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.

Price Range: $40 - $60 based on recent sales

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

The typical price range for Cobalt Blue Glass is $40 - $60 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• 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