There are certain names that immediately signal quality, and in American glass, Steuben is one of them. Founded in Corning, New York, in 1903, Steuben became one of America’s most celebrated makers of fine glass. Its famous clear crystal, introduced in the 1930s, contained approximately 30 percent lead—well above the standard required for full lead crystal. That high lead content contributed to Steuben’s exceptional weight, clarity, reflectivity, and brilliance. When light strikes a fine Steuben piece, its high refractive quality can create the play of light and color for which the glass became famous. This remarkable clarity and brilliance became a Steuben hallmark and helped establish the company as one of America’s great luxury glassmakers. Its designs ranged from beautifully simple bowls and vases to intricate engraved works and sculptural pieces created with prominent artists and designers.
That combination of craftsmanship, design, and distinctly American history has made Steuben highly collectible and valuable. Important examples are preserved in museums, while collectors continue to seek Steuben for its exceptional quality, recognizable designs, and remarkable history. Perhaps nothing speaks to Steuben’s prestige quite like its place in American diplomacy. Beginning in 1947, Steuben pieces became a tradition of American diplomatic gift-giving, selected by U.S. presidents as official gifts of state for royalty, heads of state, and other international dignitaries. While recognized as works of art, Steuben crystal has its own bit of Disney magic in the world of princesses. Inside the Cinderella Castle Suite at Walt Disney World is a custom-made Steuben glass slipper, an especially fitting showcase for a company renowned for transforming clear glass into something extraordinary.
For collectors today, Steuben offers that wonderful combination we appreciate so much at Marsh House: beauty, craftsmanship, history, and a story worth telling. A Steuben piece is beautiful on its own, but knowing the history behind the name makes it just a little more magical.