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Daum Boxes

For collectors, Daum is a name in the first rank of the French makers of art glass, along with those of Émile Gallé and René Lalique. Led in its early decades by the brothers Auguste (1853–1909) and Antonin Daum (1864–1931), the company, based in the city of Nancy, established its reputation in the Art Nouveau period, and later successfully adopted the Art Deco style.

In 1878, lawyer Jean Daum took over the ownership of a glassworks as payment for a debt and installed his sons as proprietors. Initially, Daum made glass for everyday purposes such as windows, watches and tableware, but the success that Gallé enjoyed at the 1889 Universal Exposition in Paris — the international showcase for which the Eiffel Tower was built — inspired the Daum brothers to begin making art-glass pieces. They produced popular works of cameo glass, a decorative technique in which an outer layer of glass is acid-etched or carved off to reveal the layer below, but Daum became best known for vessels and sculptures in pâte de verre — a painstaking method in which finely ground colored glass is mixed with a binder, placed in a mold and then fired in a kiln. 

Though early Daum glass was never signed by individual artists, the firm employed some of the masters of the naturalistic, asymmetrical Art Nouveau style, including Jacques Grüber, Henri Bergé and Amalric Walter (whose first name is frequently misspelled). Daum also collaborated with furniture and metalware designer Louis Majorelle, who created wrought-iron and brass mounts for vases and table lamps. In the 1960s, Daum commissioned fine artists, most notably Salvador Dalí and sculptor César Baldaccini, to design glass pieces. As you see from the works offered on 1stDibs, Daum has been home to an astonishingly rich roster of creative spirits and is today a state-owned enterprise making pâte de verre figurines. 

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Creator: Daum
Daum Nancy enameled glass Swan box and silver cover
By Daum
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Investing in this Daum Nancy enameled glass Swan box with a silver cover is an opportunity to acquire a masterpiece that seamlessly combines artistry with functionality. Daum Nancy, ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Daum Boxes

Materials

Silver

Silver-Mounted Glass Casket by Daum Nancy
By Daum
Located in New Orleans, LA
This enchanting green glass and silver casket from renowned French art glass company Daum evokes the verdant lushness of a summer garden. Finely detailed silver clovers and vines enc...
Category

20th Century French Daum Boxes

Materials

Silver

Daum Nancy Enameled Glass Box, circa 1910
By Daum
Located in New York, NY
Daum Nancy enameled glass box, circa 1910 inscribed in gilt, "Daum Nancy" with the Croix de Lorraine.
Category

Early 20th Century French Daum Boxes

Materials

Art Glass

Daum Nancy Enameled Glass Covered Box, circa 1900
By Daum
Located in New York, NY
Daum Nancy enameled glass covered box, circa 1900.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Daum Boxes

Materials

Art Glass

Related Items
Daum Nancy Enamelled Cameo Glass Vase
By Daum
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Daum Nancy enameled cameo glass vase, France, circa 1910 decorated with red flowers on a mottled yellow ground. signed in gilt Daum Nancy with ...
Category

1910s Vintage Daum Boxes

Materials

Glass

Daum Nancy enamel glass
By Daum
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Daum Nancy enamel glass Art deco style (flowers) Origin France Circa 1920 Acid carving and enamelling technique Excellent condition Orange predominates Si...
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1920s French Art Deco Vintage Daum Boxes

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Art Glass

Daum Nancy enamel glass
Daum Nancy enamel glass
H 7.09 in W 7.88 in D 6.3 in
Daum Nancy Vase
By Daum
Located in Pompano Beach, FL
Cameo glass vase, monumental landscape, signed Daum Nancy with the Croix de Lorraine.
Category

Early 20th Century French Daum Boxes

Daum Nancy Vase
Daum Nancy Vase
H 19.5 in W 7 in D 7 in
Fine Daum Nancy Acid Etched, Cameo and Enamel Glass Vase, France, circa 1910
By Daum
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Fine Daum Nancy Acid Etched, Cameo and Enamel glass vase, France, circa 1910 decorated with large yellow flowers blossoms emanating from dark ...
Category

1910s Vintage Daum Boxes

Materials

Art Glass

Daum Nancy Cameo Glass Vase
By Daum
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Daum Nancy Cameo glass vase, France, circa 1910 decorated with white flowers and green leaves on a orange and pink ground cameo mark Daum Nan...
Category

1910s Vintage Daum Boxes

Materials

Glass

Daum Nancy Cameo Glass Vase
Daum Nancy Cameo Glass Vase
H 2.36 in Dm 5.31 in
Fine Daum Nancy Gilt And Enameled Silver Pedestaled Glass Vase
By Daum
Located in Dallas, TX
Fine Daum Partial Gilt, Enameled and Acid-Etched Glass “Au Gui L'an Neuf” Bowl with Silver Mount, circa 1895. Art Nouveau Vase Parlant. Marks: Daum, (Cross of Lorraine), Nancy Heig...
Category

