Steuben Crystal Pelican Figurine

This is a vintage Steuben glass pelican figurine, a classic example of American luxury art glass. Crafted from high-purity clear lead crystal, the piece measures approximately 6 inches in length. It features a stylized, minimalist design characteristic of mid-to-late 20th-century Steuben aesthetics, with a smooth, rounded body and a long, flat beak. The craftsmanship is evident in the seamless transition between the neck and the torso and the high-refractive index of the glass, which produces exceptional clarity and light play. The base appears to have been ground and polished flat to ensure stability. While a maker's mark is not clearly visible in the photograph, these pieces are traditionally diamond-point etched 'Steuben' on the underside. The condition appears to be excellent with no visible chips, cracks, or heavy scratching on the exterior surfaces; however, some light shelf-wear on the base is expected for a piece of its estimated age (circa 1960s-1980s). The piece exhibits the solid, heavy feel associated with hand-blown and hand-finished Steuben crystal, maintaining its status as a highly collectible decorative art object.

Based on my visual examination of the provided images, this object appears to be a genuine vintage Steuben crystal pelican figurine, likely designed by Lloyd Atkins, who created many of Steuben's iconic animal forms. The piece exhibits the hallmark clarity and high refractive quality characteristic of Steuben’s proprietary 10M lead crystal formula. The minimalist, fluid lines and the absence of mold marks suggest the high level of hand-finishing expected from this manufacturer. Condition is paramount in the crystal market. Visually, the piece appears to be in excellent condition, showing no evidence of major chips, flea bites on the beak, or internal clouding. The mention of light shelf wear on the base is consistent with a vintage item of this era (circa 1960s-1980s) and does not significantly detract from value. Comparable sales for Steuben pelicans of this size (approx. 6 inches) have softened slightly from their peak but remain steady, typically hammering between $125 and $225 at auction, with retail prices reaching up to $300. However, a definitive appraisal is limited by the inability to physically inspect the piece. Authentication relies heavily on locating the diamond-point 'Steuben' signature on the underside, which is not visible in the photos. Furthermore, physical inspection is necessary to detect subtle surface scratches or professional repairs (polishing down chips) that can reduce value by 30-50%. If confirmed to be signed and free of repairs, the value falls comfortably within the $150–$250 range.