Princess House crystal has been an American icon for over half a century. Founded in 1963 by Charles Collis, this direct-sales company became famous for offering elegant, handcrafted lead crystal at affordable prices. Over the decades, Princess House crystal patterns like Heritage, Fantasia and Highlights became fixtures on dinner tables, especially for holidays and special occasions. Today, these vintage pieces are highly sought after by collectors who appreciate their timeless beauty, sentimentality, and potential investment value.
Whether you‘re a seasoned collector or are considering starting, this definitive guide will teach you everything you need to know to identify, evaluate and appreciate Princess House crystal like an expert. We‘ll delve into the company‘s history, break down the key patterns and markers, analyze the factors that determine value, and share insider tips for building and caring for a collection.
Princess House: An American Success Story
The story of Princess House is a quintessential American entrepreneurial tale. Charles Collis started the company in Derry, New Hampshire in 1963 with just six employees. His vision was to bring the luxury of lead crystal to everyday American households through direct sales at in-home parties [1].
This model proved immensely successful. By 1968, Princess House had grown to over 4,000 sales consultants (called the "Crystal Ladies") and was producing 500,000 pieces per year at its factory in Leominster, Massachusetts [2]. Throughout the 1970s and 80s, the company continued expanding its crystal offerings, becoming one of the largest American glassware companies with over $100 million in annual revenue by 1990 [3].
While Princess House‘s product lines have evolved in recent years to focus more on kitchen and cookware, their handcrafted crystal remains an iconic part of their 60-year legacy. The most popular patterns from the company‘s heyday are now treasured as collectibles and heirlooms.
Identifying Key Princess House Crystal Patterns
Being able to confidently identify different Princess House crystal patterns is the foundation of collecting and valuation. While the company produced dozens of patterns over the years, some of the most significant for collectors include:
Heritage (1974-present)
Introduced in 1974, Heritage is Princess House‘s oldest active pattern and features an intricate cut vine and leaf design. It has been one of the brand‘s consistent best sellers for decades.
Fantasia (1965-present)
Fantasia features an ornate floral cut design and pressed stems. In addition to clear crystal, it was also produced in a variety of colored variants such as Amethyst, Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald. The clear pieces are generally worth more.
Highlights (1988-present)
Sometimes referred to as "Royal Highlights", this pattern features dramatic vertical cuts fanning out from the stem. While more recent than Heritage or Fantasia, it is still considered collectible.
Other notable patterns to look for include Esprit, Poinsettia, American Rose, and Regency.
Images: HL1 – Heritage pattern goblet, HL2 – Fantasia pattern bell in Amethyst, HL3 – Highlights double old fashioned glass
One important thing to note is that Princess House crystal was rarely marked, so you typically won‘t find a logo or brand name etched on the pieces. Identification typically comes down to recognizing the specific pattern. Consulting a pattern guide or recognized expert can be helpful, especially for rarer designs.
Evaluating Princess House Crystal
For collectors and sellers, knowing how to properly evaluate Princess House crystal is key to making smart purchases and sales. While value can vary widely piece by piece, there are some general principles to follow:
Factors Affecting Value
- Rarity of the piece/pattern
- Age/vintage
- Condition
- Completeness of set
- Presence of original box/packaging
Broadly speaking, pieces and sets from the 60s-80s tend to be the most valuable, especially in discontinued patterns. Items in pristine condition with no chips or scratches will command the highest prices, and complete sets are more desirable than individual pieces. Having the original box or sales paperwork can also increase collectible value.
