Gorham Althea Crystal Bowl Value Guide

The Gorham Althea Crystal Bowl is a quintessential example of mid-to-late 20th-century West German craftsmanship, blending Gorham's American design legacy with European glass-making precision. This small, round lead crystal bowl is highly collectible for its brilliant clarity and the rhythmic elegance of its signature vertical cut pattern.

What Is Gorham Althea Crystal Bowl Worth?

The typical price range for Gorham Althea Crystal Bowl is $15 - $25 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Pristine condition is vital, as chips or 'flea bites' on the sharp edges of the vertical cuts significantly reduce the $15-$25 market value.
• The presence of the original manufacturer's labels or original Gorham packaging can increase appeal to brand-specific collectors.
• Clarity of the crystal, specifically the absence of clouding or 'glass sickness' from improper washing, maintains the item's secondary market price.

How to Identify Gorham Althea Crystal Bowl?

• Look for the distinctive Althea pattern featuring deep vertical cuts around the body of the bowl.
• Examine the base for a multi-pointed starburst or sunburst design etched into the lead crystal.
• Check for the 'Gorham' acid-etched mark or a 'Made in West Germany' gold foil sticker often found on pieces from the 1960s-1980s.
• Verify the material weight; authentic full lead crystal will feel significantly heavier and produce a clear ring when tapped compared to standard glass.

History of Gorham Althea Crystal Bowl

Gorham is a renowned American manufacturer of silver, flatware, and hollowware, founded in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1831. While primarily known for its metalwork, Gorham also produced high-quality crystal pieces, often made in West Germany, particularly during the mid to late 20th century. The Althea pattern, with its distinctive cuts, was a popular design that showcased the brilliance and clarity of full lead crystal.