1890s French Art Nouveau Antique Daum Boxes

Materials

Silver

Daum Nancy Enamelled and Internally Decorated Glass Vase, France circa 1900-1910
By Daum
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Daum Nancy enameled and internally decorated glass vase, France, circa 1900-1910 decorated with trees on an opalescent ground. signed with painted mark Daum Nancy with Lorraine cro...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Daum Boxes

Materials

Art Glass

Labeled Lalique Crystal Swans Covered Box
By Lalique
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine, labeled covered glass box. By Lalique. In the swans pattern in frosted and polished glass. Simply a wonderful box by Lalique! Date: Late 20th Century Overall Condition:...
Category

Late 20th Century French Art Deco Daum Boxes

Materials

Crystal

Chinese Canton Enamel Round Stacking Boxes and Cover, circa 1900, China
Located in Austin, TX
An absolutely lovely Chinese export pink Canton enamel round stacking box and cover, late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China. The circular stacking box consists of a bowl form base, ...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Qing Antique Daum Boxes

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Baccarat Charles X Glass Casket / Box Antique Bronze Mounted
Located in London, GB
Executed using heavy Baccarat cut crystal glass with a starburst design on the top A early superb French glass Casket This fine box is decorated...
Category

1830s French Charles X Antique Daum Boxes

Materials

Glass

Antique Ormolu & Agate Mounted Casket by Asprey, 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a superb antique gilt bronze and agate mounted casket by Asprey, Circa 1870 in date. The casket features a rectangular outline with domed lid which opens to reveal two clear glass scent bottles. It is stamped Charles Asprey, 166 Bond Street, Provenance: Lady Elizabeth Prinfle Lady in waiting to Queen Victoria, lived at Bonchurch, Isle of Wight It is a lovely piece which will make an unforgettable gift. Condition: In excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation. Dimensions in cm: height 10.5 x width 12.5 x depth 7.5 Dimensions in inches: height 4 inches x width 5 inches x depth 3 inches Asprey was established in England in 1781 and founded as a silk printing business by William Asprey, it soon became a luxury emporium. In 1841, William Asprey's elder son Charles went into partnership with a stationer located on London's Bond Street. In 1847 the family broke with this partner and moved into 167 New Bond Street, the premises Asprey occupies today. From its central London location Asprey advertised 'articles of exclusive design and high quality, whether for personal adornment or personal accompaniment and to endow with richness and beauty the table and homes of people of refinement and discernment.' An early speciality was dressing cases. Asprey crafted traditional cases and designs, mostly in leather, suitable for the new style of travel ushered in by railways. The main competitors at the time were H.J. Cave & Sons. Asprey was recognised for its expertise when it won a gold medal for its dressing cases at the International Exhibition of 1862 but lost out to its rivals, H.J. Cave & Sons in 1867. The company consolidated its position through acquisitions. In 1859 Asprey absorbed Edwards, an award winning maker of dressing cases and holder of a Royal Warrant. The company also purchased the Alfred Club at 22 Albemarle Street, which backed on to the New Bond Street store and meant that Asprey now had entrances on two of London's most fashionable streets. In 1862, Asprey was granted a Royal Warrant by Queen Victoria. The Prince of Wales, later to be crowned Edward VII, granted another Royal Warrant. In 1953, for the coronation of Elizabeth II, Asprey paid homage with the Asprey Coronation Year Gold Collection, which featured a dessert, coffee and liqueur service in 18-carat gold and weighed almost 27 pounds. In April 1953, it went on show in the New Bond Street store and subsequently toured the United States. As the business grew, the company acquired manufacturing facilities and hired silversmiths, goldsmiths, jewellers and watchmakers including Ernest Betjeman, the father of the distinguished poet John Betjeman, one of the most highly regarded craftsman and designers of his day. In the twenties, commissions poured in from around the world, from American millionaire J. Pierpont Morgan to potentates such as the Maharaja of Patiala, who commissioned a huge teak travelling trunk for each of his wives in which each trunk was fitted with solid silver washing and bathing utensils with waterspouts of ornate tiger head and lined with blue velvet. Asprey cigarette cases became collectable amongst young sophisticates who delighted in its other modern products, including travel clocks, safety razors and automatic pencil sharpeners. Asprey Jewellery Asprey has a tradition of producing jewellery inspired by the blooms found in English gardens. Over the decades jewelled interpretations of flowers have evolved to include the Crown Daisy, Rose, Calla Lily and Lily Pad collections. The master diamond cutter Gabi Tolkowsky created the Asprey cut. The cushion cut gave Tolkowsky options for incorporating the Asprey "A" inscription around the edges of the stone. The result was the 61-facet Asprey cut, maximising light refraction to brilliant effect. The shape of the Asprey cut means that the cutting process can be done only by hand, unlike many other stones that involve machine cutting. Asprey Leather - the women's collection of clutches and handbags, such as those featured in the 1781 collection, come from crocodile, python and ostrich. The men's collection includes wallets, cardholders and travel watch cases crafted from lido, calf or alligator. Other items include the briefcases and backgammon boards. Asprey Silver - offers classic and whimsical contemporary silver pieces – such as the saltcellar fashioned to look like a cement mixer...
Category

1870s English Antique Daum Boxes

Materials

Agate, Ormolu

Galle Cameo Glass Box and Cover, c1922
By Gallé
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Galle Cameo Glass Box and Cover, c1922 Additional Information: Heading : A Galle Cameo glass box and cover Date : 1920-1924 Origin : Nancy, France Bowl Features : Puce leaves and b...
Category

20th Century French Art Nouveau Daum Boxes

Materials

Glass

Previously Available Items
Crystal Cactus Jewelry or Pin Tray by Hilton McConnico for Daum, France, 1980s
By Daum, Hilton McConnico
Located in Lille, FR
Cactus Pin Tray by Hilton McConnico for Daum. Signed Daum and HMC. Boxed.
Category

1980s French Modern Vintage Daum Boxes

Materials

Crystal

Hilton McConnico for Daum, 'Mexican Nights' Box and Perfume Bottle, France 1970s
By Hilton McConnico, Daum
Located in PARIS, FR
Superb 'Mexican Nights' box and perfume bottle designed by Hilton McConnico for Daum. In very good condition. Signed. Dimensions in cm ( H x D ) : - Box : 20 x 15.8 - Bottle : 26....
Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Daum Boxes

Materials

Crystal

Crystal Flower Cactus Tray by Hilton McConnico for Daum, France, 1980s
By Daum, Hilton McConnico
Located in Lille, FR
Cactus Flower by Hilton McConnico for Daum. Signed Daum.
Category

1980s French Modern Vintage Daum Boxes

Materials

Crystal

Daum Nancy box Art Deco signed Daum Nancy with cross Lorreine Acid cut
By Daum
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Daum Nancy box ( Art Deco ) signed Daum Nancy. with cross Lorreine - Acid cut and portially gilded - Circa 1930 measures 23 cm x 12 cm. Glassware mark...
Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Daum Boxes

Materials

Art Glass

Daum Art Nouveau Covered Box
By Daum
Located in New York, NY
A French Art Nouveau cameo glass covered box with carved and enamel decoration by Daum. The box features clover flowers with pink blossoms, green leaves and golden, serpentine stems. The vegetal clover flower motif is reiterated in enamel on the boxes delicate golden rim. Japonisme, a predominant fin-de-siècle trend, encouraged French artists to examine nature in new ways. Here, the precise representation of the clover flowers and leaves emulates botanical sketches...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Daum Boxes

Daum Cameo Glass Covered Box
By Daum
Located in New York, NY
A French Art Nouveau cameo glass covered box by Daum, featuring a carved multi-hued autumnal decoration. Signed, "Daum Nancy" with the Croix de Lorraine. ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Daum Boxes

Daum boxes for sale on 1stDibs.

Daum boxes are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of glass and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Daum boxes, although silver editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original boxes by Daum were created in the mid-century modern style in france during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider boxes by Edouard-Marcel Sandoz, René Lalique, and Cartier. Prices for Daum boxes can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $4,283 and can go as high as $14,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $12,000.
Questions About Daum Boxes
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 15, 2024
    Yes, Daum crystal is typically marked. The French maker usually adds the word "Daum Nancy" and its logo, a double cross called the Cross of Lorraine, to its pieces. You can locate the mark in a discreet area, such as on the bottom of stemware and decorative objects. Find a selection of Daum Nancy crystal wares on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Yes, Daum glass is normally signed. The location of the company's mark varies, but it usually says "Daum Nancy" above, below or beside the cross of Lorraine, a cross with two crossbars. Find a variety of Daum glass on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    How Daum glass is made involves a process unique to the manufacturer, called pâte de verre. It involves filling a refractory mold with finely crushed glass and then baking the piece in a kiln. Shop a collection of Daum glassware on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, all Daum vases are signed. Authentic Daum glass work will have the signature “Daum Nancy” and incorporate the cross of Lorraine. Looking for a signature is one of the best ways to ensure authenticity. Browse a range of authentic Daum vases and other glassware on 1stDibs.

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