Image 1 of 17
Image 2 of 17
Image 3 of 17
Image 4 of 17
Image 5 of 17
Image 6 of 17
Image 7 of 17
Image 8 of 17
Image 9 of 17
Image 10 of 17
Image 11 of 17
Image 12 of 17
Image 13 of 17
Image 14 of 17
Image 15 of 17
Image 16 of 17
Image 17 of 17
Numbered Bohemian Cobalt & Gilt Enamel Aperitif Tumblers, Service for Six Architectural Vessels
This commanding set of six aperitif tumblers represents an elite tier of Bohemian glass production, bridging the gap between functional stemware and documented decorative art. Executed in deep sapphire cobalt with intricate hand-applied gilt enamel, these vessels are defined by their substantial crystal weight and rhythmic, paneled bases. The presence of unique numerical workshop markings on each base identifies this set as part of a controlled, small-batch production run—a hallmark of prestigious Central European glass houses.
Attribution & Period
Regional Example: Czechoslovakia (Bohemia), circa 1950s The execution of the scrolling foliate motifs and the high-relief "raised" enamel work are stylistically consistent with the premium output of Moser (Karlsbad) or the Ludwig Moser & Söhne tradition. The numerical markings (13, 5, 8, 2) serve as a critical provenance link, signifying specific mold assignments within a master workshop. Unlike standard mid-century exports, the architectural "cold-cut" facets on the lower register reflect a level of precision lapidary work reserved for top-tier commissions of the post-war era.
Dimensions & Weight (Set of 6)
Height: 4 in
Mouth Diameter: 2 ¼ in
Base Diameter: 1 ½ in
Total Weight: 1.53 lbs
Condition
Exceptional Condition. The crystal structures are museum-quality, with no chips, cracks, or internal clouding. Gilt-work remains vivid across the suite; while four vessels show minor handling wear to the lower gilt register, this serves as an authenticating "patina" of original mid-century use, rather than a defect in the enamel bond.
Authenticity & Construction
Each tumbler is a multi-stage production: hand-blown crystal cased in cobalt, followed by precision facet-cutting and hand-fired gold enameling. The numerical base-marks are integral to the glass, confirming an organized, non-mass-market origin.
Placement
This set is an investment-grade acquisition. They are best displayed in a curated gallery setting or a high-contrast modernist bar where the sapphire shadows and 24K gold detailing can be properly illuminated. For the collector, these represent a rare opportunity to acquire a complete, numbered suite in a format that is significantly harder to source than standard pairs.
Collector’s Note: The Significance of Numerical Markings
A defining characteristic of this suite is the presence of unique numerical workshop markings (13, 5, 8, 2) integrated into the base of each vessel. In the prestigious Bohemian furnaces of the mid-20th century, these were not retail model numbers, but rather internal workshop identifiers used to track specific mold assignments and quality control during the multi-stage firing and enameling process.
Standard Attribution & Value Disclosure
Pricing reflects the verified presence of workshop markings, the high-demand cobalt-and-gilt colorway, and current global market positioning for documented Bohemian art glass. This set represents a significant value proposition compared to primary-market gallery listings.
This commanding set of six aperitif tumblers represents an elite tier of Bohemian glass production, bridging the gap between functional stemware and documented decorative art. Executed in deep sapphire cobalt with intricate hand-applied gilt enamel, these vessels are defined by their substantial crystal weight and rhythmic, paneled bases. The presence of unique numerical workshop markings on each base identifies this set as part of a controlled, small-batch production run—a hallmark of prestigious Central European glass houses.
Attribution & Period
Regional Example: Czechoslovakia (Bohemia), circa 1950s The execution of the scrolling foliate motifs and the high-relief "raised" enamel work are stylistically consistent with the premium output of Moser (Karlsbad) or the Ludwig Moser & Söhne tradition. The numerical markings (13, 5, 8, 2) serve as a critical provenance link, signifying specific mold assignments within a master workshop. Unlike standard mid-century exports, the architectural "cold-cut" facets on the lower register reflect a level of precision lapidary work reserved for top-tier commissions of the post-war era.
Dimensions & Weight (Set of 6)
Height: 4 in
Mouth Diameter: 2 ¼ in
Base Diameter: 1 ½ in
Total Weight: 1.53 lbs
Condition
Exceptional Condition. The crystal structures are museum-quality, with no chips, cracks, or internal clouding. Gilt-work remains vivid across the suite; while four vessels show minor handling wear to the lower gilt register, this serves as an authenticating "patina" of original mid-century use, rather than a defect in the enamel bond.
Authenticity & Construction
Each tumbler is a multi-stage production: hand-blown crystal cased in cobalt, followed by precision facet-cutting and hand-fired gold enameling. The numerical base-marks are integral to the glass, confirming an organized, non-mass-market origin.
Placement
This set is an investment-grade acquisition. They are best displayed in a curated gallery setting or a high-contrast modernist bar where the sapphire shadows and 24K gold detailing can be properly illuminated. For the collector, these represent a rare opportunity to acquire a complete, numbered suite in a format that is significantly harder to source than standard pairs.
Collector’s Note: The Significance of Numerical Markings
A defining characteristic of this suite is the presence of unique numerical workshop markings (13, 5, 8, 2) integrated into the base of each vessel. In the prestigious Bohemian furnaces of the mid-20th century, these were not retail model numbers, but rather internal workshop identifiers used to track specific mold assignments and quality control during the multi-stage firing and enameling process.
Standard Attribution & Value Disclosure
Pricing reflects the verified presence of workshop markings, the high-demand cobalt-and-gilt colorway, and current global market positioning for documented Bohemian art glass. This set represents a significant value proposition compared to primary-market gallery listings.
