Steuben Glass

Steuben Glass Works (1903-2011) Was founded by Frederick C. Carder and Thomas G. Hawkes  in Corning, New York. Corning is in Steuben County and that is how the firm got it's name. 

Although Steuben has produced fantastic cut colored glass items, they are primarily known for their amazing clear glass items. 

Amongst glass collectors, Steuben is ranked right at the top, with some even saying they are the best. Their crystal clear glass is a whopping 40% lead which makes it very "soft" relative to glass makers like Waterford, Lalique, Baccarat, St. Louis, etc. 

Amazingly enough, one can spend as little as $50.00 to acquire a Steuben Hand Cooler. Naturally the bigger and the better pieces go for more. Their Chinese Pagoda will fetch $120,000.00 USD or more at auction. 

The nice thing about Steuben is that even though it is the presentation glass of choice between international heads of state and regular people like you and me can afford to collect it.