Pair of Villeroy & Boch 'NewWave' Old Fashioned Tumblers

This is a pair of contemporary Old Fashioned or rocks-style drinking glasses, highly characteristic of the 'NewWave' collection by Villeroy & Boch. The glasses are crafted from high-quality lead-free crystal glass, featuring a conical shape that tapers from a wide rim to a smaller, weighted base. A signature design element is the large, single controlled bubble (bullicante) suspended within the thick solid glass sham at the base, which adds a decorative modern touch and provides significant stability. The crystal is clear with high transparency and brilliance, lacking any yellow or grey tints often found in lower-quality glass. Geometrically, the walls are thin toward the rim but thicken substantially toward the bottom. No visible maker's marks or signatures are apparent in the image, which is common for this line, as they often used stickers. The condition appears excellent with no visible chips, cracks, or clouding from dishwasher use. There are minor superficial scratches on the wooden table surface beneath them, but the glass itself displays a high level of craftsmanship with fire-polished rims and a smooth, seamless finish. These represent a mid-to-late 20th-century or early 21st-century modern minimalist aesthetic.

I have virtually examined this pair of tumblers, which I identify as the 'NewWave' Old Fashioned glasses by Villeroy & Boch. My assessment is based on the distinct conical geometry and the signature 'controlled bubble' suspended within the weighted base—a hallmark of this specific crystal series. The condition appears to be 'Like New,' characterized by excellent transparency, lack of mechanical clouding, and no visible chips at the fire-polished rims. From a market perspective, these glasses are part of a widely produced contemporary line. They are highly sought after for their ergonomic, minimalist aesthetic but are relatively common in the secondary market. Comparable sales for a pair of these glasses typically fall between $40 and $60, depending on the platform. The primary factor influencing this value is the brand's reputation for high-quality lead-free crystal and the enduring popularity of the NewWave suite. However, there are limitations to this digital appraisal. Without a physical inspection, I cannot confirm the presence of microscopic surface scratches or 'flea bites' that might be felt but not seen. Furthermore, because these items often utilized temporary adhesive labels rather than permanent etchings, definitive authentication relies on the precision of the glass-blowing and weight. A full authentication would require an in-person tactile review to verify the glass density and a check for the faint sandblasted logo sometimes located on the under-base, which is not visible in these images. Provenance or original packaging would further solidify the valuation provided.