Party Platter Appraisal

Clear Glass Beaded Edge Serving Platter with Handles

This item is a clear glass serving platter, circular in shape with a diameter that appears to be approximately 12-14 inches, resting on a wooden surface. Its primary material is transparent glass, showcasing a simple yet elegant design. A distinctive feature is a concentric raised ring in the center, likely intended to support a bowl or act as a stabilizing foot for another item placed atop the platter. The rim of the platter is embellished with a continuous border of applied clear glass beads, giving it a decorative, 'jeweled' effect. These beads are uniform in size and spherical, spaced evenly along the edge. On two opposite sides of the platter, there are integrated handles, also made of clear glass. These handles are crescent-shaped, formed by a series of the same glass beads, creating a lacy or scalloped appearance, allowing for easy carrying. The glass itself appears to be of good clarity, suggesting a soda-lime or lead-free crystal composition, although a specific lead content cannot be determined from the image. No visible chips, cracks, or significant scratches are apparent, indicating a relatively good condition. There are no discernible maker's marks or signatures in the provided image. Based on its style, particularly the beaded edge and integral handles, this type of serving ware became popular in the mid-20th century, particularly from the 1940s through the 1970s. The craftsmanship appears to be machine-made or semi-automatic due to the uniformity of the applied beads, common for mass-produced elegant glassware of that era. It serves as a decorative and functional piece, likely used for serving cakes, desserts, or appetizers.