Early American Pattern Glass (EAPG) Water Tumbler

This item is a clear pressed glass water tumbler, characteristic of Early American Pattern Glass (EAPG) from the late 19th to early 20th century. The glass exhibits a multi-banded decorative scheme. The upper portion features a wide, smooth rim that transitions into a horizontal band containing a 'Diamond and Fan' or similar geometric motif. Below this, the body is adorned with an intricate, raised floral and fruit pattern, likely depicting grapes or small berries with foliage in a stippled or textured relief. The base is finished with a smaller repeating geometric band matching the aesthetic of the upper section. The glass appears to have a slight grayish or straw tint common in soda-lime glass of the era. Physically, the tumbler shows a slight taper from the rim to the foot. The condition suggests a well-preserved piece with expected light surface scratches and minor flea bites on the decorative ridges due to age and handling. There are no obvious large cracks or significant chips visible. The molding is relatively crisp, indicating a mid-to-high quality production run. While no specific maker's mark is visible in the photograph, the style is reminiscent of patterns produced by companies like Indiana Glass or United States Glass Company during the Victorian era. The craftsmanship is typical of high-volume industrial glass production where mold lines may be present but integrated into the design.

I have virtually examined this Early American Pattern Glass (EAPG) tumbler. The piece displays the characteristic 'Diamond and Fan' banding and stippled fruit relief motifs consistent with late 19th-century soda-lime glass production. The slight straw tint and visible mold integration suggest an authentic piece from the 1890-1910 period, likely produced by the United States Glass Company or a contemporary competitor. The condition appears 'Good to Very Good' for its age; while the molding remains relatively crisp, the presence of 'flea bites' and surface micro-scratching is consistent with utilitarian use in a Victorian household. The market for EAPG has stabilized significantly over the last decade. While historically highly collectible, high-volume production tumblers currently face a saturated market with moderate demand. Recent auction and antique mall comparables for non-flint, colorless pressed tumblers of similar motifs consistently fall within the $20 to $50 range. Rarity is low, as these were mass-produced tableware sets. Key value drivers for this specific piece include the clarity of the stippling and the absence of 'sick glass' (cloudiness from chemical decomposition). Limitation Note: This appraisal is based strictly on visual digital evidence. A physical inspection is required to check for 'black light' fluorescence (manganese vs. selenium), to feel for ground-down chips on the rim, and to verify the weight/resonance associated with period glass. Provenance documentation regarding the specific set or original purchase would be necessary for a definitive attribution to a specific glass works factory.