era defined by innovation, societal shifts, and artistic revolutions. Glassware in the early 20th century is characterized by its emphasis on flowing forms and intricate designs which is a stark contrast from the traditional styles in the 19th century. The symphony of colors, forms, and techniques that characterize 20th century glassware is a testament to the creativity of the glassmakers who crafted them.

Decorative and functional glass items make a very exciting area in which to collect: each piece gives an impression of the social, political, and economic climate in which it was made. We have a very diverse selection of antique glassware ranging from lovely English, striking Irish, and exquisite Arts and Crafts pieces.

We hope that you are able to see the distinction between early 20th century glassware and the styles that preceded this period as well. This is most notable in our glass finger bowls and vases.

Antique Amethyst Glass Plate

$205.00

Amethyst glass is a type of colored glassware with a deep purple hue as exemplified by amethyst gemstones. Adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to any home decor, the color amethyst is always appealing. Amethyst glassware became popular during the mid 19th and early …

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Silver Plate Overlay Design on Glass Plate

$275.00

An American 20th century Silver Plate Overlay Design on a clear Glass Plate. The plate has a lovely silver floral overlay design which resonates throughout the piece. Silver overlay is an electroplated coating of silver on a non – conductive surface such as porcelain or …

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Set of 3 American Sterling Silver Ramekins

$275.00 for set of 3

A Ramekin or Soufle Dish is a small glazed ceramic or glass dish that is typically used for making small baked goods and desserts like souffle or creme brulee. They can also be used for purposes such as appetizers, fruit, dessert such as chocolate mousse …

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Antique 20th Century Red Glass Finger Bowl

$325.00

A stunning Antique 20th Century Red Glass Finger Bowl having a wavy rim and a ruffled edge. It features clear glass at the top and an applied red ‘thread’ wrapped around the bottom portion of the bowl. Our Finger Bowl can be used for cold …

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Antique English Glass Hyacinth Vases

$375.00, $375.00, $275.00, $350.00

We will be describing these Antique English Glass Hyacinth Vases shown in the photo from left to right. Antique Hyacinth Vases are specifically designed to cultivate hyacinth bulbs. As they progress in their growing period, it is so enjoyable to watch them grow and flower. …

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Antique 20th Century Clear Glass Finger Bowl

$375.00

A lovely Antique 20th century Clear Glass Finger Bowl. It has a wavy rim and a ruffled edge with horizontal lines. There is a wonderful iridescent band surrounding the bowl near the bottom of the piece. This iridescent band picks up any colors that are …

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Antique English Glass Hyacinth Vase

$395.00

Hyacinth vases, sometimes called tulip vases or bulb vases, were used to force flowering bulbs for wintertime blooms indoors. They were quite popular in the Victorian period. Some homes had many vases as they were lovely adornments for kitchen window sills as well as other …

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Antique 20th Century Lavender Glass Finger Bowl

$395.00

A stunning but subdued colored Antique 20th Century Lavender Glass Finger Bowl. Similar to our other 3 Antique 20th Century Finger Bowls of this period, it has a ruffled edge and a wavy rim. Our Lavender Glass Finger Bowl has a diagonal design which is …

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Antique Arts and Crafts English Glass Hyacinth Vase

$475.00

The birth of the Arts and Crafts movement in Britain marked the beginning of a social movement as well as a design style. This was a reaction to not only the damaging effects of industrialization but also the relatively low status of the decorative arts. …

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Antique Arts & Crafts English Glass Vase

$525.00

The Arts and Crafts movement came about as a reaction to industrialization and mass production. The designers were also against the extravagant, and over-decorated Victorian taste. They wanted to focus on good simple designs. Also, a return to hand crafted work of the highest standard …

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Antique Irish Decanter

$575.00

Decanters have come in many shapes and designs over the years. They were traditionally either made from glass or crystal. Decanters would be filled with wine and brought to the table where they could be easily handled by a single servant. They usually hold the …

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Antique English Bell Shape Decanter

$625.00

A decanter is a container that is used to serve wine and is most often made of glass. Wine is normally decanted, or poured into a decanter, prior to being served into individual wine glasses. This is done to aerate the wine, or as wine …

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American Sterling Silver Inkwell

