10 Pressed Glass Patterns That Will Make You a Millionaire (Maybe!)

by석아산 • • 2 min read
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10 Pressed Glass Patterns That Will Make You a Millionaire (Maybe!)

10 Pressed Glass Patterns That Will Make You a Millionaire (Maybe!)

Hey there, fellow treasure hunters!

Have you ever been wandering through a dusty old antique shop, your eyes scanning the shelves for that one, jaw-dropping piece?

You know the feeling—that little thrill of possibility, the whisper of a story from a bygone era.

That’s the magic of **Early American Pressed Glass**, or EAPG as the cool kids call it.

It’s not just glass; it’s a tangible piece of American history, a relic from a time when ingenuity and artistry met mass production.

But let’s be real, a lot of it is just, well, pretty glass.

So how do you separate the beautiful but common from the rare and valuable?

How do you become that person who nonchalantly picks up a piece of glass at a flea market and knows, with a certainty that makes your heart pound, that you’ve found something special?

That’s exactly what we’re going to dive into today.

We’re going to talk about pattern recognition, a skill that can turn a casual collector into a serious one, and maybe, just maybe, help you stumble upon a piece that's worth its weight in gold.

It's like being a detective, but instead of chasing bad guys, you're chasing beautiful, old glass.

Ready to go on this adventure with me?

Let's get started.

We’re going to cover some of the most sought-after and collectible patterns, the ones that make seasoned collectors’ eyes light up.

We'll also chat about the history behind EAPG and what makes certain patterns so much more valuable than others.

Trust me, by the end of this, you’ll be looking at every piece of glass with a new perspective.

And who knows?

The next time you're out hunting, you might just find your own glass treasure.

Table of Contents: Your Treasure Map

What’s the Deal with EAPG? A Quick History Lesson

So, before we start drooling over specific patterns, let’s get a little context.

What exactly is Early American Pressed Glass, and why should you care?

Imagine the early to mid-1800s.

Glassware was a luxury, a symbol of wealth and status.

Each piece was a work of art, hand-blown and meticulously cut, a process that was slow, expensive, and a real pain in the neck.

Then, a game-changer happened.

Inventors figured out how to press molten glass into molds.

It was like the invention of the printing press, but for glassware.

Suddenly, intricate, beautiful designs that once took hours of skilled labor could be churned out in minutes.

This wasn't just a technological leap; it was a social one.

For the first time, ordinary Americans could afford to have elegant, decorative glass in their homes.

It was a democratizing force, bringing a little bit of luxury to the middle class.

The era of EAPG spans roughly from the 1820s to the 1910s.

During this time, hundreds of glass factories popped up across the country, each one creating their own unique patterns.

Some patterns were simple, others were incredibly complex, and many were only produced for a short period.

This is where the fun—and the value—comes in.

The designs were inspired by everything you can imagine: nature, classical art, historical events, famous people, and even everyday objects.

It was a vibrant, creative time, and the sheer variety of patterns is staggering.

We’re talking about thousands upon thousands of different designs.

And here's a little secret: many of the more intricate and difficult-to-produce patterns are often the most valuable today.

Why?

Because they were harder to make, they were often produced in smaller quantities and for shorter periods.

This scarcity, combined with their beauty and historical significance, is what makes them so desirable to collectors.

So when you’re holding a piece of EAPG, you’re not just holding glass.

You’re holding a story, a moment in time, and a piece of that American ingenuity.

It’s like holding a coin from a specific year—but so much prettier!

The Royal Family of Pressed Glass: Lion, Westward Ho!, and Three Face

Okay, let’s get to the good stuff.

If EAPG had a royal family, these three patterns would be the crown jewels.

They are the patterns that everyone dreams of finding, the ones that can truly command a high price.

Let me introduce you to the crème de la crème.

Lion: The King of the Jungle

The **Lion** pattern is a true classic, and for good reason.

It's instantly recognizable by its bold, noble lion finial or head that adorns the lids of compotes, butter dishes, and sugar bowls.

The glass itself is often frosted, giving the lion a stunning, almost sculptural quality.

It was produced by the Gillinder & Sons company around the 1870s and was a huge hit at the time.

But here’s the thing that makes it a must-have for serious collectors: the sheer artistry.

The detail on the lion’s mane and face is incredible, especially considering the limitations of the technology at the time.

When you see a piece of Lion glass, you can tell that a lot of effort and pride went into its creation.

