Verlys: French & American Molded Art Glass
Verlys is a line of decorative art glass produced first in France (1926-1940s) by Holophane's French subsidiary, and later in the United States (1935-1951) at the Holophane plant in Newark, Ohio. Characterized by frosted, molded glass with relief designs of flowers, birds, fish, and geometric patterns, Verlys was designed to compete directly with Lalique glass at lower price points. Both French and American Verlys pieces are collected today, with French production generally more valuable.
History & Production
The Verlys name combined "Verrerie" (glassworks) and "les Andelys" (the French town of production). French Verlys began in 1926, producing molded opalescent and frosted glass in the Art Deco style. In 1935, molds were sent to the Holophane Company's Newark, Ohio, plant, where American production began. French production was interrupted by World War II. American production continued until 1951, when the Heisey Glass Company acquired some molds and produced limited Verlys pieces until 1957.
Identification & Marks
- French Verlys: Molded or engraved "VERLYS FRANCE" script mark
- American Verlys: Molded or etched "Verlys" script (without "France")
- Heisey/Verlys: Pieces from Heisey's production may show both marks
- Glass Quality: French pieces generally have sharper molding detail and better glass clarity
- Techniques: Opalescent, frosted, clear, and sometimes colored glass; some pieces have applied patina in recessed areas
Auction Price Ranges
| Item | Origin | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| French Verlys large charger/plate | 1930s | $200 - $800 |
| French Verlys vase (birds/flowers) | 1930s | $300 - $1,200 |
| American Verlys bowl (common pattern) | 1935-1951 | $50 - $200 |
| American Verlys console bowl | 1935-1951 | $75 - $300 |
| French Verlys figure or bookend | 1930s | $200 - $600 |
| American Verlys covered box | 1935-1951 | $50 - $175 |
| Large centerpiece bowl (either origin) | 1930s-1950s | $100 - $400 |
| Colored glass piece (rare) | 1930s | $200 - $800 |
Condition Factors
- Frosting quality: Original satin frost should be even and intact; worn or polished areas reduce value
- Chips: Rim and edge chips are common on molded glass; even small chips lower value
- Mold detail: Sharp, crisp relief decoration indicates quality production
- Patina: Some pieces retain original colored patina (brown, blue) in recessed areas; this adds value
- Origin: French-made pieces typically command 2-3x American equivalents
- Signature: Clear, legible marks increase value and authentication confidence
Collecting Tips
- French Verlys competes aesthetically with Lalique at a fraction of the price, making it excellent value
- Common American patterns (Thistle, Pine Cone, Water Lily) are affordable and widely available
- Colored Verlys glass (Directoire Blue, amber, dusty rose) is scarce and commands premiums
- Look for the "FRANCE" mark to identify the more valuable French production
- Verlys pieces are sometimes mistaken for Lalique; the styles are similar but Verlys marks are distinctive
- Heisey-produced Verlys pieces (1951-1957) are a niche within the broader Verlys collecting community
- Reference books by Carole and Wayne McPeek provide comprehensive pattern identification