MCM Swung Vase Value Guide

The MCM Swung Vase is a quintessential example of American Mid-Century Modern glasswork, prized for its dramatic height and organic, stretched silhouette. Each piece is unique because the glass was manually swung while hot, resulting in a fluid, elongated neck that defines the 1960s and 1970s aesthetic.

What affects the value of MCM Swung Vase?

• Overall height and the dramatic nature of the 'swing' significantly impact the market price.
• The clarity of the glass and absence of clouding or 'sick glass' internal staining.
• Condition of the delicate ruffled rim, as chips or flea bites reduce value below the $40-$60 range.
• The presence of original manufacturer labels from notable US glass houses can increase desirability.

How to Identify MCM Swung Vase?

• Look for a tall, slender profile with a characteristic 'stretched' appearance in the glass neck.
• Examine the rim for a hand-finished ruffled or scalloped edge created during the swinging process.
• Identify the vertical ribbing along the body which provides structural texture common in 1960s American glass.
• Check for a polished or fire-annealed base typical of mid-century manufacturing techniques.

History of MCM Swung Vase

Swung vases gained popularity during the Mid-Century Modern era, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s. This distinctive style is created by reheating a glass vase and then manually pulling or 'swinging' the neck of the vase upwards, often creating a tall, slender form with an organic, stretched appearance and sometimes a ruffled or scalloped rim. This technique made each vase unique, even within mass production.