Valuation, quotation of works, pâte de verre sculptures, Daum vase

If you own a piece of pâte de verre by or after Daum, and would like to know its value, our state-approved experts and auctioneers can offer you their 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'll guide you towards the best possible arrangement to obtain the optimum price.

Rating and value of Daum pâte de verre pieces

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

His pâte de verre works are particularly sought-after, and the price at which they sell on the art market ranges from €60 to €800,800, a fairly substantial range, but one that speaks volumes about the value that can be attributed to Daum pâte de verre.

In 2019, an Art Deco glass paste vase sold for €12,000, while it was estimated at €2,000-3,000 by Sotheby's.

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 northern France, he moved to Nancy after the war against Prussia 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 successively joined the factory at short intervals, contributing to its artistic development.

Glass paste, an innovation at the Daum glassworks

Glass paste has been reinvented by Daum, with Almaric Walter as the initiator. The technique has existed since the time of the Egyptians, around 500,000 BC.

Glassmaking is the latest technique: lost-wax casting. This allows extremely precise mass production and results identical to the original model, which is impossible with blown crystal.

The glass paste consists of crystal and lead. The first model is made in terracotta, which is covered with an elastomer mold. The wax is then covered with plaster, which forms a negative mold. A 20-day firing in an oven is necessary to bring out the groisil from the plaster. This process creates around 200 identical vases of the same quality.

Recognizing the signature on a Daum product

Not all Daum glassware is signed. What's more, as several artists have worked and sometimes collaborated for the factory, the vase 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 Daum work, or one based on the artist's work, 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 work, 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.