The Unassuming Type Of Vintage Glass At The Thrift Store That Can Be Valuable

Glassware is highly collectible for some people, from Fenton glass to those old McDonald's character glasses. But it's not always the colorful or nostalgic childhood pieces that are worth investing in for a collection or reselling. Sometimes, the most unassuming glassware pieces are valuable and worth displaying in a unique way in your home. Or, it's the quirky finds that make the most unique decor. Laboratory beakers may not be the first thing that pops into your mind when it comes to collecting glassware, but you may be surprised at the beauty of some of these pieces. Additionally, for a single glass beaker, individuals are paying $20 and up for them on eBay — that's not too bad for an old glass 'cup.'

Even though beakers are a typical product of laboratories, used for measuring various liquids in scientific experiments, these beautiful pieces of vintage glass can be used in a multitude of other ways around the home, not just as decorative items to place on a shelf. These beakers often come with etched markings that show the measurements. This makes them great drinking glasses or even fun decor during the Halloween season. Pair these with another vintage jar trend making a comeback — apothecary jars.

You can find drinking glass beakers, as well as those used in places like laboratories and pharmacies. The age of the bottles may not always be easy to decipher. Still, according to some sources, antique glassware typically features pontil marks, which are circular, rough patches at the base of the glass, indicating that it was handblown when pontil rods were used. Bottles with no seams or lines from a mold typically date back to before 1860, which is a sure sign of an antique. Some will have the manufacturer's name and the purpose for which they were used. You'll want to look for cracks and chips, as you would with any other vintage or antique glass.

Need some ideas for what to do with your vintage glass beakers? We suggest using them for displays, adding candles, dried or fresh flowers, and even pampas grass. You can use them to store baubles and trinkets, placing them on vintage trays or near an old book collection. You can even utilize them as fun cocktail glasses. In the kitchen, they can house fresh herbs. Here are some other thrifted items that can double as a vase.