Vintage Bell System Gold Trim Pilsner Glass
Bell System (Produced for corporate use/promotional purposes) · Kitchenware & Appliances > Drinkware / Collectibles
Era / Decade
1970s. The logo shown is the iconic 'Bell in a Circle' design designed by Saul Bass in 1969 and used extensively throughout the 1970s until the 1984 divestiture.
Material
Clear glass with a gold-gilded rim and a screen-printed metallic gold logo.
Condition
Good. The gold rim shows significant wear and thinning, which is common for vintage glassware of this age. The logo remains mostly intact, and there are no visible chips or cracks in the glass body.
Demand Level
Niche. While there is a dedicated community of 'phone collectors,' a single glass has a limited audience compared to a full set. Best for collectors of 20th-century corporate branding.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$8.00 - $15.00
Estimated Retail Value
$5.00 - $8.00 (original value as promotional/service anniversary gift)
Comparable Sales
Recent individual Bell System promotional glasses have sold for between $9 and $14 plus shipping on eBay. Full sets of four or six typically perform better, reaching $45-$60.
Description
Vintage Bell System telephone company pilsner glass featuring the classic Saul Bass designed blue-bell logo in metallic gold. This tall, tapered glass includes a gold-trimmed rim, adding a touch of mid-century corporate elegance. A perfect piece for collectors of telephony history, advertising memorabilia, or vintage barware enthusiasts.
Key Features
Features the recognizable Saul Bass Bell System logo; metallic gold finish; crossover appeal for 'Telco' collectors and vintage breweriana fans; classic mid-century pilsner silhouette.
Authenticity Indicators
Correct logo proportions for the 1969-1984 era; weight and glass thickness consistent with 70s-era promotional glassware. Confidence Level: High.
Flaws to Note
Significant wear/fading on the gold rimming at the top. Some minor scuffing on the glass surface consistent with age. Gold leaf is delicate and should be hand-washed only.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is the best platform due to the specific collector nature of Bell System items. Etsy is a secondary option if marketed as 'Mid-Century Modern Barware.'
Selling Tips
Use keywords like 'AT&T,' 'Bell System,' 'Saul Bass,' 'Telephony,' and 'Vintage Advertising.' Photograph against a dark background to make the gold logo and rim pop. Mention specifically that this is a single glass and not a set.