Mid-Century Modern Silver Band Roly Poly Lowball Glass
Dorothy Thorpe (Style) · Kitchenware > Drinkware
Era / Decade
1950s-1960s Mid-Century Modern
Material
Glass with Platinum or Silver-toned electroplated rim banding.
Condition
Good. The glass is clear without chips, but there is visible thinning and micro-scratching on the silver/platinum band, which is common for this type of vintage glassware.
Demand Level
Moderate. MCM barware is always in demand, but single glasses sell slower than complete sets.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$8.00 - $15.00 (Single) / $45.00 - $75.00 (Set of 4-6)
Estimated Retail Value
$10.00 - $15.00 (comparable modern replica)
Comparable Sales
Sold listings for single glasses in this condition range from $7-$12 on eBay. Pristine sets of 6 Dorothy Thorpe glasses can reach over $100, but silver-fade significantly lowers price.
Description
Classic Mid-Century Modern 'Roly Poly' lowball glass featuring a wide silver/platinum band at the rim flanked by two thinner parallel lines. This iconic spherical 'atomic' silhouette is perfect for whiskey or cocktails and adds a sophisticated Mad Men-era aesthetic to any home bar.
Key Features
Iconic MCM silhouette; highly collectible 'Dorothy Thorpe' style; reflective metallic finish; popular with barware enthusiasts and vintage collectors.
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence as vintage glass. Authentic Dorothy Thorpe pieces usually have a 1-inch thick band; this piece has a multi-stripe variation often attributed to Libbey or contemporary makers of the era. No maker's mark is visible, which is standard for this style.
Flaws to Note
Significant wear/fading on the metallic banding; minor surface scratches; needs careful hand-washing as the silver can flake if put in a dishwasher.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
Etsy or eBay for vintage enthusiasts; Facebook Marketplace for local buyers looking to complete a set; Chairish if part of a pristine larger set.
Selling Tips
Photograph against a dark background to make the silver band pop. Use keywords like 'MCM', 'Mad Men', 'Silver Rim', and 'Roly Poly'. If selling a single glass, market it as a 'replacement piece' for someone who broke one in their set.