Royal Brierley Cut Crystal Hock Wine Glass (Sherwood Pattern)

This is a fine lead crystal hock wine glass manufactured by Royal Brierley, featuring the intricate 'Sherwood' pattern. The vessel is constructed from high-quality, clear, hand-cut crystal, characterized by its brilliant clarity and high refractive index. The design elements include a prominent star-cut motif on the bowl, complemented by fine crisscross diamond cuttings and vertical fan slices that catch and disperse light effectively. Physically, the piece features a rounded bowl perched atop an elegant, elongated multi-faceted stem with a central knop, tapering down to a sturdy circular foot. The glass appears to be in excellent vintage condition, exhibiting high luster with no visible chips, cracks, or cloudiness (sickness). A distinguishing feature is the original blue and gold foil 'Royal Brierley England' sticker still affixed to the foot, suggesting the item has seen little use. This style and manufacturing technique are typical of 20th-century British glassmaking, specifically dating from the mid-to-late 20th century. The craftsmanship is evident in the sharpness of the hand-cut facets and the balanced weight of the leaded glass, hallmarking it as a premium collectible from one of the UK's most prestigious glassworks.

I have carefully examined the provided images and descriptions of this Royal Brierley Sherwood pattern hock wine glass. My visual assessment confirms the piece is a genuine example of English lead crystal, likely dating from the 1960s to 1980s. The 'Sherwood' pattern remains a classic of the Stourbridge glassmaking tradition, and the presence of the original foil sticker is a significant value-add, indicating the piece has likely been kept for display rather than utility. The condition appears exemplary with no evidence of chips or 'glass sickness'—the permanent clouding caused by chemical reactions to dishwashing. Market demand for individual stemware replacements is consistent, though the broader trend for large crystal sets has softened in recent years. This specific hock glass, characterized by its elongated multi-faceted stem and fine diamond cuts, remains more desirable than standard wine glasses within the same suite. Comparables on the secondary market frequently realize prices in the $40-$70 range per stem. Note that while the stickers and cutting styles are consistent with Royal Brierley production, a definitive authentication from images alone is limited. A physical inspection would be required to verify the 'ring' of the lead content, check for minute acid-etched maker's marks on the base, and ensure the absence of micro-scratches or professional repairs. Provenance documentation, such as an original receipt or inventory from a reputable estate, would further solidify this valuation.