Smith Brothers: Victorian Decorated Art Glass from New Bedford
Smith Brothers was a prominent American art glass decorating firm based in New Bedford, Massachusetts, active from approximately 1874 to 1899. Founded by Alfred and Harry Smith, sons of William Smith who had worked at the Mount Washington Glass Company, the firm specialized in hand-painted and enameled decoration on opal, satin, and clear glass blanks. Their meticulous floral and scenic designs rank among the finest Victorian American decorative glass.
Identification & Marks
Smith Brothers pieces are identified by their trademark, a rampant lion within a shield, often found on the base in red enamel. Some pieces also bear the word "Trademark" beneath the lion mark. Not all Smith Brothers glass is marked; many pieces are attributed by decorating style. The firm purchased blanks from Mount Washington and other glasshouses, then applied their distinctive painted and enameled decoration in-house. Their painting style features naturalistic flowers (particularly daisies, pansies, and wild roses), birds, and winter landscapes executed with exceptional detail.
Types & Styles
Melon-ribbed pieces: Bowls, sugar shakers, and biscuit jars with vertical ribbing and floral decoration are among the most recognizable forms. Opal glass: White opaque blanks decorated with painted flowers and gold highlights. Satin glass: Acid-finished matte surfaces with delicate painted scenes. Santa Maria pieces: Decorated with Columbus's ship, produced for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. Common forms include biscuit jars, sugar shakers, salt and pepper shakers, vases, covered jars, sweetmeat dishes, and toothpick holders.
Auction Price Ranges
| Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Biscuit jar (melon-ribbed, floral) | $300-$900 |
| Sugar shaker (opal, decorated) | $200-$600 |
| Vase (painted landscape or floral) | $250-$800 |
| Covered sweetmeat jar | $200-$500 |
| Salt & pepper shakers (pair) | $100-$350 |
| Toothpick holder | $100-$250 |
| Santa Maria commemorative piece | $300-$800 |
| Marked piece with lion trademark | Premium of 25-50% |
Condition Factors
Painted and enameled decoration is vulnerable to wear from handling and cleaning. Check for paint loss, especially on high points and around rims. Gold trim should be intact and bright. Chips to glass, particularly on lids and rims, are common. Original metal fittings (silver-plated lids and bails on biscuit jars) should match and show appropriate age. Replacement lids significantly reduce value. Satin-finish pieces should retain their matte texture; polished or worn satin glass loses its appeal. The presence of the lion trademark adds significant value and certainty to attribution.
Collecting Tips
Smith Brothers glass is often confused with Mount Washington production due to similar blanks and decorating styles. The key distinguishing factor is the lion trademark when present, and the characteristically detailed, naturalistic painting style on unsigned pieces. Biscuit jars are the most popular collecting category and offer good availability. Prices remain reasonable compared to other Victorian art glass makers, making Smith Brothers an excellent collecting area. Build familiarity with their specific painting techniques by studying marked examples. Melon-ribbed forms with bold floral decoration represent the firm's best work and strongest market demand.