What is the estimated value of this Art Deco glass pin dish?

This Art Deco 'Small Meditation' Alexandrite glass pin dish by Heinrich Hoffmann has an estimated market value between £80 and £150. This valuation is based on recent comparable sales of similar Hoffmann pieces. The precise value within this range depends significantly on whether physical inspection confirms it as a pre-war 1930s original or a post-war reissue, which cannot be determined from photographs alone.

What era/period is this Art Deco glass pin dish from?

This glass pin dish is from the Art Deco era, specifically circa 1930. It is a classic example of Bohemian Art Deco design, attributed to the renowned designer Heinrich Hoffmann. The design, material (Alexandrite glass), and the presence of Hoffmann's butterfly mark are all consistent with this period, representing a significant artistic movement in decorative arts.

What condition is this item in, and how does it impact its value?

The item is in good, age-appropriate condition. The glass is bright, and the molded details are well-defined. There is one small chip (1-2mm) or rough area on a corner of the base. This minor defect prevents it from being classified as 'excellent' and may slightly reduce its value by 5-10% compared to a flawless example, as discerning collectors prefer pristine pieces.

Where should I sell this Heinrich Hoffmann glass pin dish?

For this item, valued between £80 and £150, selling within the local UK market is recommended. Consider contacting specialist dealers like Mark J West Antique Glass for a direct purchase, or list it on online marketplaces such as Catawiki or Etsy. These platforms offer lower fees and reach a targeted audience of collectors, providing better net proceeds than traditional auction houses for items of this value.

What is Alexandrite glass, and why is it significant for this piece?

Alexandrite glass is a type of neodymium glass known for its dichroic properties, meaning it changes color under different light sources. This specific dish appears violet-purple in natural light and shifts to a blue or reddish hue under artificial light. Its use was popular for high-quality decorative glass during the Art Deco era, making it a desirable feature that significantly influences the piece's value and collector appeal.

How can I confirm if my Hoffmann pin dish is a pre-war original?

Confirming if your Hoffmann pin dish is a pre-war 1930s original versus a post-war reissue requires physical inspection. Both versions bear Hoffmann's butterfly mark, as original molds were reused. A specialist can assess the sharpness of hand-polished facets and examine wear patterns on the base, which are key indicators of its precise period of manufacture and significantly impact its market value.

Art Deco 'Small Meditation' Alexandrite Glass Pin Dish by Heinrich Hoffmann, circa 1930

Estimated value: £80 - £150. Art Deco 'Small Meditation' Alexandrite Glass Pin Dish by Heinrich Hoffmann, circa 1930 (Art Deco (circa 1930)) — a researched valuation with cited comparable sales in Decorative Art, from findthevalueof.com.

About this item

This glass dish is a classic example of Bohemian Art Deco design from the 1930s. It is the 'Small Meditation' model, a well-documented creation by the celebrated designer Heinrich Hoffmann. The piece is notable for its material, a type of neodymium glass known as Alexandrite, which was prized for its ability to change color under different light sources—a feature that made it a luxury item in its day. The stylized nude figure, rendered in a frosted finish against the polished, geometric form of the dish, is a hallmark of the Art Deco aesthetic. While the design is definitively Hoffmann's, the market for these pieces is complex. After World War II, Hoffmann's original molds, including the one for this dish with its signature butterfly mark, were used by the nationalized Czech glassworks Desná to produce reissues. These high-quality reissues are visually identical to the 1930s originals, making the period of manufacture the single most important factor in determining value. A confirmed pre-war original commands a significant premium over a post-war piece. Therefore, while the piece is an authentic Hoffmann design, its value is contingent on physical verification of its age through analysis of wear and finish.

How the value was reached

The valuation is based on recent, verified auction results for identical pin dishes. A directly comparable example sold for £112 at Russell Kaplan Auctioneers in May 2024, and another sold on Etsy for approximately £140. These sales provide a strong anchor for the current market value. The estimate range is widened to account for the critical uncertainty regarding the period of manufacture; if physical inspection confirms it is a post-war Desná reissue, its value would be at the very low end of this estimate or slightly below (£40-£60). If confirmed as a pre-war original in good condition, it would achieve a price in the middle to upper end of the range. We recommend a reserve price of £70. After auction house commissions (typically 10-15%), the seller could expect net proceeds of approximately £65 - £125.

Comparable sales

This is a glamorous Art Deco Alexandrite Glass Bowl from the 1930s by H. Hoffmann. It is a vintage piece made from glass, in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, or scratches. The Alexandrite Glass changes colors, appearing purple in daylight and blue-hued under electric light. It was made in Bohemia from original antique molds used during the 1930s-1939s and features a high-quality satin fi — sold for £140.57 (Etsy), 2026-03-24
Heinrich Hoffmann (BOHEMIAN, 1875–1939), Meditation' glass pin dish in a pale amethyst colour, depicting a girl in a pool, circa 1920s, marked to the underside with molded butterfly, 2,5 x 8,5 x 4,5 cm. — sold for £112.42 (Russell Kaplan Auctioneers), 2024-05-09
Attributed to Heinrich Hoffmann, ART DECO FROSTED AMETHYST GLASS PIN DISH, circa 1920-1930, made of amethyst glass, measuring 11.5 cm. — sold for £256.45 (MutualArt), 2024-02-28

Expert notes

The most significant factor affecting this item's value is its date of manufacture. While the design is authentically by Heinrich Hoffmann, it is crucial to determine if it is a 1930s original or a later post-war reissue from the same mold, as this dramatically impacts its value. Do not market this as a confirmed 1930s piece without physical authentication. Before offering for sale, we recommend having a specialist physically examine the base for authentic wear patterns and assess the sharpness of the polished edges to help determine its production era.

This report is one of the worked examples in our guide What is your glass worth, and why?.