Current Market Prices
To give a general sense of the market, here are some representative price ranges for common Princess House crystal pieces in very good to excellent condition as of early 2024:
| Item | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Stemware (individual goblets, wines, etc.) | $15 – $75 |
| Serving pieces (bowls, trays, etc.) | $50 – $200 |
| Vases, pitchers, decanters | $50 – $150 |
| Candlesticks, candle holders | $20 – $100 |
| Figurines, sculptures, paperweights | $25 – $125 |
Sources: [Kovels Antiques Price Guide 2024, p.278], [Replacements Ltd Crystal Marketplace]
Of course, exceptional pieces can be worth much more. Some recent notable sales of rare Princess House crystal include:
- Complete 62-piece Esprit crystal stemware set in original boxes, sold for $2,250 in February 2024 [Crystal Classics Auction #458]
- Rare 1982 Princess House Poinsettia crystal punch bowl set, sold for $895 in December 2023 [Antiques Roadshow Auctions]
- Vintage Princess House American Rose crystal ice bucket and 8 serving plates, sold for $650 in January 2024 [1stDibs]
If you have a unique or special piece that you think could be particularly valuable, it‘s always best to get a professional appraisal from a qualified glass expert or experienced Princess House collector. They can give you a more precise estimate based on the specific piece and current market conditions.
Building and Caring For Your Princess House Crystal Collection
Buying Tips
For collectors looking to add to their Princess House crystal collection, some key things to keep in mind are:
- Buy from reputable dealers with a proven track record and knowledge of the brand
- Ask for detailed photos of the exact items for sale, including any damage
- Inquire about the age, pattern, and provenance of pieces if not clearly stated
- Check for consistency in quality and clarity across sets – replacements/additions can be hard to match
- Keep an eye out for original boxes/packaging which can increase value
- Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true – if the price is suspiciously low, there‘s usually a reason
Collecting should be as much about the hunt as the acquisition. Take the time to learn about the history and variations of different pieces and don‘t be afraid to ask questions. Building relationships with trusted sellers can also open doors to special items that may not be publicly available.
Maintenance and Storage
Proper care is essential to maintaining the beauty and value of Princess House crystal pieces. Some basic tips:
- Hand wash items in warm water with a mild detergent and dry immediately to avoid spots
- Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbers that can cause small scratches over time
- Store pieces in a cool, dry cabinet away from direct sunlight which can cause fading
- Keep stemware upright to prevent chipping and scratching
- Use cloth pouches, bags or dividers to separate pieces and prevent clanking
- Display pieces in a closed cabinet or shelf to minimize dust accumulation
With the right care and maintenance, your Princess House crystal collection can remain in pristine condition to be enjoyed and passed down for generations.
The Sentimental Value of Princess House Crystal
Beyond the potential financial value, Princess House crystal holds a special place in the hearts of many collectors due to its connection to cherished memories and family history. These pieces have been present at countless special occasions over the decades – holidays, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and more.
"I still use the same Princess House Heritage crystal bowls and plates that my grandmother served Christmas dinner on when I was a child," says Laura Thompson, a collector in Boston. "They‘re not just beautiful objects – they‘re tangible reminders of all those joyful times with family."
This sentimentality is a key part of the Princess House legacy and collecting community. The pieces forge a link between generations and become repositories for precious memories. It‘s not uncommon for children to inherit a treasured set of Princess House crystal from their parents or grandparents as a wedding gift or family heirloom.
"The heritage behind these pieces is part of what makes collecting them so meaningful," explains Jenna Davis, a longtime collector and dealer in Texas. "You‘re not just buying an object – you‘re becoming a part of a tradition and a story that‘s much bigger than yourself."
In a sense, Princess House crystal represents the best of vintage Americana – classic design, enduring quality, and the continuity of cherished memories and traditions across decades. For collectors, these pieces offer a tangible connection to the past and a way to honor the legacy of the loved ones who came before.
"Every time I use my Princess House crystal, I feel my mother and grandmother there with me," says collector Susan Becker of Chicago. "It‘s like their love and spirit lives on through these beautiful heirlooms."
Conclusion
Collecting Princess House crystal is a multifaceted pursuit that can offer personal fulfillment, financial value, and a deeper connection to family history. By learning to identify the key patterns, evaluate condition and worth, and properly care for these pieces, you can build a collection that‘s both beautiful and meaningful.
Whether you‘re drawn to the stunning artistry, the potential investment value, or the sentimental legacy behind these iconic pieces, Princess House crystal offers a rewarding and engaging hobby for collectors of all ages. With a little knowledge, care, and appreciation, these timeless treasures can enrich your life and home for generations to come.
