AI Appraisal Estimate

This item is a tall, hand-pressed, swung glass floor vase, characteristic of mid-20th-century decorative glassware. The vase is crafted in a vibrant ruby red or cranberry colored glass, featuring a distinctive bulbous base that tapers into a long, slender rhythmic neck. The top of the vase displays the hallmark 'swung' style, where the glass has been pulled and stretched while hot to create asymmetrical, organic-looking peaks and dips at the rim. Attached to the side is a clear, decorative glass crimped leaf or lily-petal application, which adds a layer of texture and complexity to the smooth surface of the red glass body. The construction reflects the 'Epic' or similar lines often associated with manufacturers like Viking Glass or Kanawha. Physically, the piece appears to be in overall good condition, though the clear glass attachment shows some internal refraction which could indicate minor stress fractures or surface scratching consistent with its age, likely dating from the 1960s to 1970s. The depth and saturation of the red pigment are hallmarks of high-quality selenium or gold-based glass coloring common in Appalachian glass houses of that era. No visible maker's marks are discernible in this perspective, as many were originally identified only by paper labels.

I have virtually examined this Mid-Century Modern swung floor vase, which I attribute to Viking Glass, likely from the 'Epic' line, circa 1960s. The vibrant ruby red coloration is exceptionally saturated, suggesting high-quality chemical additives like selenium. The 'swung' technique exhibits excellent verticality, standing at a significant height typical of floor vases, which command higher premiums than table versions. The clear glass leaf application is a desirable 'plus' feature, though my inspection noted internal refraction within the attachment; if these are stress fractures rather than production striations, the value will sit at the lower end of the range. The market for Viking Glass remains robust among MCM collectors, particularly for red and orange hues. Comparatively, standard swung vases fetch $100-$150, but the unique leaf adornment and the scale of this piece elevate its market value. Limitations: This appraisal is based solely on digital imagery. While the form and color are consistent with Viking production, definitive authentication is restricted by the absence of a paper label or etched mark. A physical inspection is required to confirm the base's polish (identifying factory finishing), assess the 'flea bites' or shelf wear on the bottom, and determine if internal refractions are structural cracks. Provenance documentation or a verified catalog match would be necessary to certify this as a specific designer series rather than a contemporaneous competitor like Kanawha.