Flask, 1840-1860

Summary

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often decorated with symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation, appealed to America's common man. Other images, like the ones on this flask, were purely decorative. To some, the imagery -- whether patriotic or pretty -- mattered little as long as the flask could hold liquid.

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often decorated with symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation, appealed to America's common man. Other images, like the ones on this flask, were purely decorative. To some, the imagery -- whether patriotic or pretty -- mattered little as long as the flask could hold liquid.

Artifact

Flask (Bottle)

Date Made

1840-1860

Creators

Unknown

Place of Creation

United States, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 

 On Exhibit

at Greenfield Village in Davidson-Gerson Gallery of Glass

Object ID

00.3.12658

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Glass (Material)
Mold-blown glass

Color

Aqua (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 8.25 in

Width: 5.563 in

Length: 2.5 in

Weight: 1 lb

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