Pocket Flask, 1810-1830

Summary

American glass factories produced flasks, like this one, from the late 1700s well into the mid-1800s. The pint-sized flask could hold water but more likely contained alcoholic beverages. Its textured decorative exterior -- formed when the hot glass was dipped into a pattern mold before it was blown -- made the flask easier to grasp. And its flattened shape fit nicely into pockets providing ready access to the liquid refreshment.

American glass factories produced flasks, like this one, from the late 1700s well into the mid-1800s. The pint-sized flask could hold water but more likely contained alcoholic beverages. Its textured decorative exterior -- formed when the hot glass was dipped into a pattern mold before it was blown -- made the flask easier to grasp. And its flattened shape fit nicely into pockets providing ready access to the liquid refreshment.

Artifact

Flask (Bottle)

Date Made

1810-1830

Creators

Unknown

Place of Creation

United States, Midwest 

 On Exhibit

at Greenfield Village in Davidson-Gerson Gallery of Glass

Object ID

00.3.4481

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Glass (Material)
Blown glass
Mold-blown glass

Technique

Glassblowing
Blow molding

Color

Olive green

Dimensions

Height: 6 in

Width: 3.75 in

Length: 2.125 in

Weight: 5.8 oz

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