Thrift Store Glassware Secrets: How to Find Hidden Treasures

Additional Coverage:

13 Tips for Spotting Valuable Glassware at the Thrift Store (financebuzz.com)

Turn Thrift Store Treasures into Cash: Your Guide to Reselling Valuable Glassware

Many of us hit up the local thrift store looking for a good deal, but did you know you could be sitting on a goldmine, or rather, a glassmine? While vintage clothing often gets all the glory in the reselling world, savvy thrifters know that glassware can also fetch a pretty penny. Not every piece will be a winner, but these 13 insider tips will help you spot the valuable from the merely decorative.

1. The Weight Test

When you’re browsing the shelves, pick up the glassware. Does it feel surprisingly heavy?

That’s a good sign! Valuable pieces, especially crystal, have a noticeable heft compared to everyday glass.

A beautiful crystal bowl or a set of glasses could easily resell for upwards of $40 online, with some vintage crystal champagne flutes even hitting nearly $100!

2. Brand Recognition

Keep an eye out for brand markings. Certain glassmakers are highly sought after in the resale market.

Look for the signatures of early 20th-century powerhouses like Fenton Art Glass Company. Their vases, bowls, and decorative items can easily bring in over $100.

3. Let There Be Light!

Hold the glassware up to the light. Quality crystal will reveal a rainbow prism effect, a clear indicator of its superior composition. This trick also helps you spot any cloudiness – true crystal is exceptionally clear.

4. Flaws Can Be Fabulous

Paradoxically, some flaws can actually increase value (though not in crystal, which should be flawless). Tiny bubbles or visible seams are hallmarks of Depression glass, a colorful and mass-produced glassware popular during the Great Depression. Many collectors actively seek out these charmingly imperfect pieces.

5. The Tap Test

Want to know if it’s crystal? Give it a gentle tap with your finger.

Crystal will produce a clear, reverberating ring, while regular glass will sound duller. It’s like a tiny, elegant bell!

6. Color Me Profitable

Beyond Depression glass, other colorful glassware can be quite valuable. Look for the distinctive mint green hue of Jadeite pieces, and keep an eye out for other vibrant, vintage glass bottles that collectors love.

7. Intricate Patterns and Milk Glass

“Milk glass,” typically white and sometimes translucent, is another hot commodity. Vases, bowls, and candleholders with intricate patterns tend to fetch higher prices. If you find translucent milk glass, it often signifies an older, more valuable piece.

8. Numeric Clues

Beyond brand names, check the bottom of glassware for numbers or symbols. These can be clues to the manufacturer and production date, especially for older pieces. A quick online search of these identifying marks can reveal a hidden gem.

9. Gauge the Thickness

Crystal can be crafted much thinner than other types of glass due to its lead content, yet it remains incredibly sturdy. Compare the thickness of a potential treasure to other items. A thin, well-designed piece could be vintage crystal, worth a pretty penny.

10. Go Big or Go Home (Sometimes)

While finding a complete set of vintage wine glasses is a dream, focusing on larger pieces can be a more consistent strategy. For example, while milk glass is common, larger serving dishes and bowls in milk glass often command higher prices.

11. Does It Glow?

Some vintage Jadeite actually glows in the dark! While you might not carry a black light to the thrift store, it’s a fascinating fact to keep in mind. Collectors are often willing to pay a premium for these unique, glowing pieces.

12. Pontil Marks: A Sign of the Handmade

A circular “pontil mark” on the bottom of glassware indicates it was hand-blown, rather than machine-made. This is a strong sign of older, more valuable craftsmanship.

13. Recognize Those Famous Names

As you browse, keep an eye out for recognizable names. An antique Coca-Cola bottle, for instance, could potentially resell for a few hundred dollars, giving your bank account a nice boost!

The Bottom Line

Let’s be real: most of the glassware you encounter at the thrift store won’t be worth a fortune. But by training your eye to spot in-demand collector’s items – from popular early 20th-century brands and charming Depression-era pieces to unique handmade creations – you could transform your thrifting habit into a surprisingly lucrative side hustle.

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