Vintage Empoli Amber Cased Glass Long Stem Goblet / Wine Glass
Unbranded (Attributed to Empoli / Stelvia) · Kitchenware & Appliances > Glassware & Drinkware
Era / Decade
1960s-1970s (Mid-Century Modern). Dating clues include the cased glass technique (white interior, colored exterior), the elongated pulled stem, and the specific amber/honey color palette popular in Italian MCM export glass.
Material
Hand-blown Cased Glass. Features a translucent amber exterior layer over an opaque white milk glass interior (cased), likely lead-free soda-lime glass characteristic of Italian imports.
Condition
Very Good. The glass shows good clarity and no major chips or cracks. There are minor interior air bubbles (seeds) visible, which are common in hand-blown vintage glass and indicative of age rather than a defect. The rim appears smooth without flea bites.
Demand Level
Moderate. There is a consistent, niche market for MCM Italian glass, though single glasses move slower than sets of 2 or 4. Demand peaks for home staging and vintage barware enthusiasts.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$25.00 - $45.00. (Low: $20 for a quick sale, Mid: $35 as a standard listing, High: $50 if part of a set or sold in a high-end vintage shop).
Estimated Retail Value
$45.00 - $60.00 (Based on current boutique mid-century modern glassware retail prices for a single high-quality Italian goblet).
Comparable Sales
Single Empoli cased glass goblets typically sell for $28-$40 on eBay. Sets of four can fetch between $120 and $160 depending on the color rarity and height.
Description
This is a stunning vintage Italian Empoli-style cased glass goblet, featuring a vibrant honey-amber exterior and a crisp white milk glass interior. The glass sits atop an elegantly elongated, slender clear-amber glass stem and base. Standing approximately 8-10 inches tall, this piece encapsulates the Mid-Century Modern aesthetic perfectly. The cased glass technique adds depth and a glow when illuminated, making it a beautiful display piece or functional barware for collectors of MCM design.
Key Features
Highly collectible Mid-Century Modern (MCM) aesthetic; Rare cased glass construction; Desirable 'Empoli' Italian attribution; Elegant 'stretched' or long-stem silhouette; Popular amber/harvest gold colorway.
Authenticity Indicators
Attributed with high confidence (85%) to Empoli, Italy. Indicators include the flared base, thin pulled stem, and the specific combination of amber glass cased over white, which was a signature style of Italian glass houses like Stelvia or Cristalleria Fratelli Betti during the MCM era.
Flaws to Note
Small manufacturing air bubbles inside the glass (visible in the bowl); light surface scratches on the bottom of the base from shelf wear; no original stickers or identifying marks.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
Etsy (best for vintage/MCM collectors), eBay (broadest audience), or Depop (younger demographic looking for 'aesthetic' barware). Local MCM-focused Facebook groups are also excellent.
Selling Tips
Use keywords like 'Mid Century Modern', 'MCM', 'Italian Glass', 'Empoli', 'Cased Glass', and 'Art Deco'. Photograph the item against a solid, dark background to make the amber color pop. Take a photo with light shining through the bowl to show the cased glass layers. Ship with extreme care using double-boxing and plenty of bubble wrap, as the stem is highly fragile.