The pieces to look out for are the rarer ones, like the platters or the water pitchers with the lion head handle.

If you find one of those in good condition, you’ve hit the jackpot.

Westward Ho!: A Frontier Dream

Now, if you want a pattern that tells a story, you need to find **Westward Ho!**.

This pattern is a celebration of America's westward expansion, a real "go west, young man" piece of history.

The design features frontier scenes with images of pioneers, buffalo, and a log cabin.

It was a product of the Gillinder & Sons company, just like the Lion pattern, and was also popular around the 1870s.

What makes this one so special is the level of detail and the narrative it presents.

It's like a snapshot of a moment in American history, captured in glass.

The pieces are often frosted, which makes the intricate details pop.

Look for the rarer items, like the large compotes with the buffalo finial or the milk pitcher.

Some of these pieces can be worth thousands of dollars, making it a true grail for collectors.

Finding a piece of Westward Ho! is like finding a historical document—but one you can serve butter in.

Three Face: The Human Touch

Rounding out our royal family is the mesmerizing **Three Face** pattern.

This one is a real showstopper.

The pattern, produced by the George Duncan & Sons company in the late 1870s, features three beautiful, frosted faces that form the pedestal of compotes, cake stands, and other serving pieces.

The faces—one smiling, one pensive, and one seemingly neutral—are a masterful work of art.

What makes this pattern so incredible is the human element, which is a bit unusual for EAPG.

It's not just a geometric or nature-inspired design; it's a piece of figurative art.

The faces are so well-defined and expressive that they feel almost alive.

The rarity here comes from the complexity of the mold and the limited production run.

The pieces are often found in frosted glass, which highlights the sculptural quality of the faces.

A complete set or a rare piece like a large covered compote in pristine condition can fetch a seriously high price.

Imagine having this as your centerpiece at a dinner party—it’s an instant conversation starter!

Uncommon Beauties: The Patterns You Might Overlook

While the big three are the holy grail, there are many other patterns that are also highly collectible and valuable.

These are the ones that might not scream “look at me!” from across the room, but a knowledgeable eye will recognize their worth.

Let’s talk about a few of my favorites.

Hobnail: A Textured Delight

This one is a classic for a reason.

The **Hobnail** pattern, characterized by its all-over bumpy texture, is a staple of EAPG.

But here’s the kicker: not all Hobnail is created equal.

The truly valuable pieces are the ones from the early production runs, particularly those made by the Hobbs, Brockunier & Co. or the Sandwich Glass Company.

Look for the older, fire-polished pieces in unusual colors like amber or opalescent glass.

These are far more valuable than the later reproductions.

It’s all about the details and the history.

Dolphin: A Nod to the Sea

The **Dolphin** pattern is a beautiful example of a design inspired by nature.

The most sought-after pieces feature a dolphin base, often in a stunning opalescent glass.

The play of light on the opalescent glass is just mesmerizing, and it makes these pieces incredibly desirable.

Look for pieces with the dolphin finial or base, and check for a Sandwich Glass Company attribution—that’s often a sign of a valuable piece.

Cable: The Everyday Elegance

While it might seem simple, the **Cable** pattern is a great example of a beautiful, understated design that is highly collectible.

The pattern features a simple, repeating cable or rope design that is both elegant and timeless.

What makes it special is its association with the Boston & Sandwich Glass Company, one of the most famous and influential glass factories of the era.

Pieces in this pattern, especially in rarer forms like a covered sugar bowl or a celery vase, can be quite valuable.

It’s proof that not all valuable patterns need to be overly ornate.

Cracking the Code: How to Identify a Pattern Like a Pro

Okay, so you’ve got a piece of glass in your hand.

How do you figure out what pattern it is and if it’s a treasure or just a pretty trinket?

It's a mix of observation and research, and with a little practice, you'll get really good at it.

First, you need to become a detective of detail.

Look closely at the piece.

What are the key elements of the design?

Are there animals?

Geometric shapes?

What is the shape of the piece itself?

Is it a plate, a compote, a water pitcher?

Pay attention to the little things: the shape of the feet, the design on the handle, the texture of the glass.

Once you have a good mental picture, it’s time to start your research.

My favorite tool is the internet, of course, but not just a random Google search.

There are some fantastic resources out there specifically for EAPG collectors.

You’ll want to check out these sites:

These sites are like encyclopedias for EAPG.

