Shaded intaglio piece like this seem to fetch quite a lot of money, so I'm not surprised you had to pay that much. I don't remember ever seeing one with a band like that at the top, which may have made your competition a bit stiffer. There's a design on it, isn't there? Is it etched or cut? I'd love to see a close-up of it if you get a chance. Also, if you feel like it, could you take a picture of the flower with something white inside the vase? I'm interested to see how the depth of the cutting might reveal the different layers of colorless and green glass.
I, too, have long wanted an example like yours...congratulations on your win!