The Thrift Store Antique You've Never Heard Of That Can Be Quite Valuable

There are all kinds of valuable glass items you should be looking for at thrift stores and estate sales, and if you're an avid thrifter, you may even know about specific brands, prints, and colors that are valuable and worth buying if you ever see them. Just when you think you know all the best items, though, it turns out there are more unique pieces out there to find. For example, if you haven't heard of vintage celery vases yet, then it is time to learn about their history, value, and uses so you can keep your eyes peeled and thoughtfully decide whether you want to purchase one the next time you see it at a thrift store.

Celery vases are a style of tall, narrow glass vase, often with stems, dating back to the late 1800s. The vases were typically made of blown glass or silver and featured embellishments around the rim and pedestal that made them unique. Aptly named, they were used in the past to display celery on tables in the homes of the wealthy. Celery was a rarity native to the Mediterranean, so it was not widely available in many countries. When wealthy people obtained some, they wanted to show them off to guests, and celery vases were designed to keep celery fresh and present it in a beautiful way. Eventually, the vases gained popularity as wedding gifts, and then they gained popularity among the masses, which made them lose their extravagance until production slowed and they faded mostly to obscurity. Now, if you find one of these gorgeous vases, they can be highly valuable to sell or a stylish addition to your own home.

A pretty vintage vase is always a good find if it fits your personal style, but some vintage celery vases can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The two main indicators of the worth of a celery vase are the condition and any maker's marks. Bubbles in the glass, polished edges, and small imperfections suggest that a piece is old and handmade, which can make it more likely to be authentic and valuable. If your vase has a maker's mark symbol on the bottom, you can search the mark online to learn when and where a piece was made and gain an idea of what it's are worth. The Bakewell glass company is one well-known historical brand that may fetch a pretty price today.

If the reselling potential doesn't interest you, then you may be more inclined to learn how to style vases in the home and make a vintage celery vase part of your table setting or shelf decor. Vintage celery vases are very versatile. They typically range in size from roughly 6 inches to 12 inches, so the best use will vary based on the vase you find. Regardless of size, you can display classic flowers in a vase, or you can try out some stylish Dollar Tree items that make the absolute best vase fillers. Larger celery vases can draw attention and act as a focal point in a room, while smaller ones will subtly make a room more elegant. Whatever you do with it, a vintage celery vase is a thrift store purchase worth considering.