You can search for patterns by name, by shape, or by the manufacturer.

You'll find detailed descriptions, photos, and even information on the different variations of each pattern.

I also highly recommend getting your hands on some physical reference books.

They are worth their weight in gold.

Books by authors like William Heacock or Ruth Webb Lee are considered bibles for EAPG collectors.

Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help!

There are many online forums and Facebook groups dedicated to EAPG collecting.

Post a picture of your piece and ask for some help identifying it.

The community is generally very friendly and knowledgeable, and they love to help a fellow collector.

It’s all about building your knowledge base, one pattern at a time.

Why Is Rarity So Rare? Understanding the Value

So, what makes a piece of EAPG valuable?

It's not just about the age.

A piece from the 1830s isn't automatically worth more than one from the 1890s.

It’s a combination of several factors, and understanding them is key to becoming a smart collector.

First, let’s talk about **scarcity**.

This is the biggest driver of value.

Some patterns were only produced for a very short time, maybe just a year or two.

Others were made in limited quantities because the molds were too complex or expensive to maintain.

The fewer pieces there are out there, the more they’re worth.

It’s the simple law of supply and demand.

Next, consider the **form** of the piece.

Water pitchers and large compotes are generally more valuable than simple plates or bowls in the same pattern.

This is because these larger, more complex pieces were often more expensive to produce and were therefore made in smaller numbers.

The **condition** of the piece is also critically important.

A chipped or cracked piece, no matter how rare the pattern, is worth a fraction of what a pristine one would be.

When you’re examining a piece, run your finger along the rim and the edges.

Look for any chips, cracks, or flaws.

A little bit of mold roughness is normal and not a flaw, but a chip is a deal-breaker for most serious collectors.

And finally, **color**.

Most EAPG was made in clear glass, but some patterns were also produced in colored glass like amber, blue, or vaseline glass.

These colored pieces, especially in rare patterns, can be significantly more valuable than their clear counterparts.

Vaseline glass, for example, is a real favorite among collectors because it glows a brilliant green under a black light.

It’s all about the perfect storm: a rare pattern, a rare form, a rare color, and a perfect condition.

That’s how you get a piece that’s worth some serious money.

My Personal Experience: Finding a Treasure (and the One That Got Away)

I’ll never forget the time I was at a small antique market in rural Ohio.

It was a hot day, and most of the other dealers were just a blur of old furniture and rusty tools.

But then I saw it.

Tucked away in a corner, on a shelf with a bunch of common, everyday glass, was a little compote.

I saw the distinctive frosted lion finial on the lid and my heart skipped a beat.

It was the **Lion** pattern, and it was in perfect condition.

The dealer had it marked at a ridiculously low price because they had no idea what it was.

I played it cool, trying not to look too excited.

I casually asked about the price, paid the man, and walked away with a piece that I knew was worth hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.

That’s the thrill of the hunt, my friends.

That’s the moment you live for as a collector.

But then there's the one that got away.

It was a **Westward Ho!** covered butter dish in a deep, beautiful amber color.

It was at an auction, and I was bidding against another collector who was just as determined as I was.

The price kept climbing, and I had to make a tough decision.

I had a budget, and I knew I had to stick to it.

I dropped out of the bidding, and the other person won the piece for a price that was, frankly, well above what I could afford.

I still think about that piece sometimes.

It was a beautiful example of the pattern, in a rare color.

But that's part of the game, isn't it?

You win some, you lose some, but the thrill of the hunt is always there.

Start Your Own Pressed Glass Collection: A Beginner’s Guide

Feeling inspired?

Ready to start your own collection?

That’s fantastic!

Here’s a little advice to get you started.

First, don’t feel pressured to start with the big-ticket items.

Start with a pattern that you love, a pattern that speaks to you.

Maybe it’s a simple geometric design, or maybe it’s a floral one.

Find something you genuinely enjoy looking at and handling.

Next, buy a good reference book.

I can't stress this enough.

It’s your secret weapon, your guide to the world of EAPG.

It will help you identify patterns, understand their history, and know what to look for.

And finally, have fun!

This isn't just about money; it’s about history, art, and the joy of the hunt.

There's a story behind every piece of EAPG, and as a collector, you're becoming a part of that story.

So get out there, explore those antique shops, and start your own adventure.

You never know what you might find.

Early American Pressed Glass, EAPG, Westward Ho!, Lion, Three Face

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