American Brilliant Period Cut Glass Footed Bowl

This item is an antique footed fruit or candy bowl crafted in the style of the American Brilliant Period (ABP), which spans approximately 1876 to 1917. The bowl is made of heavy, high-lead content clear glass, exhibiting a high refractive index and exceptional clarity. It features an intricate, deep-cut pattern consisting of notched prisms, hobstars, and feathered fans that are hallmarks of the period's craftsmanship. The rim is finished with a scalloped, sawtooth edge, while the pedestal base features an under-cut radial starburst pattern. Physically, the piece appears to be roughly 6 to 8 inches in diameter. The construction shows sharp, precise miters indicating hand-cutting on a stone wheel rather than modern pressed glass. In terms of condition, the glass appears bright with no significant clouding (sickness), though minor 'fleabites' or chips common to sawtooth rims may be present upon close tactical inspection. The craftsmanship is indicative of high-quality glass houses like Corning or Libbey, although no visible acid-etched signature is discernible in this view. This piece serves as a prime example of Edwardian-era luxury tableware, valued for its complex geometry and brilliant play of light.

Based on my visual examination of this American Brilliant Period (ABP) footed bowl, I am assessing it as a high-quality example of hand-cut lead crystal from the late 19th to early 20th century. My analysis confirms hallmarks of authentic ABP craftsmanship, specifically the sharp miters and complex 'hobstar' and 'feathered fan' motifs that can only be achieved via stone-wheel cutting. The high refractive index suggests a high-lead content typical of a premium glass house. The market for ABP glass currently favors specific, identifiable patterns and larger, undamaged centerpieces. While this bowl exhibits excellent clarity, the common presence of 'fleabites' on the sawtooth rim slightly moderates the valuation. Comparative sales for unsigned footed bowls of this dimension (6-8 inches) generally fall within the $250 to $450 range. Rarity is considered moderate; while the pattern is intricate, the absence of a confirmed signature (such as Libbey or Hoare) prevents it from reaching the premium tier of the market. It is important to note that this appraisal is based on photographic evidence. A definitive authentication would require a physical inspection to confirm the presence of 'resonance' (the ring when struck), a weight check to verify lead content, and a blacklight test to check for the distinctive lime-green fluorescence of period glass. Without these physical tests, I cannot rule out high-quality European reproductions from the mid-20th century, though the precision of the miters strongly suggests an authentic American origin.