Vintage Barware Report: December 2, 2017

Of course, you can’t have a home bar without barware.  I’ve been inspired by the vintage cocktail glasses, shakers and mixing glasses that I’ve seen on Instagram over the last year. (I’m an admirer in particular of the collections of @liquorary (D.C.-based!), @sashadallasgirl, and @thirstycamelcocktails.) And I’ve decided to start expanding my own collection.  To help you do the same, I’ll be sharing my wisdom as I build and opportunities as I find them through occasional “Vintage Barware Reports” here on the blog.

As I’m just starting out, I looked for tips from some trusted sources on how to look for good vintage products.  This list of eight tips from Christine Tusher on Houzz is great. It includes names of reputable vintage brands to help guide your search. And of interest to my D.C.-area readers, it recommends The Hour in Alexandria, Virginia as a great source for vintage barware.  Tales of the Cocktail has a helpful guide, including references to a couple of vendors.  It’s oriented more toward bar owners but contains helpful information for the home collector as well.

I also just dived in on eBay to see what’s out there and came up with a few gems. (Note: if you are looking for other cocktail-themed gifts, check out my recent post offering five ideas for the Winter 2017 holiday season.) 

Check out this art deco etched-glass mixing glass, a beautiful green glass with a built-in strainer (no brand information provided):

Here is a set of six mid-century Hollywood Regency style highball glasses made by Cera:

And finally, I like this set of six highball cocktail glasses with a caddy (no vintage or brand provided):

Happy hunting!