Old Favorites Are Strong at Green Valley Glass Sale

Green Valley Auctions, Inc., Mt. Crawford, Virginia

by Walter C. Newman

Green Valley Auctions held its eighth annual spring glass and lighting auction on May 16 and 17 at its facility in Mt. Crawford, Virginia. This sale was the first event since the recent dramatic spike in gasoline prices, and there were noticeably fewer bodies in attendance than at past sales. Bidding, however, did not seem to be down. Telephone, Internet, and absentee activity were strong and seemed to fill in any void where individual attendance may have dropped off.

As we have noted in past reports, with some exceptions, glass collectors seem to be much more objective than those who collect in other areas. Once an item is described, and questions are asked and answered by telephone or e-mail, bidding is easily handled at a distance. That was no doubt the case at this sale.

Financial advisors say that during times of uncertainty there are two flights that occur: a flight to quality and a flight to familiarity. Whether or not it was due to uncertainty, there certainly seemed to be movement to quality and familiarity at this sale. Nearly 1100 lots were offered covering a wide variety of time periods, styles, and themes. As is the case at Green Valley's glass sales, all items sold well, but it was noticeable that proof and undamaged examples of the old standbys garnered the most attention.

In particular, Boston & Sandwich Glass Company items were strong. A Sandwich Tulip vase finished as the high lot of the day. The vase, with its classic octagonal base and eight-petal design in brilliant medium emerald green, was estimated at $4000/6000 and brought $14,690 (includes buyer's premium). The sale prompted one collector to comment, "You can't really go wrong with a good quality Sandwich Tulip vase. It is the basis of any collection. There are a lot of them out there, but they always do very well."

A pair of Tulip vases in brilliant medium amethyst, deaccessioned by the Sandwich Glass Museum, brought $6780 (est. $5000/8000). One was in proof condition, and the other exhibited some minor flakes and chips.

As expected, unique items were very strong. A colorless lacy windowpane marked "J. & C. Ritchie" brought $11,300 (est. $5000/8000). M.A.D. readers will recall that this is an example of a transom windowpane used on riverboats throughout the Ohio and Mississippi River areas. Green Valley sold a different example of this pane a year ago, and interest has not waned for the rare items.

If any category seemed stagnant, it was the free-blown items. This category usually has strong sales of large dishes and bowls. With only a handful of exceptions, the free-blown pieces sold within their estimates. There were no dramatic breakout surprises.

For additional information contact Green Valley Auctions at (540) 434-4260 or visit the Web site (www.greenvalleyauctions.com).

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