If there’s one thing you can rely on at an antique market, it’s an abundance of cups. From sparkling barware balanced on delicate stems to chunky mugs with a satisfyingly weighty hand-feel, there are countless styles and silhouettes ripe for the picking (and drinking). But among the everyday finds are pieces that can hold — and even grow — in value over time.
Some are lovely in an everyday sort of way; others come with rich backstories. Cait Barker, vintage expert and co-founder of Bessette, says, 'Vintage cups are one of our favourite 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 endlessly versatile, too, serving everything from drinks and desserts to flowers, jewellery and small trinkets. To guide your search, we asked experts which cups are most worth seeking out when browsing secondhand shops.
1. 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 an antique market.
'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.'
Erika 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.
2. 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.'
Julie says you can usually tell the difference between real and fake by the metal. Imitation pieces used chrome or mercury instead of real silver.
3. 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 colours and patterns. Some of the more desirable patterns and colours are royal lace in cobalt blue and cherry blossom in pink.'
4. Vintage English Teacups
Teacups, especially those from 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,' Cait tells us.
Erika adds that this is one of her favourite 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.
Cait 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.'
5. Wedgwood Jasperware
From Jasper cups to rarer finds, vintage enthusiasts recognise 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, and is especially known for its matt, pastel-coloured ceramics with crisp white relief details.
Cait 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, matt finish.'
6. Edith Heath ‘Heathware’
Heath Ceramics is another one of Julie’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,' Julie says.
Though many of her designs are still in production today, the vintage pieces are particularly valuable. Julie 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.
7. Midcentury Barware
Barware feels like a dime-a-dozen at the thrift market, but look closely, and you might find yourself a valuable treasure with rich history. Erika says mid-century barware is one of her favourites 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 favourite, 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.'
8. Carnival Glass
Dubbed the 'Poor Man's Tiffany,' carnival glass is an iridescent pressed glass made in the early 1900s. It’s recognised 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, Reyne says, hence its moniker.
She notes that carnival glass was made by several companies, and that it comes in many different colours and patterns.
Especially valuable pieces include early examples by Fenton Art Glass Company and Northwood Glass Company, particularly those in rare colours 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.
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