I have been scouring for what I believe is a good price guide, and have decided on the one below:

This is an updated version of the most popular, indispensable guide that gives new and established collectors the knowledge they need to build a complete set, track down a rare glass, and price/value comparisons.

It includes a full 230 color photos more than enough to satisfy anyone’s needs.

Just look at what one satisfied customer said:

“Among the legions of racing fans that frequent such thoroughbred races as the Preakness, Belmont, and the Breeder’s Cup, are those for whom their enthusiasm for the sport leads them to collect various kinds and categories of racing memorabilia. Now in an expanded and updated fourth edition, the “Kentucky Derby Glasses Price Guide”, compiled by Judy Marchman is a unique and superbly illustrated compendium focusing on all of the Kentucky Derby glasses and shot glasses, as well as other rare and valuable glasses associated with professional horse racing. Organized chronologically by year, each color illustrated example also cites its price as a collectible. Ideal for novice collectors just starting out, and an informed reference for dealers and established collectors, “Kentucky Derby Glasses Price Guide” is an ideal and prized addition to personal, professional, and community library Antiques & Collectibles collections.”

Get your copy today

Kentucky Derby 2010

Well the time is almost upon us, and in just a few weeks time the 2010 Kentucky Derby will begin.

Whatever this year brings, it’s sure to bring weith it a fair share of wagers, excitement and fun filled times for all.

There will also be commiserations for the losers.

People will be drinking the veritable mint Julep drink (yummy!) which is made from an eclectic mix of Borbon, mint and sugar.

Chances are they will also be feasting on Burgoo, a meaty lamb based stew with accompanying vegetables, often served in wide rimmed pots.

Anyway, who is likely to be taking the garland of Red Roses this year?  We can only speculate!

10 furlongs, 2 minutes… one of the best moments in racing history.  Be there!

One thing is for sure, this first leg of the American triple Crown is set to be a thorughly great event.

The Kentucky Derby is probably one of the most famous horse races in the world.  Many commemorative glasses have been made to celebrate the good times and the heritage, and as such these firm favorites have become brilliant collectible glasses that enthusiasts and Derby lovers alike enjoy.

Going back to as early as 1938 these commemorative glasses have been made with all the love and attention they deserve.

Each glass from each year depicted something unique and original about that particular year.

During the first world war when shortages were noticed, a replacement product called Bakelite had to be used, which is a form of plastic from 1941 through to 1945.

If you can get a hold of a 1950 or 1951 model of Kentucky derby glass then you are going to be in for a right treat as they are amongst the rarest of them all!

As a side note in 1974 there was a mistake printed on to more than 400,000 of these specialist collectibles and notably a horse name Canonero II was mistakenly printed as just Canonero.

It actually comes down to six individual variations. A Libby glass with Canonero and Canonero II, the same for a Federal glass, and the same for two unmarked glasses, each with the 2 variations.

The name is the name of the 1971 winner and yet surprisingly all those glasses were made without people noticing right away.  Incredible.

The Libby company in the end had to go and borrow glasses from the Federal company in order to meet it’s order books.

Yet besides this, time has proven that all variations have become just as equally collectible as one another.

However when it comes to value, the two made by Federal are the ones which retain their value over and above all other variations.

Some glasses such as modern gold edition glasses are normally made as part of a limited edition run of around 1000 glasses.

Each glass then comes with it’s own certificate of authenticity and becomes much more highly sought after.  Consequently the value of them goes up and they can be seen swapping hands for $60 or more.

If you are in to your collectibles and like high quality rare items that hold and increase in value then you will always do well with a top condition Kentucky glass.

Every glass from every year is going to hold it’s value but the races that are memorable are the ones that increase in value.  Such as when unknown jockeys or rare wins make the headlines.

As a lover of Kentucky glasses always keep your eyes open for anything related to this fascinating world.