Lot # 1 - Vintage Japanese Glass Fishing Float – Hand-Blown Green Glass-11.5

Opening Bid : $ 5.00
Start Date/Time: 27-Aug-2025 7:00:00 AM
End Date/Time: 03-Sep-2025 7:00:00 PM
Current bid:

$41.00

Highest bidder:

125

Auction has ended

Description :

Vintage Japanese Glass Fishing Float – Hand-Blown Green Glass – 11.5" Diameter – Mid-20th Century

This oversized vintage hand-blown Japanese glass fishing float dates to the mid-20th century (circa 1940s–1960s)and was once used by fishermen to keep their nets afloat. Crafted from thick green-tinted glass, it features classic air bubbles and a visible pontil scar, highlighting its handmade origin.

  • Maker: Traditional Japanese glass workshop

  • Era: Mid-20th Century, circa 1940s–1960s

  • Material: Hand-blown green glass

  • Design: Spherical with natural bubbles and pontil scar

  • Dimensions: Approx. 11.5" diameter

  • Condition: Good vintage condition with expected surface wear from age and use

Historical Note: Glass fishing floats originated in Norway in the mid-19th century but became widely produced in Japan by the early 1900s. By the mid-20th century, Japan was the largest exporter of these floats, which were used across the Pacific by commercial fishermen. Over time, many of these floats broke free from nets and drifted across oceans, often washing ashore along the West Coast of North America. Today, they are prized as collectible artifacts of maritime history.

This large example is especially rare in size, making it a standout piece for nautical décor, maritime collections, or coastal-inspired interiors.



Auction History

Highest bidder is 125

Date Bid User
03-Sep-2025 6:49:02 PM $41.00 125
03-Sep-2025 6:48:45 PM $40.00 TopCat
03-Sep-2025 6:48:45 PM $40.00 125
30-Aug-2025 5:02:59 PM $30.00 TopCat
30-Aug-2025 5:02:59 PM $29.00 Dakiam
30-Aug-2025 4:59:37 PM $25.00 TopCat
30-Aug-2025 4:56:19 PM $21.00 Dakiam
30-Aug-2025 4:56:04 PM $20.00 TopCat
30-Aug-2025 4:56:04 PM $19.00 Dakiam
30-Aug-2025 3:37:22 PM $10.00 TopCat
27-Aug-2025 2:36:37 PM $5.00 Dakiam

PAYMENT DETAILS

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Pick-up information will be on the invoice e-mailed after the auction closes.All items not picked up during the designated times will be considered abandoned and may be donated or resold. When possible, and at our sole discretion, an alternate pick-up time may be arranged. If this is possible, an appropriate fee will be charged. 

A 10% Buyer's Premium and Sales Tax are added to the winning bid amount when invoiced. Sales tax is waived for licensed re-sellers.

We make every effort to describe lot items as accurately as possible. Expect normal signs of wear associated with antiques, vintage, and used items. We do not list every flaw. All items are sold AS IS WHERE IS. No refunds or returns. Sound Estate Company does not guarantee the working order of any clock, watch, electronic or mechanical device. Dimensions given may be approximate.

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