Rating and value of Daum crystal works, Nancy school

If you own a piece of Daum crystal or one made after it, and would like to know its value, our state-approved experts and auctioneers can offer you their expert appraisal services. Our specialists will carry out a free appraisal of your work, and provide you with a precise estimate of its current market value. Then, if you wish to sell your work, we will guide you towards the best possible arrangement to obtain the optimum price.

Rating and value of Daum crystal works  

Daum is a French glassmaker well known to crystal enthusiasts. If you own one, it may be worth more than you think. On the art market, Daum crystal can fetch very high prices under the auctioneer's hammer.

Their animal-themed crystal works are particularly sought-after, and the price at which they sell on the art market ranges from €50 to €80,800, a fairly substantial range, but one that says a lot about the value that can be attributed to Daum crystals.

In 2022, François-Xavier Lalanne's 1978 crystal and gilded bronze sculpture Oiseau de Daum sold for €38,000, whereas it was estimated at €10,000 to €15,000, more than twice the high estimate.

Order of value from a simple work to the most prestigious

Style and technique of Daum glassmaking

Daum is part of the Art Deco movement. Jean Daum opens and runs the Daum glassworks near Nancy after the war against Prussia, following in the footsteps of Émile Gallé. His ambition was to continue producing glassware in his artistic vein.

The history of the Daum glassworks

French glassmaker Jean Daum (1825-1885) gave his name to the world-renowned Daum company.

A notary by profession in the north of France, after the war against Prussia he moved to Nancy and opened a glassworks there in 1878. The business soon became a family affair, with his son working alongside him from the outset. Auguste Daum took over management of the glassworks on his father's death, and was joined by his brother Antonin. Closer to the artistic side of the business, Antonin Daum signed a number of works, and is more frequently found on the auction market as head of Daum's artistic department.

Antonin Daum produced his first works using acid decoration. He also used multi-layered glass and wheel engraving.

He recruits Jacques Grüber, in charge of creating the works, the first artist employed by the glassworks. They take part in the Chicago World's Fair in 1893.

The factory then exhibited throughout France, receiving several awards for its work. At the 1900 Universal Exhibition, both Daum and Gallé glassworks receive awards for their work, marking the beginning of international recognition.

Henri Bergé, Émile Writz and Almaric Walter joined the factory in quick succession, contributing to its artistic development. The Schneider brothers also made their debut here.

The success of Daum crystal works  

In the early days of the factory, works signed Daum were not made of crystal but of glass paste. The chemical composition was different: crystal contained lead. Works in crystal therefore offer greater transparency. Crystal is heavier than glass. The composition of crystal has been regulated in France since 1971: it must contain at least 24% lead oxide and have a certain refractive index. The main component remains the same between glass and crystal, namely silicon oxide, but the atomic composition differs, which is why the same cutting techniques are not used.

In the aftermath of the Second World War, glassmaking raw materials were in short supply, so the company turned to the use of crystal. Henri and Michel Daum, grandsons of Jean Daum, took charge of the company.

The use of crystal enabled the Manufacture to move into new areas of production, namely flutes, various glassware sets and animal sculptures. Today, the company is showcasing its chess sets in transparent or colored crystal. Antoine Froissart, great-grandson of Jean Daum, develops a formula for the most transparent crystal possible.

From 1968 onwards, Jacques Daum turned to contemporary artists such as Salvador Dali and César. It was at this time that Daum developed the crystal paste, composed of groisil, that enabled the company to overcome its financial difficulties. 

Recognizing the signature on a Daum product

Not all Daum crystal objects are signed. What's more, as several artists have worked and sometimes collaborated for the manufactory, the object may be signed with another name even though it was produced by the Daum glassworks. That's why it's important to have your pieces appraised.

Knowing the value of a work

If you happen to own a piece of Daum crystal or one made in the Daum style, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal using the form on our website. A member of our team of experts and certified auctioneers will contact you promptly to provide you with an estimate of the market value of your piece, as well as any relevant information about it. If you're thinking of selling your work, our specialists will also be on hand to offer you alternatives for selling it at the best possible price, taking into account market trends.