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Glass Cups

Whether a singular chalice or a set of sophisticated tumblers, crystal and glass cups are an elegant addition to a glassware collection. Descending from the most rudimentary necessity – drinking – the antique glass cup celebrates the remarkable range of glassmaking genius with a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and styles.

Glass drinking vessels have been a staple of society since the ancient world when the cultures of the ancient Mediterranean capitalized on their early experiments with glass to create their own cup form. It was not until the rise in the popularity of glassmaking closer to the 16th century that elaborate lidded cups and chalices as well as decorated glass cup sets came into couture.

From the tables of royalty to the dining rooms of modern American households, crystal and glass cups are a perennial favorite both for their bespoke beauty and brilliant sparkle. Today, antique and crystal glass cups come in a variety of price points, but it is their vast history that is worth an intangible fortune.


Quick Facts

  • One of the oldest surviving glass drinking vessels is the ancient Roman rhyton, which often took the form of a drinking horn. Variations on these glass drinking horns were popular across the ancient Mediterranean
  • A record-setting rock crystal cup sold at auction for $186,700 in 2003. Created in 19th century Vienna, the cup has a lid depicting two swans with accents of gemstones
  • Pairing elegance with the everyday, brewery Stella Artois partnered with fine glassmaker Swarovski in 2003 to create a limited edition Stella Artois crystal chalice. Handcrafted in Turkey and then bedecked with Swarovski stones in Austria, each chalice retailed for $500

Recommended Items at Auction

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Pair Of Victorian Glass Coinspot Mary Gregory Cups
Feb 06, 10:00 AM EST
Pair Of Victorian Glass Coinspot Mary Gregory Cups
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Est: $10- $1,000
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Mark Sudduth Hexagonal Glass Tumblers SIGNED 5pc
Feb 12, 11:00 AM EST
Mark Sudduth Hexagonal Glass Tumblers SIGNED 5pc
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2 HISTORISMUS-DECKELPOKALE MIT EMAILMALEREI. FRITZ HECKERT.
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2 HISTORISMUS-DECKELPOKALE MIT EMAILMALEREI. FRITZ HECKERT.
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Est: €0- €0
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Charles Schneider (1881-1953) "Coupe à bijoux" in multicoloured glass. Signed Schneider.
Feb 19, 1:00 PM CET
Charles Schneider (1881-1953) "Coupe à bijoux" in multicoloured glass. Signed Schneider.
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Est: €400- €600
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2 HISTORISMUS-DECKELBECHER MIT EMAILMALEREI.
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2 HISTORISMUS-DECKELBECHER MIT EMAILMALEREI.
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(2 Pc) Fritz Heckert Ballerina Blown Enamel Glasses
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(2 Pc) Fritz Heckert Ballerina Blown Enamel Glasses
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A collection of sundry drinking glasses, tallest Height 27.5cm
Feb 16, 7:00 PM AEDT
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Est: AUD40- AUD60
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De Simone - Hand painted ceramic mug and glass with fish and red plant, 1960/1970
Feb 14, 5:00 PM CET
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Two Sets of Mid Century Frosted Barware Glasses
Feb 09, 10:00 AM CST
Two Sets of Mid Century Frosted Barware Glasses
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Est: $100- $200
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Vintage Green Venetian Glass Cup
Feb 11, 11:00 AM EST
Vintage Green Venetian Glass Cup
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Est: $25- $250
$250 Bids
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Copa realizada en cristal con base de bronce.
Feb 13, 5:30 PM CET
Copa realizada en cristal con base de bronce.
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A collection of 110, 19th century, clear glass custard cups
Feb 14, 10:00 AM GMT
A collection of 110, 19th century, clear glass custard cups
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Group of 35+ Themed Drinking Glasses
Feb 08, 9:00 AM CST
Group of 35+ Themed Drinking Glasses
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Feb 23, 10:00 AM PST
10 Mackenzie Childs Stripes Marbled Star Trek Cups
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Spiral Art Glass Tumbler
Feb 08, 9:00 AM MST
Spiral Art Glass Tumbler
by Davis Brothers Auction
Est: $25- $50
$100 Bids
3 ANSICHTENGLÄSER.
Feb 27, 10:00 AM CET
3 ANSICHTENGLÄSER.
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Est: €0- €0
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3 GLÄSER MIT SILBERMALEREI.
Feb 27, 10:00 AM CET
3 GLÄSER MIT SILBERMALEREI.
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Est: €0- €0
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3 ANSICHTENGLÄSER.
Feb 27, 10:00 AM CET
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Est: €0- €0
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5 ANSICHTENGLÄSER.
Feb 27, 10:00 AM CET
5 ANSICHTENGLÄSER.
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Est: €0- €0
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BIERBECHER PETER BEHRENS. POSCHINGER.
Feb 27, 10:00 AM CET
BIERBECHER PETER BEHRENS. POSCHINGER.
by Auktionshaus Wendl
Est: €0- €0
€200 Bids
4 HISTORISMUS-GLÄSER.
Feb 27, 10:00 AM CET
4 HISTORISMUS-GLÄSER.
by Auktionshaus Wendl
Est: €0- €0
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9 JUGENDSTIL-HENKELBECHER. STEIGERWALD.
Feb 27, 10:00 AM CET
9 JUGENDSTIL-HENKELBECHER. STEIGERWALD.
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Est: €0- €0
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An early 20th Century ruby glass tankard
Feb 14, 10:00 AM GMT
An early 20th Century ruby glass tankard
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Group of 3 Cups Crystal Cordial Glass Gold Etched
Feb 22, 9:30 AM EST
Group of 3 Cups Crystal Cordial Glass Gold Etched
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Sellers Who Sell Glass Cups


Auktionshaus Wendl

Auktionshaus Wendl

Dees Auction Company,LLC

Dees Auction Company,LLC

Lion and Unicorn

Lion and Unicorn

Lawsons

Lawsons