Kentucky Derby 1981 Commemorative Glass

This item is a clear glass drinking tumbler, likely a highball or water glass, commemorating the Kentucky Derby from the year 1981. Its physical characteristics include a cylindrical form with a slightly tapered lip and a sturdy base. The primary decoration is a multi-color applied decal or screen-printed design featuring a shield motif. The top banner of the shield is green with 'KENTUCKY DERBY' in yellow lettering. Below this, the shield's border is yellow with a decorative pattern, enclosing an image of a jockey on horseback. The jockey's silks are red and yellow, with a prominent '7' on the saddlecloth, indicating a specific horse or position in the race. The base of the shield design is adorned with stylized roses in pink/red hues and the year '1981' printed in green. The glass itself appears to be made of standard clear soda-lime glass. There are no visible chips, cracks, or significant abrasions on the glass surface. The applied design shows good color retention with no obvious fading or flaking, suggesting it has been well-preserved or minimally used. A small purple sticker with '$10' written on it is affixed to the upper portion of the glass, serving as a price tag from a retail or resale environment. This type of glass is commonly manufactured as a souvenir item for significant events like the Kentucky Derby. The craftsmanship is typical for mass-produced commemorative glassware of its era, focusing on clear imagery and durable applied decoration rather than intricate handwork. The presence of the year '1981' clearly dates the item and places it within a specific historical context related to the famous horse race. Its condition seems to be very good for an item of its age, with all decorative elements intact and vibrant.

I have examined the image of this 1981 Kentucky Derby Commemorative Glass. Visually, the condition appears to be very good; there are no chips, cracks, or significant abrasions visible, and the multi-color applied decal retains its vibrancy without apparent fading or flaking. This suggests it has either been carefully preserved or minimally used since its production. The design, featuring the shield motif with a jockey, roses, and the year '1981,' is consistent with authentic commemorative glassware from that era. The craftsmanship aligns with mass-produced souvenir items, which is typical. From a market perspective, Kentucky Derby glasses are popular collectibles. However, 1981 is not considered a particularly rare or historically significant year that would drive exceptional demand. While well-preserved examples are always more desirable, the market for individual common year glasses like this one is relatively stable but not high-flying. Comparables typically sell for modest amounts. The '$10' sticker suggests a recent retail price, which aligns with market expectations. Factors impacting value positively include its excellent condition and clear identification of the year. Negatively, its mass-produced nature and the lack of a prominent winning horse from that year known for exceptional rarity limit its upper value. Demand is consistent among Derby memorabilia collectors, but rarity is low for this specific year. It is crucial to note the limitations of image-based appraisal. While the visual indicators strongly point to authenticity and good condition, a definitive authentication would require in-hand examination to confirm the absence of hairline cracks, minute decal imperfections not visible in photos, and the true quality of the glass manufacturing. Provenance documentation, such as original packaging or purchase receipts, would further enhance authentication but is rarely available for such items.