Cobalt Blue Glass Charger Plate with Etched Bee Decorative Motif

This is a circular charger plate or large service plate crafted from vibrant cobalt blue translucent glass. The most prominent feature is a series of eight frosted, acid-etched or sandblasted designs depicting honeybees, arranged symmetrically around the outer well of the plate. The glass is moderately thick with a smoothed, fire-polished rim, typical of high-quality mid-century or contemporary art glass. The color is deep and consistent throughout the body. Regarding condition, there is a very obvious, large horizontal linear scratch or crack visible near the center of the plate, which significantly impacts the surface integrity and aesthetic value. Small surface abrasions and dust are also present, suggesting it has been stored without protective wrapping. The style is reminiscent of French or American decorative glass from the late 20th century, often associated with brands that favor insect motifs like La Rochère, though the absence of a visible hallmark makes a definitive attribution difficult. The craftmanship is evident in the precision of the insect stencils and the richness of the cobalt saturation.

Based on my visual analysis, this charger plate is a contemporary piece of decorative glassware featuring a pressed cobalt body with acid-etched or sandblasted bee motifs. While the deep cobalt saturation and the precision of the eight symmetrical bee stencils suggest a quality manufacturing process consistent with late 20th-century European or American glassworks, the absence of a maker's mark or signature limits its attribution to a specific high-end manufacturer like La Rochère or Steuben. The market for mid-tier decorative glass remains steady for functional sets; however, individual pieces rely heavily on condition. My examination reveals a significant horizontal linear scratch or surface fissure near the center well. This type of structural damage is detrimental to both the aesthetic integrity and the safety of the piece for food service, reducing it primarily to a study piece or a minor decorative object. Due to this visible damage and the lack of provenance, the value is significantly depressed compared to a pristine set. Authentic high-end chargers typically retail for $60–$100 each; however, a single damaged, unsigned plate carries minimal collector interest. A full authentication would require an in-person physical inspection to determine if the mark is a surface scratch or a deep internal heat crack, as well as a search for an acid-etched signature on the base rim using a loupe or UV light to identify specific fluorescent signatures of the glass composition. Without a manufacturer's mark or original packaging, this item is valued as mass-market decorative ware in poor condition.