Vintage Waterford Colleen Crystal Claret Wine Glasses - Set of 11

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Vintage Waterford Colleen Crystal Claret Wine Glasses - Set of 11

An extraordinary matched set of eleven vintage fine lead … Read more Vintage Waterford Colleen Crystal Claret Wine Glasses - Set of 11

An extraordinary matched set of eleven vintage fine lead crystal claret wine glasses in the celebrated Colleen pattern by Waterford Crystal. Measuring six and a half inches in height, this tall-stem variation features gracefully rounded tulip bowls exquisitely cut with an upper register of broad oval thumbprint lens flutes set above a densely hand-cut lower tier of fine crisscross diamond facets. Each bowl transitions into a slender, tapered, six-sided faceted stem anchored by a substantial circular foot. Hand-blown and stone-wheel cut from high-density Irish lead crystal, these glasses possess impressive physical weight, a resonant acoustic chime, and exceptional optical refraction that disperses natural and candlelight into brilliant prismatic highlights. Offering an expansive near-complete service for twelve, this set elevates formal dinner parties, wine tastings, and sophisticated holiday entertaining.

About the Maker
Founded in 1783 in the historic port town of Waterford, Ireland, Waterford Crystal has stood for centuries as the world benchmark for luxury hand-blown and hand-cut lead crystal. Renowned for its unparalleled purity, heavy mineral content, and luminous clarity, the company gained international prestige by supplying grand European royalty, prestigious state dining rooms, and iconic global sporting trophies. Throughout the twentieth century, master glassblowers and cutters in Waterford preserved traditional seventeenth-century lapidary techniques, utilizing copper and stone cutting wheels to execute the deep, razor-sharp geometric facets that distinguish authentic Irish crystal from commercial glassware.

Historical Significance
Introduced in 1968, the Colleen pattern quickly became one of the most revered and iconic stemware suites in Waterford history, named after the classic Irish word cailín, meaning girl. The design bridges classical Georgian aesthetic traditions with mid-century refinement, contrasting generous concave lens flutes with a meticulous field of cross-cut diamonds reminiscent of early Irish cut-glass chandeliers. While Waterford produced Colleen in both a low-profile short stem and a tall six-sided stem, the six-and-a-half-inch tall stem configuration remains the most sought-after by contemporary wine collectors and connoisseurs for its elegant table presence and modern ergonomic balance.

Pattern Details and Irish Lapidary Artistry
Every glass in this collection showcases the virtuosic cutting standards that established Waterford as a luxury icon. The upper bowl features polished oval flutes that provide a smooth, tactile grip and visual clarity, while the lower diamond girdle refracts the color tones of fine reds, whites, and ports. The crisp facet work extends seamlessly down the tapering hexagonal stem, terminating at a polished base bearing Waterford acid-etched marks and original workshop foil labeling.

Specifications and Dimensions
Style: Traditional, Classic European, Hollywood Regency
Period: Late Twentieth Century (Circa 1970 to 1990)
Brand: Waterford Crystal
Pattern: Colleen (Tall Stem)
Materials: Hand-Blown Irish Lead Crystal
Object Type: Claret Wine Glasses, Stemware, Wine Goblets
Quantity: Set of 11 Matched Glasses
Height: 6.5 Inches
Bowl Diameter: 2.5 Inches
Base Diameter: 2.675 Inches
Markings: Acid-Etched Waterford Gothic Maker Mark on Underside Foot, Includes Original Foil Seahorse Label

Condition Report
This eleven-piece crystal stemware set is in very good vintage estate condition, showcasing bright clarity and brilliant light transmission throughout. The rims, bowls, and faceted stems are clean, smooth, and free of chips, fleabites, hairline fractures, or dishwasher-etching cloudiness. The resting undersides of the circular bases exhibit only minor, faint surface contact shelf scuffs consistent with gentle residential care and display.

Designer's Note
Acquiring an eleven-piece matched suite of vintage Waterford Colleen clarets is a rare opportunity for decorators and entertaining hosts seeking cohesive luxury tablescapes. These glasses offer the ideal scale for full-bodied red wines, crisp whites, or artisanal cocktails, seamlessly complementing formal bone china, sterling silver flatware, and modern linen table runners. For a curated, layered bar presentation, arrange them across a mirrored tray on a dining credenza or bar cart, allowing ambient light to catch the diamond facets and create an inviting, luminous entertaining focal point.

Timeless in craftsmanship and radiant in presentation, this set of eleven vintage Waterford Colleen crystal claret glasses captures the finest heritage of Irish glassmaking. With exceptional hand-cut detailing, substantial weight, and an expansive quantity ready for grand entertaining, this heirloom collection offers lasting elegance and refined sophistication for your dining home. See less