Lori Nelson’s art glass collection heads to auction in Los Angeles

More than 300 pieces from actress Lori Nelson’s estate will be sold by Goldberg Coins & Collectibles on Oct. 8, 2026, including works by Tiffany, Gallé and Steuben. The auction highlights a museum-quality private collection preserved for decades and expected to draw strong interest from art glass buyers.

Why it matters: - The auction offers a rare chance to buy a museum-quality private collection assembled by actress Lori Nelson over decades. - More than 300 art glass pieces survived the 1994 Northridge earthquake, making the sale notable for both rarity and provenance. - The collection includes work by Tiffany, Gallé, Steuben, Daum Nancy and other major names in 19th- and early 20th-century glass.

What happened: - Goldberg Coins & Collectibles will auction the Lori Nelson estate in Los Angeles and online on Oct. 8, 2026. - The collection comes from former fashion model and film and TV actress Lori Nelson, who died in 2020 at age 86. - The sale includes hundreds of French and American art glass pieces from Nelson’s estate.

The details: - The collection features Louis Comfort Tiffany glass marked Tiffany Favrile, including two signed lamps. - Other highlighted makers include Galle, Daum Nancy, Steuben, Muller Freres, Argy Rousseau, Saint-Louis, La Rochere and Lalique. - The collection also includes examples of late-1800s glass. - Freeman Fisher, Goldberg Coins & Collectibles director of collectibles, said Nelson assembled one of the largest private collections of French and American art glass. - Fisher said Nelson took extreme care to preserve the pieces and left notes inside each one describing where it was acquired and what made it special. - Fisher said all but one of the more than 300 art glass items survived the 6.7 magnitude Northridge earthquake in Los Angeles in 1994. - Goldberg said the Lori Nelson Collection is the best group the firm has ever offered at auction. - Nelson became a certified appraiser of antique and French art glass. - Nelson appeared in more than 50 movies and TV programs between 1952 and 2005, with her busiest years in the 1950s and 1960s, according to IMDb. - Nelson was married to composer Johnny Mann from 1960 to 1973 and later to Joseph Reiner from 1983 until her death. - Joseph Reiner preserved the collection over the six years since Nelson died, and the estate is now consigned to auction.

Between the lines: - The notes Nelson left inside individual pieces add a layer of provenance that can matter to serious collectors. - The mix of signed Tiffany lamps, French cameo glass and late-19th-century examples positions the sale across multiple collecting categories. - The collection’s preservation history may help support bidding interest, especially for buyers focused on condition and authenticity.

What’s next: - Interested buyers can preview the auction through Goldberg Coins & Collectibles at More information. - Goldberg Coins & Collectibles is also taking inquiries by phone at 800-978-2646.

The bottom line: - Lori Nelson’s collection combines celebrity provenance, strong condition and high-end names in antique art glass, setting up a closely watched sale.