Incredible Find! cira 1885 Central Glass Pattern #796 Large Compote

This is my favorite find. Paid $8 for this in a local antique shop. My intention was to use it to serve fruit for our Kentucky Derby Party. However, after some research, I put this beauty up on a high shelf and forbade anyone to touch it. I cant believe it has survived in such good condition. I absolutely enjoy finding these much unappreciated treasures. It is amazing what can be found at yard sales, local thrift shoppes, etc.. Discovering the history behind the pieces is the best part for me. I wonder if the people parting with these items have an idea of the history. Generally, I think a lot of it is people getting rid of items from older family members that have passed. True the items may appear dated and unfashionable, but I am sure somewhere down the line, they will look back and wish that they hadn't gotten rid of "Grandma's weird looking glass stuff".
I guess that's why I like it so much. It reminds me of what I use to plunder through in my Grandma's china cabinets.