Pomona Glass: New England Etched & Stained Art Glass

Pomona glass was produced by the New England Glass Company in Cambridge, Massachusetts, from 1885 to 1888. It features a distinctive combination of a delicate, stippled or frosted ground (achieved by acid etching) with applied amber staining, often incorporating cornflower blue, a blueberry motif, or other botanical designs in mineral stain. Two versions exist: First Grind Pomona, produced by an expensive hand-grinding process, and Second Grind Pomona, created using a more economical acid-etching technique. Both are collected, but First Grind pieces are rarer and more valuable.

Identification & Characteristics

• First Grind (1885-1886): Ground surface created by individually grinding each piece with a needle-like tool, producing a fine, closely spaced stipple pattern; more expensive to produce and rarer
• Second Grind (1886-1888): Acid-etched surface achieved by covering the piece with a wax resist, then scratching through and acid-bathing; produces a coarser, more open pattern
• Amber stain: Most pieces feature a band of amber mineral staining, typically near the top
• Blue cornflower: The most iconic Pomona decoration -- a delicate cornflower motif in mineral blue stain
• Blueberry pattern: Another common design featuring blueberry branches
• No marks: Pomona glass is never marked; identification is based on visual characteristics

Types & Forms

• Tumblers: The most commonly found form
• Pitchers: Water pitchers with applied clear or amber handles
• Finger bowls and plates: Individual table accessories
• Punch cups: Small handled cups
• Cruets: With clear stoppers
• Vases: Various forms including celery vases and bud vases
• Toothpick holders: Small collectible forms

Auction Price Ranges

Condition Factors

• Amber staining must be intact and unfaded; weak or worn staining reduces value
• Blue cornflower decoration should be crisp and well-defined
• Chips on rims are the most common damage; even small chips reduce value by 25-40%
• The etched/ground surface should show even, consistent texture without smooth spots from wear
• Applied handles on pitchers must be original and firmly attached
• Original stoppers on cruets are essential for full value

Collecting Tips

• Learn to distinguish First Grind from Second Grind: First Grind has a finer, more closely spaced stipple pattern visible under magnification
• First Grind pieces are significantly rarer and bring 50-100% premiums over Second Grind equivalents
• The cornflower decoration is the most popular and widely recognized Pomona motif
• Pomona glass was made for only three years, limiting supply and supporting values
• Pieces are sometimes confused with other New England Glass Company products; the distinctive stippled/etched ground combined with mineral staining is unique to Pomona
• Complete water sets (pitcher plus tumblers) are rare and bring strong premiums