French Country · Encyclopedia · Tableware, Kitchen and Decorative Objects
Vintage Wine Glasses
Stemware for wine, from French bistro glasses to cut crystal.
Glass, Crystal & Barware · Indicative US retail $10–$250
At a glance
- Family: Glass, Crystal & Barware
- Periods most often found: Most date from 1880 to 1970.
- Typical price: about $35; range $10 to $250 and more for exceptional pieces
- What drives value: Crystal maker, set size, etching
What it is
Vintage French wine glasses range from thick bistro tumblers and stemmed café glasses to cut and engraved crystal services by Baccarat, Saint-Louis, Daum and Lalique. Colored Roemer glasses from Alsace and Germany, gilded glasses of the Napoleon III period, and Art Deco stemware are also collected. Complete crystal services (water, red wine, white wine, champagne, liqueur) were traditional wedding gifts.
How to identify and date it
Crystal is heavier than glass, rings clearly when tapped and refracts light; Baccarat, Saint-Louis and Daum often etch marks under the foot. Hand-blown glasses show slight variations and a pontil mark; machine-made glass is uniform. Check rims and feet for chips and bowls for cloudiness (dishwasher damage). Sets of six or more are worth more than odd glasses.
Periods and styles
Most date from 1880 to 1970.
How much is it worth?
On the US retail market, most vintage wine glasses examples ask around $35. Simple or worn pieces start near $10, while documented, signed or exceptional examples can pass $250. The main value drivers are: crystal maker, set size, etching. These are indicative ranges, not an appraisal; see our price guide for French antiques for the method.
Questions buyers ask: art deco wine glasses value; vintage crystal wine glasses price; vintage small wine glasses value; vintage wine glasses worth money. The answer depends on the points below, which are worth checking before you compare prices.
Before you buy
- Check rims
- Look for marks
- Count sets
- Inspect for cloudiness
Living with it
Mix vintage glasses for a relaxed French table; a set of crystal glasses makes any dinner a celebration.
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How we write these guides: identification notes are general guidance written by French Country; a style name, a region or a resemblance does not by itself date or attribute a piece. Price ranges are indicative US retail asking prices for antique and vintage examples in sound condition (dealers, specialist marketplaces and auctions), estimated and rounded as of November 2026; check recent sold results before relying on a figure. They are not appraisals or offers to buy or sell: condition, provenance and documentation can move a value far outside the range. For insurance, estates or sales, ask an independent, qualified appraiser for a written valuation.