Art Glass Smoking Stand / Ashtray with Hanging Hook Appraisal
Category: Decorative Arts
Description
This appears to be an antique or vintage art glass smoking stand or ash receiver. Its most striking feature is the vibrant and chaotic color palette, dominated by reds and oranges with significant black crackle-like patterns and splashes of yellow and green, creating a mottled or spatter-glass effect. The top section is round and slightly domed, tapering down to a narrower central area before flaring out again to a stable, round base. The design incorporates four curved, organic-shaped supports or legs that connect the upper and lower sections, forming open spaces between them. Within these open spaces, it is possible to discern indentations or rests, likely for cigarettes or cigars, suggesting its function as an ash receptacle. Atop the domed lid, there is a brass or bronze-toned metal hook, indicating it might have been designed to be hung or possibly as a handle. The overall construction suggests it is made of art glass, possibly a form of slag glass or a similar technique, where different colored glass pieces are swirled or blended together. The surface appears to have a glossy finish, typical of glass. There are no immediate visible signs of major damage like chips or cracks, but the metallic hook shows some patina consistent with age. This piece likely dates from the late 19th to early 20th century, possibly from the Art Nouveau or Arts and Crafts period, given its organic forms and the distinctive glasswork which resembles some Tiffany or Loetz pieces though without specific markings it's impossible to confirm the maker. The craftsmanship seems solid, with the glass forming a cohesive and aesthetically unique object.
Appraisal Report
Upon visual examination, this Art Glass Smoking Stand presents as a compelling piece, likely originating from the late 19th or early 20th century, consistent with the Art Nouveau or Arts and Crafts movements. The vibrant, mottled spatter glass, with its rich palette of red, orange, and black, is visually striking. The form, featuring four organic supports and a brass-toned hook, is unusual and suggests a high degree of craftsmanship. Based on the image, the glass appears to be in excellent condition, with no visible chips or cracks. The metal hook exhibits a patina appropriate for its age. The primary factor influencing its value is the potential maker. The style evokes high-quality Bohemian or American art glass manufacturers like Loetz, Kralik, or even Tiffany Studios, though it is unsigned. An authenticated piece by a renowned maker would command a significantly higher price. Market comparables for unsigned but high-quality art glass ashtrays of this era typically range from $200 to $400. However, the unique form and exceptional coloration of this specific piece elevate its desirability. The demand for unusual smoking-related antiques and distinctive art glass remains steady among collectors. It is crucial to note the limitations of this appraisal, as it is based solely on images. Full authentication would require in-person examination to check for maker's signatures (such as an acid-etched mark or pontil mark), tooling marks, and glass composition. Without such verification or provenance, attributing it to a specific, high-value maker is speculative. The current valuation reflects its quality as an excellent, yet unattributed, example of period art glass.
Appraisal Value
$450-650