Holmegaard 'Princess' Champagne / Cocktail Glass

This is an elegant mid-century modern champagne or cocktail glass, specifically the 'Princess' model designed by Bent Severin for Holmegaard of Denmark, dating to circa 1957. The stemware piece is hand-blown from high-quality clear lead crystal, showcasing a distinctive silhouette. It features a wide, shallow bowl that transitions into a long, tapered hollow stem. A signature characteristic of this design is the controlled teardrop air bubble trapped within the base of the stem, indicative of expert craftsmanship. The piece stands on a flat, circular foot connected by a discreet wafer-like join. Physically, the glass exhibits high clarity and a brilliant refractive quality. There are no visible chips, cracks, or flea bites on the rim or base, suggesting it has been well-maintained. While no etched signature is visible in this view, this series is a recognized classic of Danish glass design. The construction is sleek and minimalist, reflecting the Scandinavian design ethos of the late 1950s and 1960s where form and function are balanced with subtle artistic elements.

I have completed a visual inspection of the Holmegaard 'Princess' champagne/cocktail coupe, a hallmark of Bent Severin’s 1957 design. The specimen presents in excellent vintage condition; my examination of the high-resolution imagery reveals no discernible chips, 'flea bites,' or clouding (calcium deposits), which often plague mid-century crystal. The signature teardrop air bubble is perfectly centered and controlled, indicating a high level of master-glassblower technical proficiency. The clarity of the lead crystal remains exceptional, retaining its original brilliance. Market demand for Scandinavian modernism remains stable, though current trends favor smaller 'Nick and Nora' styles or larger wine vessels over shallow coupes. Comparables for individual 'Princess' coupes typically realize between $40 and $70 on the secondary market. Value is maximized when sold as a cohesive set (e.g., 6 or 8), as individual replacements are relatively accessible for collectors. Limitations: While the aesthetic markers—the conical hollow stem and wafer base—align perfectly with Holmegaard’s production standards, a definitive authentication requires a physical 'ring test' to confirm lead content and a tactile inspection for the slight pontil scar or etched crown mark, which is sometimes faint or absent on these pieces. I would recommend a physical inspection to verify the absence of micro-scratches on the foot’s underside, as significant 'shelf wear' can reduce the value by 20%. Without provenance papers or original Holmegaard boxed packaging, this valuation is based on current fair market retail replacement value.