Ask The Antique Expert

Our expert reveals the fascinating stories behind your heirlooms, and estimates what they’re worth today.

 

Liquid Gold

My husband’s grandparents received this pitcher, gold on top and clear on bottom, when they married, in the 1880s. It has no identifying marks, but I’d love to know more. —M.L.M., Basehor, KS

A: Your tankard jug from Hobbs, Brockunier & Co. was the height of fashion then. Even today, it’s hard to find a more elegant vessel to pour water!

Hobbs, in Wheeling, West Virginia, was the country’s largest glassworks, manufacturing 60 tons each week and known for cutting-edge techniques. Famed artisan John Northwood first worked in the U.S. as a Hobbs etcher.

In 1891, Hobbs and 17 other companies merged to form U.S. Glass Company. It was a survival strategy in an industry beset by fires, bankruptcies and other woes.

Your tankard jug features a clear handle and an arched lip. The pattern is Hexagon Block #335—note the high-relief, honeycombed hexagons from the shelved base to the high-set handle. Hobbs made both clear and color-stain versions, with etching and without.

The various techniques used make this piece especially fine. The light-gold staining was painted onto the glass, then fired on for permanency. The “frosted” stylized fern spray was etched using a pattern sheet. In perfect condition, your tankard jug is worth about $345.