Cobalt Blue Glass Value & Price Guide

Cobalt blue glass is a beloved category of collectible glassware known for its deep, intense blue hue achieved by adding cobalt salts to the molten glass melt. From Victorian-era apothecary bottles to Depression-era kitchenware and mid-century art glass, these pieces are prized for their striking color and timeless aesthetic appeal.

History of Cobalt Blue Glass

The use of cobalt to color glass dates back to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, but it saw a significant resurgence during the 19th and 20th centuries. In the United States, cobalt glass became iconic during the Great Depression when companies like Hazel-Atlas and Corning produced affordable, vibrant tableware to brighten homes during difficult economic times. Beyond the kitchen, the deep blue color was functionally significant for the medical industry; it was used for poison bottles and apothecary jars to protect light-sensitive contents and to serve as a visual warning to users. Throughout the mid-20th century, prestigious makers like Fenton, Murano, and various Bohemian glassworks elevated the medium into the realm of fine art, creating intricate cut-to-clear and hand-blown decorative pieces that remain highly sought after by collectors today.

Value Factors for Cobalt Blue Glass

• Rarity of the mold or pattern, with specialized shapes like violin bottles or poison bottles commanding higher premiums.
• The presence of a reputable maker's mark, such as those from Fenton, Murano, or Bohemian glassworks.
• Condition and clarity, specifically the absence of chips, cracks, or heavy surface scratching.
• Historical significance or provenance, such as original 1930s character-themed glassware versus later commemorative reissues.

Tips for Buying Cobalt Blue Glass

• Inspect the glass under bright light to check for internal 'sick glass' cloudiness or mineral deposits that cannot be removed.
• Look for pontil marks on the bottom of vases and pitchers to distinguish between hand-blown artisan pieces and mass-produced mold-blown items.
• Verify authenticity of themed items like Shirley Temple pitchers or 'Hen on Nest' dishes by checking for specific maker marks or mold details that distinguish originals from modern reproductions.
• Check for chips and 'flea bites' along the rims of medicine and poison bottles, as these utilitarian items often saw heavy use.

Items in This Collection

• Cobalt Blue Hen on Nest
• Cobalt Blue Bud Vases
• Cobalt Blue Bottles
• Cobalt Blue Glass Canister
• Murano Cobalt Blue Glass Vase
• Cobalt Blue Medicine Bottles
• Vintage Cobalt Blue Glass Ashtray
• Cobalt Blue Poison Bottle
• Cobalt Blue Glass Pitcher
• Hand-Blown Cobalt Blue Vase
• Cobalt Blue Teapot
• Cobalt Blue Rooster Candy Dish
• Fenton Cobalt Blue Glass Basket
• Shirley Temple Cobalt Blue Pitcher
• Cobalt Blue Glass Dinner Plate
• Cobalt Blue Violin Bottle
• Cobalt Blue Glass Oil Lamps
• Bohemian Cobalt Blue Cut to Clear Crystal Vase
• Cobalt Blue Phillips Milk of Magnesia Bottle
• Vintage Cobalt Blue Glass Rolling Pin