Glassware Cash In The Attic
It is not uncommon for people to collect vast amounts of glassware that usually gets shoved into every spare available space in the house and garden shed. However, whenever somebody comes round to visit, they pull out the same old set of wine glasses or whisky glasses that they always use. You might think that this hording of glassware is a waste of space, but the recent discovery of some gems in peoples houses seem to be proving otherwise.
Last year a women in Alabama found some incredibly expensive wine glasses in her basement, and since then there have been hundreds of reported cases of glassware goldmine finds. A relative from overseas had come to visit the women and was helping her clear out her basement when he recognized the glassware brand. They turned out to be very rare vintage Riedel wine glasses, which she sold at auction for $30,000. Similar stories have now been popping up all over the place and there are even some businesses now that offer to send round antiques experts to peoples homes to sniff out the expensive pieces.
LSA, a company who make glass vases, have released finding of a study they commissioned which suggested that people in America have an average of $1000 worth of glassware in their homes, and most people think their collections are worthless. To help with the identification of pricey items, LSA suggests that you keep an eye open for quality brands such as Spiegelau, Waterford and Ravenscroft. They state that how much an item is worth often comes down to the clarity of the glass, the detailing on it, and how good the finishing is. Additionally, most good manufacturers add hallmarks on the base of their glassware. They advise taking any items you think might be worth something to an antiques shop, which are usually very happy to give a valuation on the glass. Bear in mind however that if they are interested in the piece they will likely suggest a slightly lower price than it is worth.
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