The advent of the Internet, particularly the prevalence of online auction websites like Ruby Junction and eBay, has forever changed the way collectors of antique glassware can source their favorite items. Items which were hard to find suddenly became much easier to find as those online could source products from all over the world. Any and every household could all of a sudden find they have some unique and valuable items in their cupboards, including antique glassware.

Libbey Cut Glass

Libbey is a very much sought after brand of antique glassware as the manufacturer places its own unique mark at the factory on each piece of cut glass. Genuine antique glassware by Libbey are very easy to identify as they would carry the mark, “Libbey” in script. To authenticate antique glassware by Libbey, the “y” is connected to the tale of the “L” in Libbey, and a curved sword is located under the name.

Pressed glass may be similar in look to antique cut glassware manufactured by Libbey. The similarity ends when you touch them, however. Pressed glass has rounded edges while sharp edges characterize cut glass.

Fire King

Fire King mugs created by Anchor Hocking are a few of the more sought after antique glassware pieces in auction sites like eBay. Some of these antique glassware are known to sell at online auctions for $200 to $300 each. For many collectors of antique glassware, Fire King mugs have given them the opportunity to build their own antique business. For instance, one 7-Eleven Fire King mug sold for almost $250 on eBay while a set of four plain jadeite green mugs sold for $260.

Smaller Fire King items like the white and red salt and pepper shaker set and jadeite green ball pitcher can go for over $500. In fact, a Fire King salt and pepper shaker set recently sold for $650 in an auction, while the pitcher sold for $520. Antique glassware by Fire King are easy to identify and authenticate — all Fire King pieces have an embossed script marking typically in the bottom. However, be aware of Fire King knock offs.

Fostoria

Among the most sought after antique glassware pieces by Fostoria are the clear cut glass and blue cut glass. In fact, an antique glassware by Fostoria recently sold for over $500 on eBay. It was a 5-inch tall jelly compote with a small chip on its edge. In the world of antique glassware, chips are referred to as “flea bites.”

Other antique glassware by Fostoria that sell really well at auctions include liquid decanter sets, and an 8-inch shallow cut glass bowl (referred to as “nappy” in the antique glassware market).

Depression Glass

Depression glassware is made in lovely shades of blue, pink, green and amber. These antique glassware pieces are called “Depression glassware” because they were mass-produced during the 1930s (the Great Depression) and later. These antique glassware do very well in auctions. For instance, a Jeanette Glass aquamarine swirl pitcher sold for over $1,400 on eBay. It didn’t have any chips or “flea bites”, a major reason it sold for that high a price. Another Depression glassware, a blue bowl with the Royal Lace pattern, fetched a cool $686.