Thrift store find could be a $5,000 treasure: the celery vase revival
Forget chipped teacups and dusty portraits – a certain antique glass vessel is quietly commanding attention in thrift stores and auction houses. The celery vase, once a symbol of Victorian-era affluence, is experiencing a surprising resurgence, and savvy shoppers are uncovering pieces worth far more than their bargain-bin price tags.
A brief history of a humble vegetable's display
These tall, often elaborately etched crystal vases, dating from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s, weren’t initially intended for floral arrangements. Their original purpose? To showcase the decidedly unglamorous vegetable: celery. Back then, cultivating celery was a laborious and expensive endeavor. Displaying a vibrant bunch in a beautiful glass vase became a potent status symbol amongst England’s upper classes. As interior designer Emily Hodge explains, the defining characteristics are “the footed or pedestal bases, crystal etched design, and scalloped edging – elegant articles that exuded luxury.”
Anna Lisa Dobbs, an interior designer and antique collector, adds, “What makes these vases particularly special is that they were often centerpieces, literally filled with celery and proudly displayed during the salad course. They were even considered luxurious wedding gifts, sometimes personalized with engraved initials.” But the vegetable's rise to commonality, alongside the mass production of pressed glass, led to a rapid decline in the vase’s perceived value.
How much is your celery vase really worth?
The current revival is fueled by multiple factors: the ongoing thrifting craze, the return of dinner parties, a maximalist aesthetic, and a general appreciation for conversation-starting antiques. But more importantly, some of these pieces are legitimately valuable. While most celery vases can be found for between $25 and $50, exceptional examples can fetch significantly more. Nora Curl, appraisals specialist at JustAnswer, notes that “early 19th-century engraved flint glass pieces can command prices between $2,000 and $5,000 at auction.”
Consider this: a rare, engraved vase from the 1840 presidential campaign of William Henry Harrison — featuring a log cabin and American flag design— recently sold for a staggering $10,158. Keep an eye out for pieces from renowned glassmakers like Benjamin Bakewell & Co., Adams and Company, or the Boston & Sandwich Glass Company—these names are particularly sought after by collectors.
Beyond celery: styling your antique find
Today’s homeowners are reimagining the celery vase’s purpose. Dobbs suggests, “The beautiful thing about antiques is how we can rethink their purpose. This vase was once used to highlight a luxury crop, so what is luxury to us now?” Beyond the obvious floral arrangement, consider using it as a hurricane votive for candles, an elegant home bar ice bucket, or even a charming candy container. “There’s no shame in finding a beautiful piece and letting it stand proudly on your china cabinet,” Hodge concludes.
The celery vase’s journey – from a symbol of Victorian opulence to a thrift store treasure and now a stylish accent piece – speaks volumes about evolving tastes and the enduring allure of the past. The next time you’re sifting through the aisles of your local thrift shop, don't dismiss that dusty, tall glass vessel. It might just be your next prized possession.