$675.00

The inkwell is a small jar, often made of glass, porcelain, brass, or pewter which contains ink for an artist or writer to dip their brush, quill or pen into. An inkwell usually has a hinged lid to prevent evaporation and spillage. A handsome Edwardian …

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Antique Cranberry Glass Decanter

$695.00

When looking at antique cranberry glassware today, it’s natural to focus on the Victorian era. During the mid-1800’s to the early 20th century, glass manufacturers refined the art of making cranberry glass. Many pieces were produced around the Stourbridge area in England. Some pieces were …

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Antique Amber Serving Bottle

$750.00

A wonderful Antique English Victorian 19th Century amber colored glass Serving Bottle. It has a panel cut design and shaped sides and has its original spire stopper. Both the serving bottle and the stopper are a lovely dark shade of amber. This lovely 19th Century …

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Four English Georgian Glass Double-Lip Wine Rinsers

$875.00 for set of four

Wine Glass Rinsers graced the Georgian and early Victorian dining tables. They were filled with cold water and were used to rinse or chill the diner’s wine glass. A wine rinser was placed next to each setting at the dining table. This was done so …

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Four Antique Victorian Glass Double-Lip Wine Rinsers

$950.00 for set of four

Wine Glass Rinsers were a late 18th century invention with necessity. Finger bowls had been used for many years. However, with meals becoming very elaborate affairs, wine glasses were very much in use. Wine Rinsers were placed within easy reach of diners. Filled with cold …

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Large Antique Amethyst Glass Vase

$1,250.00

For anyone who is looking for an exquisite piece of antique English glass, this is the piece for you!! This stunning large Antique Amethyst Colored Glass Vase is quite vibrant in its distinctive color. In the 19th Century in Bristol, England manufacturers of colored glassware …

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Antique English Glass Hyacinth Vases

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Antique hyacinth vases are specifically designed to cultivate hyacinth bulbs. As they progress in their growing period, it is so enjoyable to watch them begin to flower. Hyacinth vases were introduced during the Georgian era, and it was noted that Madame de Pompadour had a …

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Set of 5 Antique Georgian Wine Glasses

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Of all Georgian glassware, there is no doubt that Georgian Wine Glasses are the most widely admired and collected. The refined elegance of an antique Georgian wine glass is truly remarkable. There are a multitude of shaped bowl designs and intricate detail work that is …

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Antique Art Nouveau Glass Vase

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An exquisite American Art Nouveau 20th Century Glass Vase decorated in the style of Tiffany’s. This vase has a type of iridescent art glass that is extremely popular for many people. Superb detail workmanship shows up on its dark purple background with its wonderful floral …

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Antique English Glass Decanter

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There’s nothing quite like antique glass. It combines exceptional craftsmanship, elegance and warmth. There is pleasure in decanting a bottle of wine into a decanter, which could be over two hundred years old. You may also wonder to yourself, who may have used it in …

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Set of 5 Antique English Glass Plates

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A rare and wonderful set of 6 Antique English Glass Plates. We have never had a set of plates such as these. The name comes about because of the green “scrambled” decoration that resonates on the outside of each plate. Therefore, in England, they are …

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Antique English Georgian Wine Jug

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This Antique English Georgian Wine Jug shows exceptional design and workmanship. Diamond cutting and basal fine vertical hollow flutes – which is defined as a fluted design – illustrates the work that went into this piece. As one can see above these designs, is a …

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Antique Victorian Plate Claret Jug

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Claret Jugs were produced throughout Europe beginning in the 19th century. Although France had a large production of fine silver and glass jugs, the diverse and often beautiful designs that we are able to appreciate today, were British. A glass body allows the color of …

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Antique Victorian Plate Claret Jug

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A silver plated claret jug is a wine jug made of glass and silver plate. Claret is the British name for French red Bordeaux wine. Although glass had been used as a receptacle for beverages of all kinds for hundreds of years, it wasn’t until …

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Latest Newsletter #65

Antique Pairs 🥂

Greetings from Wyler Antiques!

In today's Announcement, we are going to discuss pairs of articles that are in our inventory. To begin this week's Announcement is our handsome pair of Antique 19th century English Oak "Open Barley Twist" Candlesticks. Each candlestick features the original English brass 'thistle' section which is above the open twisted column...

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