Early 20th-Century Cut & Engraved Blown Glass Tankard

Although glass making was the first industry to be established in America at Jamestown, Virginia in 1608, no glass is known to have been cut in the New World until at least 160 years later. Henry William Stiegel, an immigrant from Cologne, Germany, founded the American Flint Glass Manufactory in Manheim, Pennsylvania and it was there, in about 1771, that the first cut glass was produced in America. This distinctive looking tankard, I believe, was made sometime during the early 20th century. Crafted from blown glass, the applied handle, perimeter of the base and rim of the mouth fluoresce pale green under a blacklight, indicating the presence of manganese and possibly some traces of uranium salts. I attempted to photograph the fluorescence but the color was too pale to capture. The unpretentious, yet elegant pattern consists of one row of bullseye cuts on the upper portion of the neck. The middle section consists of three engraved grape clusters, one on each side and one in the center. Wheel cut leaves on vines are subtly designed to frame the grape clusters on all sides except the back. The mouth is a unique helmet-like design; handle is applied and pontil has been ground and polished smooth. It measures 11” x 7” H/W; base diameter 5½”; mouth 5” x 3½” L/W; weight 3 lbs. 2 oz.; medium is clear blown cut and engraved glass. In excellent pre-owned condition with minor use wear as a whole. One small wear spot on the bottom that is mostly indiscernible and in no way impacts the beauty of the tankard, along with a few random inclusions inherent in any glassware, original to the manufacturer. Serenely elegant, it’s an eye catching piece that will be the center of attention at your next gathering!

Condition

Used (normal wear)