AI Appraisal Estimate

This item is a circular dinner or serving plate made of pressed transparent flint glass, likely manufactured by the Federal Glass Company during the mid-20th century. The plate features a prominent 'Heritage' or starburst pattern, consisting of a central multi-pointed star surrounded by a ring of repeating radial wedge-shaped indentations that extend toward the smooth rim. The glass exhibits high clarity with minor light refraction through the textured underside. Physically, the plate is approximately 9 to 10 inches in diameter with a shallow, slightly upturned lip. The construction is uniform throughout, though slight mold lines may be present on the edges, characteristic of mass-produced pressed glass of the era. Condition-wise, the plate appears to be in good vintage state, showing no obvious chips, cracks, or deep scratches, though faint surface abrasions from utensil use may be present upon close tactical inspection. The craftsmanship reflects the mid-century modern aesthetic of functional yet decorative household glassware, designed for durability and daily use. There are no visible maker's marks on the face, which is common for this pattern, though it embodies the classic post-war American glassware style.

I have conducted a visual examination of the Federal Glass Heritage Starburst plate. This specimen is a quintessential example of mid-century American soda-lime pressed glass. The 'Heritage' pattern, pioneered by the Federal Glass Company, is characterized by its geometric central starburst and sharp radial fluting. My visual assessment confirms the item is in good vintage condition; the clarity remains high without the 'clouding' or 'sick glass' often caused by caustic dishwasher detergents. While I observe minor surface abrasions consistent with light utensil use, there are no visible chips or annealing cracks. Market conditions for mid-century mass-produced glassware are currently stable but modest. The Federal Glass Company produced these plates in significant quantities for the mass market, meaning they are not considered rare. Comparables on secondary markets such as eBay and Etsy frequently show individual plates selling in the $10 to $20 range, with higher values achieved only for complete sets or rare colored variants. The clear 'flint' glass is the most common iteration. Valuation is primarily constrained by the item's high production volume. It is important to note that a definitive authentication of the manufacturer is limited through imagery alone, as many companies produced similar starburst motifs during this era. A physical inspection would be required to verify the 'weight' and tactile quality of the mold seams. Furthermore, a UV light test (Blacklight) would be necessary to identify the specific chemical composition of the glass batch, which can sometimes distinguish earlier pressings from later reproductions. No provenance was provided, which is typical for household utility ware of this period.