It's retro, it's modern, it's highly collectible: Higgins glass. What started out as one-of-a-kind art glass pieces crafted by Michael and Frances Higgins in the late '40s grew to include commissioned works for national retailers and eventually mass-produced objects for the home.
From 1957 to 1964 the Higginses produced more than 70 patterns of ashtrays, bowls and serving trays for Dearborn Glass, an Illinois manufacturer.Later the couple produced more original works in their studio.
Higgins glass is easy to identify: Pieces are marked in gold or color with the lowercase signature "higgins." The signature is engraved on studio items. Prices range from as low as $10 for a small ashtray to more than $100 for signed studio works.