The "Verrerie de Nancy" glassworks in Nancy were purchased in 1878 by Jean Daum (1825–1885) and then taken over by his two sons, Auguste (1853-1909) and Antonin (1864-1930) in 1887. They firstly produced coffee and tea services in clear glass with gold rims.
In 1893, the Daum brothers began producing cameo glass, using acid-etching techniques to decorate their wares with bouquets of flowers, clusters of fruit and scenery. During the Universal Exhibition of 1900 Daum was awarded a ‘Grand Prix’ medal.
The award allowed them to move out of the shadow of fellow Nancy glass maker, Emile Galle. In 1904 Galle died, and after that Daum established their prominence in the Nancy glass industry. Though their work during that period closely
more...parallels that of Galle, it is much more yellow and orange in colour.
In 1914 on the outbreak of World War I the plant was closed, and converted into a hospital. It reopened after the war under Paul Daum, son of Auguste, and produced designs in the Art Deco style.
In the 1930's the styles became much plainer and utilitarian, as demonstrated by the 90,000 piece order for the luxury liner "Le Normandie".
The company is still under the name Cristallerie Daum, operating since 1962 as a public company. They make all kinds of figurines in pate-de-verre and crystal glass, as well as their high quality tableware.
Glassware by this company is signed 'DAUM NANCY' with the Cross of Lorraine.