6 min readIf there’s one thing you can count on at the thrift store or antique market, it’s an abundance of cups. From sparkling barware on delicate stems to chunky mugs with a hefty and satisfying hand-feel, countless styles and silhouettes are ripe for the picking (and drinking).
While some are lovely in an everyday sort of way, others have special backstories. Cait Barker, vintage expert and co-founder of Bessette, says, “Vintage cups are one of our favorite things to thrift. They’re affordable entry points into collecting, and they tell beautiful stories through their maker’s marks, designs, and glazes.”
She adds that they’re also incredibly versatile, and can be used for everything from serving drinks and desserts to holding flowers, jewelry, or small trinkets. To help you in your search for the perfect vessels, we asked experts about the cups you should keep an eye out for when perusing secondhand shops.
Waterford Crystal Glasses
Let’s start with Waterford, an icon of crystal glassware. Renowned for its attention to detail, Waterford is rare enough to feel special while still not being impossible to find at the thrift store.
“You just need to know what to look for,” says Erika Vevurka, vintage expert, interior designer, and founder of Dogwood Interiors. “With Waterford, [the maker’s mark] is acid-etched into the glass, although it can be hard to see. I recommend flipping the piece over, turning on the flashlight on your phone, and searching for the Waterford mark.”
Vevurka notes that the “Marquis by Waterford” is the brand’s lower-priced line and not worth as much. Traditional Waterford crystal tends to hold steadier value, especially in classic patterns. On average, the value of high-end Waterford pieces ranges from $25 to around $100 per glass.
Dorothy Thorpe ‘Roly Poly’ Glasses
Mid-century enthusiasts are obsessed with Dorothy Thorpe’s “Roly Poly” glasses, a relic of the atomic era that feels futuristic and retro at once.
“These are round glasses with sterling silver rims that were popular from the 1940s through 1960s,” notes Julie Muniz, vintage curator and home decor expert. “True pieces by Dorothy Thorpe are hard to identify, as most of her pieces are unsigned. She also used common blanks from different manufacturers on top of which she applied a band of silver overlay.”
Muniz says you can usually tell the difference between real and fake by the metal. Imitation pieces used chrome or mercury instead of real silver. Sets of four to six glasses are around $25 to $100.
Depression Glass Cups
Don’t get too down about the name. Depression glass is titled as such because it was manufactured in the United States during the Depression Era (the late 1920s through ‘40s).
“These items were given away as premiums when you purchased something else, like a box of detergent,” says Reyne Hirsch, interior designer and expert in 20th-century decor. “Depression glass was made by an array of companies in numerous colors and patterns. Some of the more desirable patterns and colors are royal lace in cobalt blue and cherry blossom in pink.”
The value ranges from around $30 to around $200 for a set, depending on the pattern, color, and condition.
Vintage English Teacups
Teacups, especially those from English porcelain makers such as Royal Albert, Wedgwood, or Royal Doulton, are classic collectibles. “Often delicate and intricately decorated with florals, gilded rims, or hand-painted motifs, these cups reflect centuries of craftsmanship and tradition,” Barker tells us.
Vevurka adds that this is one of her favorite cup styles to thrift, as well. When shopping, she suggests looking for a backstamp that says “Made in England” or “Bone China,” which indicates higher quality production. It should look like an actual stamp versus the glossy decals we see today on the back of our cups and plates.
Barker says. “Teacups and saucers chip easily, so you should run your finger around both pieces to make sure you don't feel any chips. And of course, as with all vintage painted pieces like teacups, you should check for lead. But if it has lead, you can always use it as a styling piece instead of as drinkware.”
Depending on the brand and style, these are worth anywhere from $20 to $200 on average; some especially rare finds may be worth several hundred dollars or more per set.
Wedgwood Jasperware
Vintage enthusiasts recognize the lovely lavender-blue hue of Wedgwood from two aisles away, and they’ll run over quickly if only to admire the item up close! The brand dates back to the late 18th century England, and is especially known for its matte, pastel-colored ceramics with crisp white relief details.
Barker says, “Cups in soft blue, green, or lilac are particularly prized. They have a Wedgwood mark or an impressed stamp on the bottom, along with a crisp white relief pattern and an even, matte finish.” Wedgwood Jasper cups start around $15 for common colors, with rarer finds soaring up to several hundred dollars.
Edith Heath ‘Heathware’
Heath Ceramics is another one of Muniz’s favorites that she scoops up in a heartbeat. The brand was founded by mid-century studio potter Edith Heath, who created earthy, modern ceramic tableware for the time, including the now covetable "Heathware."
“For some, Edith Heath may not be as familiar a name as Russell Wright or Eva Zeisel. But if you know, you know,” Muniz says. “Her pieces have a strong fan base, particularly on the West Coast, but also throughout the country.”
Though many of her designs are still in production today, the vintage pieces are particularly valuable. Muniz says you can identify them by their glaze, which has a more organic and "less perfect" feel that allows the raw texture of the clay underneath to shine through. Two to four-piece mug sets hover around the $50 to $300 range.
Midcentury Barware
Barware feels like a dime-a-dozen at the thrift store, but look closely, and you might find yourself a valuable treasure with rich history. Vevurka says mid-century barware is one of her favorites to scout.
“Makers such as Culver, Fred Press, and Georges Briard have not only held their value over time, but in some cases have increased,” she says. “Culver, in particular, is a favorite, and most of their glassware is signed. They have unique decorations for every occasion, milestone, and interest. They use 24 karat gold on their glasses, and it's a conversation piece when you're hosting a cocktail party.” On average, barware sets are worth from about $20 to $1000.
Barker adds to keep an eye out for vintage silver mint julep cups, as well. “Few cups feel as timeless, or as Southern, as the classic mint julep cup, famously associated with the Kentucky Derby,” she says. “Traditionally made in sterling silver or silver plate, these cups were designed to frost beautifully when filled with crushed ice and fresh mint.” Some especially rare mint julep cups are worth several thousand, while others hover in the $50 to $100 range.
Carnival Glass
Dubbed the “Poor Man's Tiffany,” carnival glass is an iridescent pressed glass made in the early 1900s. It’s recognized for its shimmering, oil-slick finish and embossed patterns, which allowed for a fancy look without the big sticker. Carnival glass was also given away as a prize at carnivals, Hirsch says, hence its moniker.
She notes that carnival glass was made by several companies, that it comes in many different colors and patterns, and that the value can range between $10 to a few hundred for a single cup.
Especially valuable pieces include early examples by Fenton Art Glass Company and Northwood Glass Company, particularly those in rare colors such as electric blue, ice green, and deep amethyst (all with a strong, even iridescence). Collectors also seek out rarer productions from Millersburg Glass Company, which was known for its striking, high-relief patterns like Peacock or Radium with a metallic sheen.
