Steuben Glassware

Steuben glass is another group of collectible art glasses to originate in Corning, New York. Among the most recognizable pieces include distinctive blue perfume bottles and the Rosaline glass created in the 1920s.

The frustration to many collectors is that finding pre-1933 pieces is very difficult. Nonetheless, people wishing to see some can do so in the Frederick Carter Collection at the Corning Glass Museum today.

Steuben glass is known for a good optical formula and its melting techniques that remove many imperfections. The company began at the turn of the century by Mr. Hawkes, who specialized in engraving.

His partner was Frederick Carder, an Art Nouveau glassmaker. Steuben glass remained a separate company until acquired by Corning Glass Works in 1918. Mr. Carder remained on to direct this division of Corning Glass, known aptly as the Steuben division.

Steuben glass art pieces like this vintage compote have long been popular with many collectors.

One year later the division gets called Steuben Glass, and focused completely on the 10M products including all manner of drinking vessels.

Nonetheless, the artistic element of the product was never lost.

As time went along, they also continued refining glass making including the use of copper wheel engraving.

This eventually lead to a cooperative effort with outside artists, many of whom exhibit their wares at the Twenty-Seven Contemporary Artists show (NYC – 1940s).

From 1940-55 the history of Steuben glass is intermixed liberally with that of Corning Glass proper, until a new design series came out called “studies in Crystal.”

The original set was 12 designs, but eventually included over 200 distinct pieces from very precise to completely abstract. The idea was to show the versatility of glass and glass making, and it was a huge success. This is where Steuben continues to concentrate.

In 1978 Steuben released an anniversary series called Heritage. It was a truly a visual trip through memory lane complete with Thompson candlesticks (limited edition).

There is no question that a collector can expect similar great pieces / series from the Steuben line long into the future.