Page 4 - JOA-Apr-22

Publisher’s Corner

Glass Shines On in 2022! journalofantiques.com

Publisher
hat is there to say that’s new when it comes The antique glass bottle Maxine Carter-Lome
to glass? Especially when it comes to antique market itself can also be credited journalofantiques@gmail.com
Wand vintage glass? More than you might for the exposure and enthusiasm Maxine Carter-Lome Business Manager
think. As it turns out, glass is trending again. Despite that is attracting new, actively engaged buyers and Jeffrey Lome
what has been seen as sagging interest in once-coveted collectors. The Federation of Historical Bottle jeffrey@journalofantiques.com
19th-20th century everyday glassware and objects, the Collectors, a non-profit established in 1959 to support
reality is that exceptional and rare pieces, especially collectors of historical bottles, flasks, jars, and related Managing Editor
from known makers, as well as era-connected glass items, and regional bottle clubs that form communities Judy Gonyeau
items and antique glass bottles, continue to attract new across the country, provide enthusiasts with collector editorial.journalofantiques@gmail.com
buyers and set sales records. resources, scholarship, and educational and social oppor- Art Director
If buyer interest and auction results are any indica- tunities to come together at shows and sales that offer Lynn Cotterman
tion, then antique glass bottles, from flasks to bitters, something for everyone interested in antique bottles and ads@journalofantiques.com
will be enjoying another strong year. A “General glass. This year’s FOHBC Annual Convention will be
Washington” And Bust – Eagle Portrait Flask, c. 1820- held in Reno, NV, July 28-31. FOHBC has even gone Production
1830, realized $79,560 at Heckler’s Select Auction 196 a step further by opening a virtual museum that is free Lynn Cotterman
this past June. The top lot in Part I of American Bottle to the public to see and learn from rare examples. Judy Gonyeau
Auctions’ Mel Hammer Collection auction, held in Lastly, the amount of research and cataloging
December 2021, went to a rare Dr. Renz’s Herb that has been done over the past century on bottle Jill Montague-Kaitbenski
Bitters, 1868-81, that brought in $24,150, well companies and bottle collections by collectors, dealers,
past the most ever paid for a Renz’s Bitters. A deep and auction houses provides, especially new collectors, 508-347-1960
yellowish “old” amber bottle labeled “G.W. Stone’s — with a better understanding and appreciation for what Toll free:
Liquid / Cathartic And / Family Physic — Lowell to look for and what adds value when buying and
Mass,” circa 1840-55, sold for $37,440 at Glass bidding on bottles for their collection. Bottles with a 888-698-0734
Works Auctions Premier catalog auction this past good back story only help to pique market interest and Fax: 508-347-0911
February 2022. Just the type of good press the glass add value. Mailing:
market needs! Antique glass bottles aside, glass is also riding the P. O. Box 950
What’s driving the market for antique glass bottles, coattails of renewed market interest in everything Art Sturbridge, MA 01566
in particular? I would think several things: Deco and Mid-century Modern. Design-era-specific
For one, we are seeing an influx of items from glassware and objects are trending across all segments info@journalofantiques.com
serious, long-time bottle collectors come to market. of the marketplace – online and at antique shops,
Many of these collections contain rarely seen or not shows, and auction houses. Here, the interest tends to UPS and FedEx
previously known to exist items, that have remained be more about decorating than collecting; nevertheless, Shipping Address:
private and have been privately exchanged—typically everything from cocktail glasses and barware to light- 46 Hall Road
among dealers and fellow collectors—for decades. ing, decorative objects, vases, and architectural Sturbridge, MA 01566
With many of these items now coming to auction, elements are experiencing renewed buyer interest for
especially online, prospective buyers can be targeted, their recognizable and stylized design and glass artistry. Journal of
and interest in top-tier items exponentially increased, If all this market momentum was not enough to put Antiques and Collectibles
helping to drive up prices for especially highly desired the shine back on glass, 2022 is also the UN is published monthly in digital
and rare examples. International Year of Glass. On May 18, 2021, the and bi-monthly in print by
The antique glass bottle market is also benefitting International Commission on Glass (ICG), along with Weathervane Enterprises, Inc.
from renewed interest in the amateur hobby of bottle the Community of Glass Associations (CGA) and 46 Hall Road
collecting. While you will always find collectors that ICOM-Glass received approval from the UN General Sturbridge MA 01566.
still want to get their hands dirty in the unearthing of Council for a United Nations International Year of
finds and enjoy roaming the aisles at regional bottle Glass of 2022. The Year will celebrate the essential role Periodicals postage paid at
shows talking and learning from long-time dealers, the glass has and will continue to have in Society. Sturbridge MA.
internet has expanded and forever changed the market- Museums across the country will be joining in with
place for both buyers and sellers, as it has across all their own celebrations and exhibitions. You can POSTMASTER:
segments of the antique collectibles market. As it turns read more about the UN International Year of Glass
out, antique bottle sales are benefitting from on page 23. Send address changes to
buyers who are perfectly content to find their picks There is, however, no better way to get excited The Journal of Antiques
online and have them conveniently delivered to their about glass than to join a glass club, visit a glass and Collectibles
door. This is a boom for dealers and collectors, who museum, and attend glass shows and conventions. The ISSN: (1539-5618)
can now easily and affordably find their buyers in knowledge and passion behind the dealers, curators, P.O. Box 950
a marketplace that is search-driven and knows no and collectors you will meet will help you to look at Sturbridge, MA 01566
geographic limitations. and appreciate all forms of glass in a whole new light.
Antique glass bottles, in all their forms, different To get you started, see our News & Notes section for The Journal of Antiques and Collectibles
reserves the right to reject any advertising that
sizes, and colors are also fun to collect and make great information on upcoming glass events, our Resource does not comply with our standards. The
decorative displays. The fact that they can be afford- Directory of glass clubs, museums, and online Journal will not be liable for any errors or
omissions but will print a correction in the
ably found on eBay and at antique shops, shows, and resources, and write-ups on special exhibitions found following issue if notification of such error is
thrift stores make them fun and unique design ele- at glass museums across the country. sent by the appropriate deadline. Original
ments. They are also getting a bump from the online manuscripts are welcomed by qualified
writers. We assume no responsibility for loss
DIY space. on Etsy.com alone, there are over 21,000 of unsolicited material.
listings for antique glass bottles repurposed in new and Copyright 2022
interesting ways. All rights reserved
Maxine Carter-Lome, Publisher

2 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles