Skip to main content

Waterford Crystal Barware

Irish

Among glassware aficionados, the name Waterford has earned a place of eminence — both for antique crystal vases, glasses, chandeliers and serveware made by the original Irish company in the 18th and 19th centuries, and for new versions of the firm’s classic patterns produced after its rebirth in the 1940s. With either iteration, Waterford is a byword for traditional elegance. 

Waterford crystal was born of a tax loophole. In 1783, business-minded brothers George and William Penrose founded the Waterford Glass House in southeastern Ireland because Irish glass was exempt from steep British import duties. The two wanted to make fine-quality wares and hired artisans from England, including master glassmaker John Hill. The factory’s flint glass — a precursor to lead crystal — soon won a clientele among British and continental aristocrats. 

One of Hill’s aesthetic innovations was to polish glassware after a pattern was cut, to buff off the resulting frosted surface. The look became a Waterford trademark. Through the fame of its wine goblets, claret jugs and decanters, the firm continued to win honors at the many industrial expositions of the early Victorian era. But over those years, higher and higher luxury excise taxes were placed on fine crystal. Waterford products became prohibitively expensive, and the company closed in 1851.

The brand’s renown was still intact when it was revived in 1947 by a Czech glass manufacturer named Charles Bacik, who moved to Ireland after the Communist takeover of his country. For centuries, the region now called the Czech Republic had been the great glassware center of Middle Europe — the source of crystal to legendary Viennese glass design firms such as Lobmeyr and Bakalowits. So Bacik brought with him the master glassblower and designer Miroslav Havel. 

In Dublin, Havel studied the old Waterford style book archives kept in the National Museum. He used these classic patterns as the basis for new ones such as Lismore, with its crosshatching and flame-like vertical cuts, and Alana, with its heavily textured diamond cuts. Past and present are thus linked at Waterford. 

Introduced in 1991, the Marquis by Waterford range of vases, bowls and other wares were priced for everyday use and were intended for use in modern homes. It was the first new brand debuted by the company in what was then its more than two-century history. 

As you will see on 1stDibs, antique or recently made, Waterford crystal is the essence of refinement.

Find Waterford crystal vases, serveware and other collectibles for sale on 1stDibs.

6
to
6
6
6
6
2
1
6
6
2
1
6
6
1
1
4
3
1
29
217
122
101
96
Creator: Waterford Crystal
Waterford Irish Crystal Meagher Cut Glass Wine Spirit Decanter & Stopper 12"
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Dayton, OH
Waterford Meagher Limited Edition Decanter & Stopper Dimensions: 5.5" x 5.5" x 12"h
Category

Late 20th Century Waterford Crystal Barware

Materials

Crystal

Vintage Waterford Lismore Crystal Ship Decanter
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Seguin, TX
Vintage crystal Waterfor Lismore pattern ships decanter. Excellent condition.
Category

Late 20th Century Irish Belle Époque Waterford Crystal Barware

Materials

Crystal

Vintage Waterford Crystal Millennium 5 Toasts Champagne Wine Ice Bucket 11"
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage heavy Waterford Crystal Millennium champagne / wine / ice bucket. Barware. Ireland. Features all five of the toasting symbols: Happiness, Health, Love, Peace, Prosperity. ...
Category

Late 20th Century Waterford Crystal Barware

Materials

Crystal

Pair of Vintage Cut Crystal Brandy Glasses by Waterford Crystal, c. 1980's
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of cut crystal brandy glasses by Waterford Crystal from the Lismore Series. These glasses feature elegant balloon bowls with short stems ideal for...
Category

1980s Irish Regency Vintage Waterford Crystal Barware

Materials

Crystal

Vintage Waterford Lismore Crystal Wine Glass, Germany, circa 1990s
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Single luxe crystal wine glass from Waterford Crystal. The Lismore Collection is perhaps Waterford's most distinguished design featuring hand blown crystal with the pattern's signature diamond and wedge cuts. First introduced in the early 1950s, the now iconic Lismore pattern drew its inspiration and name from the Lismore Castle in Waterford, Ireland. This is a single wine glass perfect as a replacement or as an addition to your current Waterford set...
Category

1990s German Regency Waterford Crystal Barware

Materials

Crystal

Vintage Waterford Crystal Carafe with Faceted Design, C. 1985
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
1980's Waterford crystal small carafe and decanter. Mouth blown and crafted by hand, the urn shaped carafe has an elongated stem with a bulbous base featuring faceted teardrop...
Category

1980s Irish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Waterford Crystal Barware

Materials

Crystal

Related Items
Barrel Ice Bucket Champagne Wine Cooler in Copper and Iron
Located in Barcelona, ES
Hand forged copper and iron barrel shaped wine cooler, Spain, 1940s Eyecatching barrel copper ice bucket with iron braces and ring handles at both sides. The copper ice container is...
Category

20th Century Spanish Rustic Waterford Crystal Barware

Materials

Wrought Iron, Copper, Iron

Déco Crystal English Carafe with Ice Container
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Elegant unusual crystal carafe with internal container for ice, helpful and beautiful for your corner bar. rif. O/2846 -   
Category

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Waterford Crystal Barware

Materials

Crystal

9 Bottle Polished Aluminum Wine Rack By Michael Noll, Germany 1990s
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
9 Bottle Polished Aluminum Wine Rack By Michael Noll, Germany 1990s
Category

1990s German Modern Waterford Crystal Barware

Materials

Aluminum

Waterford Lismore Crystal Ice Champagne Bucket
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Lismore Crystal Ice Champagne Bucket, Waterford The Waterford Lismore pattern is a stunning combination of brilliance and clarity, characterized by t...
Category

Late 20th Century Northern Irish Waterford Crystal Barware

Materials

Crystal

Set of 8 Waterford Cut Crystal Sherbet and Champagne Glasses
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
8 Sherbert Waterford Cut Crystal Glasses, Ireland 20th Century Set of eight vintage Waterford sherberts, circa mid-20th century. Irish crystal. Deep cuttings. Signed Waterford on ...
Category

Late 20th Century Irish Victorian Waterford Crystal Barware

Materials

Crystal

Champagne Wine Cooler or Ice Bucket Urn Form
Located in New York, NY
A relatively large round metal Champagne wine cooler or ice bucket in an urn form with hammered design, circa 21st century. A great piece for Cham...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Waterford Crystal Barware

Materials

Metal

Vintage Martini Ice Bucket, 1990s
Located in Lisboa, PT
This ice bucket was produced by Diamond Photofoil Ltd, in Kent, United Kingdom, during the 1990's. It was a brand activation piece used in bars and discos to promote Martini. The ice bucket has a lid to close and maintain the temperature of the ice. Inside there is a double container. In original and good vintage condition, with some scratches in the plastic. Established since 1968 Diamond Photofoil Ltd has developed into a leading company in this specialist sector of printing on plastic components.Over the past four decades they have developed their own exclusive range of drinks related brandable products, including ice buckets, waiter trays, drip trays, bottle pourers...
Category

1990s British Other Waterford Crystal Barware

Materials

Plastic

Bohemian Conical Cut Crystal Decanter for Wine, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Decorative lead crystal (24%) decanter with fluted spherical stopper. Technique: hand-blown and cut. Made in Bohemia/Czech Republic during the 1960s. It has a capacity of minimum 0.7...
Category

1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Waterford Crystal Barware

Materials

Crystal

Cut Crystal Wine Glasses with Gilt Edge-Set of Four
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Set of four gilt edged cut crystal wine glasses. They have a nice heft in the hand and reflect light nicely. At 8" in height they make a strong appearance in your hand or on the tabl...
Category

1960s American Classical Vintage Waterford Crystal Barware

Materials

Crystal

Vintage Mid-Century Orrefors Crystal Decanter with Stopper
By Orrefors
Located in Soquel, CA
Elegant Mid-Century Modern vintage crystal decanter with stopper by Orrefors (Swedish, founded 1898), c. 1960's. Engraved signature to base Orrefors HM 2498 - this particular style was by Edvard Hall. Includes original red Orrefors Sweden sticker with logo. "Orrefors HM 2498" etched into base. Measures 11.5" H x 3" W x 3" D. Orrefors Glassworks was founded in 1898 on the same site where ironworks operations had been run since 1726. In the same year that the glassworks was founded, a hot shop was built for making technical, medical and household glass and stemware to make use of waste wood and labour. Glass now replaced the less profitable ironworks operations. In 1913, Consul Johan Ekman from Gothenburg became the new owner of Orrefors Glassworks. He appointed Albert Ahlin as manager of the glassworks and this marked the start of a new era. In 1914, Orrefors started manufacturing crystal products, and as well as cut crystal according to purchased patterns and samples, Orrefors made art glass using the overlay technique with etched decoration. The new management quickly saw that artists were needed in the business, so Simon Gate was employed in 1916 and was joined by Edward Hald a year later. That same year, Gate and Hald made their first tentative attempts at figure engraving. They also experimented with the new innovative graal (grail) glass technique that was developed at Orrefors by the master glassblower Knut Bergqvist. The major successes were achieved a few years later at the Gothenburg Exhibition in 1923, and in particular at the Paris Exhibition in 1925. The thin engraved glass was admired by the surrounding world, and both Orrefors and the artists themselves were awarded the Grand Prix. The successes of Simon Gate and Edward Hald in Paris in 1925 constituted the start of the long Orrefors tradition of creative design closely combined with genuine and innovative craftsmanship. Since then, new designers and skilled glassmakers have continued in the spirit of Gate and Hald. Vicke Lindstrand and Edvin Öhrström with the new glass technique called Ariel in the 1930s. Sven Palmqvist with Kraka and Ravenna in the 1940s. And in the 1950s with Fuga, which, along with Nils Landberg’s slender tulip-shaped glass “Tulpan” and Ingeborg Lundin’s apple-shaped vase “Äpplet”, are now seen as symbols of the renaissance of Swedish design. The 1960s are associated with Gunnar Cyrén’s Pop glass, and in the 1970s, Eva Englund, Olle Alberius, Lars Hellsten and Jan Johansson as well as Cyrén worked at the glassworks. Since the 1980s, designers such as Anne Nilsson, Erika Lagerbielke, Helen Krantz, Matz Borgström, Per B Sundberg, Martti Rytkönen, Lena Bergström, Ingegerd Råman, Malin Lindahl and Efva Attling...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Waterford Crystal Barware

Materials

Crystal

Vintage Brandy Glasses, France, Set 6 Crystal Drinking Glasses
Located in Bastogne, BE
Vintage Lead Crystal Brandy/Cognac Glasses Set 6 produced in France. Circa 1980s. Embossed Crystal brandy glasses used for serving whiskey, b...
Category

1980s French Vintage Waterford Crystal Barware

Materials

Crystal

Vintage Bohemian Crystal Decanter, NOS, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Decorative clear crystal decanter with fluted spherical stopper. Made in Bohemia/Czech Republic during the 1970s. NOS - new old stock and has never been in use. It has a capacity of ...
Category

1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Waterford Crystal Barware

Materials

Crystal

Previously Available Items
Vintage Waterford “Colleen” Claret Wine Glasses (Set of 6)
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Naples, FL
Elevate your wine drinking experience with this set of 6 Waterford “Colleen” Claret wine glasses. Crafted with the finest crystal in Ireland, these ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Northern Irish Waterford Crystal Barware

Materials

Crystal

Waterford Crystal Decanter
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Waterford crystal decanter. Dimensions: 10.5"H x 3.25"Dia. Ask us about our local NYC delivery.
Category

20th Century European Waterford Crystal Barware

Materials

Crystal

Waterford Crystal Decanter
Waterford Crystal Decanter
H 10.5 in Dm 3.25 in
WATERFORD Crystal 10" Sullivan Pitcher
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Charlotte, NC
An Early 21st Century pitcher by Waterford, their "Sullivan" pattern. Clear crystal with a cut diamond-like and wedge design with clear handle. Holds 40 fluid ounces. Etched on botto...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Slovenian Waterford Crystal Barware

Materials

Crystal

WATERFORD Crystal Ireland 6.5" Lismore Irish Coffee Mugs - Pair A
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Charlotte, NC
A pair of Early 21st Century Irish coffee mugs by Waterford, their "Lismore" pattern. Clear crystal with a cut diamond-like design with handle on base. Etched on bottom "Waterford". ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Irish Waterford Crystal Barware

Materials

Crystal

WATERFORD Crystal 5" Heritage Wine Bottle Coaster *New in Open Box*
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Charlotte, NC
An Early 21st Century wine bottle coaster by Waterford, their "Heritage" pattern. New in open box, not previously used. Clear crystal with a cut diamond-like design. Etched on bottom...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Slovenian Waterford Crystal Barware

Materials

Crystal

Waterford Crystal Cut “Colleen” Short Stem Sherry Glasses (4)
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Naples, FL
Excellent condition ~ like new! beautiful clear crystal features oval shapes and crisscross shape; multifaceted stem with plain footed base; etched Waterford on bottom; made in Irela...
Category

Late 20th Century Northern Irish Waterford Crystal Barware

Materials

Crystal

Vintage Waterford Crystal Leaning Decanter with Etched Designs, circa 1980
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Stunning vintage tilted spirits decanter by Waterford Crystal. Handcrafted and mouth-blown lead crystal featuring brilliant prismatic diamond cuts with etched designs throughout. Als...
Category

1980s Irish Regency Vintage Waterford Crystal Barware

Materials

Crystal

10 Vtg Waterford Crystal Colleen Short Stem Water Wine Goblets Glasses
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Dayton, OH
Set of ten Waterford cut crystal short stem water goblets in the Colleen pattern. Measure: 5.25".
Category

Late 20th Century Waterford Crystal Barware

Materials

Crystal

10 Vtg Waterford Crystal Colleen Short Stem Water Wine Goblets Glasses
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Dayton, OH
Set of ten Waterford cut crystal short stem white wine goblets in the Colleen pattern. Measure: 4.75".
Category

Late 20th Century Waterford Crystal Barware

Materials

Crystal

Vintage Waterford Crystal Ships Decanters with Etched Diamond Cuts, c. 1970's
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Stunning vintage ships decanters by Waterford Crystal from the classic Lismore Series, first introduced in the early 1950's. Handcrafted and mou...
Category

1970s Irish Regency Vintage Waterford Crystal Barware

Materials

Crystal

1970s Waterford Crystal Decanter Featuring Faceted Circles and Etched Diamonds
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage waterford crystal decanter with elegant Moorish inspired design, features a stylized genie bottle with pointed stopper. Hand...
Category

1970s Irish Regency Vintage Waterford Crystal Barware

Materials

Crystal

Vintage Waterford Crystal Ships Decanter with Etched Diamond Cuts, c. 1970's
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Stunning vintage ships decanters by Waterford Crystal from the classic Lismore Series, first introduced in the early 1950's. Handcrafted and mout...
Category

1970s Irish Regency Vintage Waterford Crystal Barware

Materials

Crystal

Waterford Crystal barware for sale on 1stDibs.

Waterford Crystal barware are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of stone and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Waterford Crystal barware, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original barware by Waterford Crystal were created in the Regency style in europe during the 21st century and contemporary. Prices for Waterford Crystal barware can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $120 and can go as high as $525, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $243.
Questions About Waterford Crystal Barware
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
    To date Waterford crystal, look for the maker's mark. Since 1950, the brand has placed markings on discreet areas of its pieces. By comparing the mark on your crystal to images shared by trusted online sources, you can get a rough idea of how old your piece is. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer evaluate your piece. On 1stDibs, explore a wide range of Waterford crystal.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024
    Yes, Waterford crystal typically has value. However, how much a particular piece is worth will depend on its type, style, age, condition, rarity and the current demand for similar items. A certified appraiser or experienced dealer can give you an estimate as to how much a particular Waterford piece is worth. Find a variety of Waterford crystal on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024
    Waterford Crystal is more than 225 years old. In 1783, business-minded brothers George and William Penrose founded the Waterford Glass House in southeastern Ireland because Irish glass was exempt from steep British import duties. The two wanted to make fine-quality wares and hired artisans from England, including master glassmaker John Hill. The factory's flint glass, a precursor to lead crystal, soon won a clientele among British and continental aristocrats. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of Waterford Crystal pieces.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
    Whether Waterford Marquis crystal is lead crystal depends on its age. Waterford gradually phased out the use of lead in its crystal wear and completely eliminated the material in 2023. Pieces manufactured before that time may or may not be lead crystal. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Waterford crystal ware.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To tell if something is Waterford crystal, grab a magnifying glass and look for the maker's mark. Prior to 2000, the company acid-stamped all of their pieces with the word "Waterford." Crystal made after that have an acid stamp shaped like a seahorse. Shop a range of expertly vetted Waterford crystal on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To check if your Waterford Crystal is vintage, you can check to see if the sticker or foil is still on the piece. There will be a green seahorse logo for Waterford. Also, check the stem to see if the logo has been etched into the crystal. Find a collection of expertly vetted Waterford Crystal pieces from some of the world’s top reputable sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, some pieces of Waterford crystal are now crafted in The House of Waterford Crystal in Waterford, Ireland. Most Waterford factories, however, are located in Eastern Europe. Shop a range of authentic Waterford crystal from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Recently Viewed

View All