Swung Glass Vase Value Guide

Swung glass vases are iconic mid-century modern collectibles defined by their elongated, fluid forms created by reheating and physically swinging the glass to stretch it. Produced primarily between 1950 and 1970, these American-made pieces represent a unique intersection of industrial manufacturing and artisanal gravity-fed design.

What Is Swung Glass Vase Worth?

The typical price range for Swung Glass Vase is $75 - $125 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Height is a primary driver of value, with exceptionally tall 'floor vases' commanding prices at the higher end of the $75-$125 range.
• Color rarity significantly impacts desirability, with vibrant mid-century hues like amberina, avocado green, or peacock blue being highly sought after.
• The presence of original foil labels from manufacturers like Viking Glass or Fenton can increase the item's provenance and market value.
• Condition is critical, as chips or 'flea bites' along the delicate flared rim or internal mineral staining can reduce the value below the $75 threshold.

How to Identify Swung Glass Vase?

• Look for a characteristic 'stretched' appearance on the neck and rim, often resulting in an asymmetrical or ruffled top.
• Examine the base for a polished pontil mark or specific manufacturer molds common to Viking, Fenton, or LE Smith.
• Identify the ribbed body texture which was a standard design element used to add structural integrity and visual depth during the swinging process.
• Check for the absence of seams near the top, as the swinging process typically obscures mold lines in the upper half of the vase.

History of Swung Glass Vase

Swung glass vases gained popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly from the 1950s to the 1970s. This distinctive style is created by reheating the rim of a glass vase and allowing gravity to stretch and 'swing' the glass upwards, resulting in its characteristic tall, often asymmetrical, and fluid form. Various glass manufacturers produced swung glass, with notable examples from companies like Fenton, LE Smith, and Viking Glass. These pieces were highly fashionable during their era and are now sought after by collectors of mid-century modern design.