Thrift store treasure: is your celery vase worth $5,000?
Forget chipped teacups and dusty doilies. A surprising antique is quietly commanding attention in thrift stores across the country: the celery vase. These elegant, often overlooked vessels, once a symbol of Victorian-era status, are experiencing a resurgence, and some are worth a shocking amount of money.
A brief history of stalks and style
The celery vase, typically a tall, cut-crystal (or ceramic) piece with a pedestal base and intricate patterns, enjoyed its heyday from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s. But why celery? It wasn't always a common sight on dinner tables. During the 19th century, cultivating celery was a laborious and costly endeavor. Displaying a vase full of the crisp vegetable became a potent sign of wealth and refinement – a way for the affluent to subtly flaunt their prosperity.
“What distinguishes these vases,” explains interior designer and antique collector Anna Lisa Dobbs, “are the footed bases, the meticulously etched crystal, and the scalloped edging. They represent a level of luxury rarely seen today.” These weren’t simply vases; they were centerpieces, often presented as extravagant wedding gifts—sometimes even inscribed with the couple’s names.
The celery’s climb down from status symbol began around the turn of the 20th century. As farming techniques improved and celery became more readily available, the practice of displaying it as a status symbol faded. Simultaneously, the rise of mass-produced pressed glass further diminished the celery vase’s exclusivity.
The resurgence: thrifting, maximalism, and dinner parties
But now, a confluence of trends is bringing these delicate antiques back into the spotlight. A renewed interest in thrifting, a revival of classic entertaining (dinner parties are unequivocally back!), the maximalist aesthetic, and a general appreciation for conversation-starting antiques are all fueling the demand.
How much is yours really worth?
The value of a celery vase is a surprisingly complex equation. While many can be found for a reasonable $25 to $50, exceptional examples can fetch significantly higher prices. Nora Curl, an appraisals and estate sale specialist, notes that “early 19th-century engraved flint glass pieces are the real standouts.” She cites an auction sale in 2021 where a pair of vases, commissioned for William Henry Harrison’s 1840 presidential campaign and featuring a log cabin and American flag motif, sold for a staggering $10,158—far exceeding the $5,000 to $8,000 estimate.
Key makers to look out for include: Benjamin Bakewell & Co., Adams and Company, Bakewell Page & Bakewell, Challinor Taylor & Co., Richards and Hartley Flint Glass Co., Bakewell, Pears and Company, The New England Glass Company, and Boston & Sandwich Glass Company. Provenance – the vase's history and ownership – can significantly impact its value.
Beyond celery: styling your antique treasure
While the traditional use was to showcase celery, modern decorators are finding creative ways to incorporate these vases into contemporary spaces. “The beauty of antiques,” Dobbs emphasizes, “is how we can reimagine their purpose.” From stunning floral arrangements to hurricane votives that cast dancing shadows through the etched glass, the possibilities are endless. One could even transform a celery vase into a charming candy container or display it proudly as part of a curated collection.
The quiet elegance of a celery vase speaks to a time of refined taste and understated luxury. And with a little searching, that elegance—and a potentially substantial return—could be waiting for you at your local thrift store. The question isn’t whether you should buy one, but whether you'll be lucky enough to find one.