Tiffin Glass Pink Depression Mayonnaise Bowl and Underplate Set

This is a two-piece mayonnaise or sauce set consisting of a footed bowl and a matching underplate, crafted from translucent pink glass, often associated with the Depression-era. The set is likely manufactured by the Tiffin Glass Company, featuring their signature pink color and elegant decorative techniques. Both pieces exhibit a wide, horizontal rim heavily embellished with an ornate, acid-etched gold encrustation. This gold band features a repetitive floral or scrolling vine motif characteristic of high-end glass from the 1920s to 1940s. The body of the bowl and the center of the plate are further decorated with delicate, hand-cut floral sprays consisting of multi-petaled flowers and slender leaves. The bowl has a flared rim and sits on a circular pedestal base, which is also trimmed in gold. Its condition appears excellent, with the gold gilding showing minimal wear and no visible chips or cracks. The clarity of the pink glass and the precision of the wheel-cut floral patterns indicate high-quality craftsmanship from a major American glass house. A small glass serving ladle is also visible resting inside the bowl.

I have examined the digital images of this pink depression-era Tiffin Glass mayonnaise set. The set features the characteristic 'Minton' or similar acid-etched gold encrusted border and wheel-carved floral sprays synonymous with Tiffin's high-end production in the early 20th century. Based on visual inspection, the condition appears exceptional; the gold encrustation remains vibrant without the typical 'bleeding' or rubbing found on pieces of this age. The presence of the original glass ladle significantly enhances the value, as these accessories are frequently lost or damaged. The market for Tiffin 'Fine Art' glass remains stable among collectors of American Brilliant Period and Depression-era elegance, though values have leveled since the early 2000s. Comparables for complete sets with intact gilding typically sell in the $150 to $275 range at specialized auctions. Factors impacting value include the rarity of the pink hue compared to clear equivalents and the pristine state of the gold trim. Limitations: This appraisal is based solely on photographic evidence. I cannot verify the physical 'ring' of the glass or detect micro-flea bites or professional restorations that may be hidden. Full authentication would require a tactile inspection for weight and pontil marks, as well as a UV light test to confirm glass composition and age. Provenance documentation or original catalog matching would further solidify this valuation.