How to Identify Vintage Glassware: Viking, Fostoria & Orrefors Guide
Let’s be honest — vintage glassware can be confusing.
You pick up a beautiful amber compote or a cranberry etched bowl and think, “Is this something special… or just old?” The good news? Once you learn a few key things, identifying vintage glass gets a lot easier.
Let’s start with one of my favorites: Viking Glass.
If you’ve ever seen thick, sculptural glass in bold colors — especially amber — you were probably looking at Viking. They were known for dramatic mid-century designs from the 1950s through the 1970s. Think epic six-petal compotes, swung vases, heavy bases, and rich color saturation.
One thing to know: Viking often used foil labels instead of etched signatures. So if the sticker is gone (and it usually is), you’re identifying by design and weight. Viking glass feels substantial. It’s confident. It’s not delicate.
Now let’s talk about Fostoria Glass.
Fostoria tends to feel more traditional and refined. If you’re holding cranberry etched glass or elegant pressed glass patterns, there’s a good chance it could be Fostoria. The etching is usually delicate and precise, and the glass may feel slightly lighter than Viking’s heavier forms.
Fostoria produced glassware from the late 1800s through the 1980s, so condition and pattern identification are key. Chips along rims or footed bases matter more with etched pieces.
Then there’s Orrefors — the Scandinavian standout.
Orrefors is Swedish art glass, and it’s typically signed on the base. If you see an acid-etched mark or hand-signed script underneath, that’s a strong clue. The glass will be crystal-clear, often heavier than it looks, with controlled, elegant shapes. Scandinavian glass design leans clean and minimal — very different from bold American mid-century pieces.
So how do you identify vintage glassware in general?
Let’s be honest — vintage glassware can be confusing.
You pick up a beautiful amber compote or a cranberry etched bowl and think, “Is this something special… or just old?” The good news? Once you learn a few key things, identifying vintage glass gets a lot easier.
Let’s start with one of my favorites: Viking Glass.
If you’ve ever seen thick, sculptural glass in bold colors — especially amber — you were probably looking at Viking. They were known for dramatic mid-century designs from the 1950s through the 1970s. Think epic six-petal compotes, swung vases, heavy bases, and rich color saturation.
One thing to know: Viking often used foil labels instead of etched signatures. So if the sticker is gone (and it usually is), you’re identifying by design and weight. Viking glass feels substantial. It’s confident. It’s not delicate.
Now let’s talk about Fostoria Glass.
Fostoria tends to feel more traditional and refined. If you’re holding cranberry etched glass or elegant pressed glass patterns, there’s a good chance it could be Fostoria. The etching is usually delicate and precise, and the glass may feel slightly lighter than Viking’s heavier forms.
Fostoria produced glassware from the late 1800s through the 1980s, so condition and pattern identification are key. Chips along rims or footed bases matter more with etched pieces.
Then there’s Orrefors — the Scandinavian standout.
Orrefors is Swedish art glass, and it’s typically signed on the base. If you see an acid-etched mark or hand-signed script underneath, that’s a strong clue. The glass will be crystal-clear, often heavier than it looks, with controlled, elegant shapes. Scandinavian glass design leans clean and minimal — very different from bold American mid-century pieces.
So how do you identify vintage glassware in general?
Here are a few quick checks:
• Look at the base — is there a signature or etched mark?
• Check for mold seams (pressed glass will have them)
• Examine clarity — high-quality art glass should be optically clean
• Feel the weight — heavier doesn’t always mean better, but it can be a clue
• Inspect condition carefully — chips, especially on rims, affect value
And here’s something important: not all old glass is collectible. But well-made vintage glass from recognized makers like Viking, Fostoria, and Orrefors continues to hold strong appeal with collectors and decorators.
The best part? Vintage glass works in so many settings. Mid-century modern. Cottage. Traditional. Eclectic. A single amber compote can completely change a shelf.
Once you start recognizing patterns and makers, you’ll begin spotting quality immediately. And trust me — after that, you’ll never walk past a glass shelf the same way again.
vintage glassware identification, Viking glass amber, Fostoria cranberry etched glass, Orrefors Swedish art glass, mid-century glass collectibles, Scandinavian crystal, pressed glass patterns, collectible art glass