Heisey: American Pressed & Blown Glass (1896-1957)
A.H. Heisey & Company of Newark, Ohio produced some of the finest American glassware of the 20th century. Founded by Augustus H. Heisey in 1896, the factory became known for its crystal-clear glass, elegant pressed patterns, and distinctive blown stemware. The company ceased production in 1957, and its molds were acquired by Imperial Glass. Today, Heisey glass is one of the most actively collected categories in American glassware, supported by the Heisey Collectors of America and the National Heisey Glass Museum in Newark.
Identification and Marks
The primary Heisey mark is the "Diamond H" -- a capital H enclosed within a diamond shape -- typically found on the base or foot of pieces. Key identification points:
- Diamond H mark: Used from 1901 onward. Not all pieces were marked, particularly smaller items and early production.
- Paper labels: Some pieces carried only foil or paper labels, now long lost.
- Mold numbers: Pattern and mold numbers stamped into bases help identify specific lines.
- Imperial reproductions: After acquiring Heisey molds, Imperial Glass reissued some patterns. Imperial pieces may carry the Heisey Diamond H mark with an added "IG" mark. Unmarked Imperial reissues require careful comparison with originals.
Major Patterns and Lines
Heisey produced over 150 patterns. The most collected include:
- Colonial (No. 300/341): Simple paneled design, one of the earliest and most extensive lines.
- Crystolite (No. 1503): Art Deco era pattern with wide, flat panels. Produced 1938-1957.
- Lariat (No. 1540): Looped border design, popular in the 1940s-50s.
- Orchid Etch (No. 507): Elegant floral etching applied to several Heisey blanks. Highly sought after.
- Rose Etch (No. 515): Delicate rose design, often on Waverly blanks. Commands premium prices.
- Ridgeleigh (No. 1469): Geometric Art Deco pattern with sharp angles.
- Animals: Heisey produced figural animals -- horses, elephants, roosters, dogs, and others -- that are among the most valuable pieces today.
Auction Price Ranges
| Category | Typical Range | Premium Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Common stemware (per stem) | $10 - $35 | $75+ rare etchings |
| Serving pieces, clear | $25 - $100 | $250+ large/uncommon forms |
| Colored glass (Flamingo, Sahara, etc.) | $40 - $200 | $500+ rare colors/forms |
| Orchid/Rose etch pieces | $30 - $150 | $400+ large serving pieces |
| Cobalt or Tangerine items | $200 - $800 | $2,000+ rare forms |
| Figural animals | $100 - $500 | $2,500+ rare animals (Airedale, Giraffe) |
| Candelabra/centerpieces | $75 - $300 | $800+ elaborate multi-piece |
| Complete dinnerware sets | $300 - $1,500 | $3,000+ rare patterns with color |
Condition Factors
- Chips and fleas: Even small rim chips reduce value by 50% or more on fine stemware. Tiny "flea bite" nicks are common and less damaging on utilitarian pieces.
- Clarity: Heisey's reputation rests on its brilliant, clear glass. Cloudy, sick, or stained glass is significantly devalued.
- Completeness: Sets and matched groupings bring premiums over individual pieces. A complete Orchid etch place setting is worth considerably more than the sum of individual stems.
- Color consistency: Colored pieces in Flamingo (pink), Sahara (yellow), Moongleam (green), and Hawthorne (purple) must show consistent, even color without streaking.
- Etching condition: Etchings should be crisp and unworn. Heavy use can wear etched designs, reducing value.
Collecting Tips
- Heisey colors command the strongest premiums. Cobalt, Tangerine, and Dawn are the rarest production colors and always bring competitive bidding.
- Figural animals are the blue chips of Heisey collecting. The rarest -- Airedale terrier, giraffe, and fighting rooster -- can exceed $2,000.
- Learn to distinguish Heisey originals from Imperial reissues. Originals have sharper mold detail and a slightly different glass formula with more brilliance.
- The Heisey Collectors of America publishes extensive pattern guides and holds an annual convention with a major glass show -- both excellent resources for building expertise.
- Elegant etchings like Orchid, Rose, and Minuet on quality blanks represent the best intersection of beauty and collectibility for new collectors entering the market.