Glass in Early America

Bottle, 1780-1795

Bottle

Bottle, 1815-1850

Bottle

Bowl, 1820-1850

Bowl (Vessel)

American glass factories made a variety of glass products for the early-nineteenth-century consumer. Glassblowers turned out bottles, flasks, tableware and other household items. Earlier products were affordable only to the well-to-do. But by the second quarter of the 19th century, a growing number of manufacturers made reasonably priced blown-glass items available to the expanding middle class.

Celery Vase, 1810-1830

Celery glass

Creamer, 1800-1840

Creamer

American glass factories made a variety of glass products for the early-nineteenth-century consumer. Glassblowers turned out bottles, flasks, tableware and other household items. Earlier products were affordable only to the well-to-do. But by the second quarter of the 19th century, a growing number of manufacturers made reasonably priced blown-glass items available to the expanding middle class.

Dish, 1822-1829

Dish (Vessel for food)

American glass factories made a variety of glass products for the early-nineteenth-century consumer. Glassblowers turned out bottles, flasks, tableware and other household items. Earlier products were affordable only to the well-to-do. But by the second quarter of the 19th century, a growing number of manufacturers made reasonably priced blown-glass items available to the expanding middle class.

Communal Drinking Vessel, 1790-1810

Drinking vessel

Goblet, 1785-1795

Goblet

Goblet, 1800-1850

Goblet

American glass factories made a variety of glass products for the early-nineteenth-century consumer. Glassblowers turned out bottles, flasks, tableware and other household items. Earlier products were affordable only to the well-to-do. But by the second quarter of the 19th century, a growing number of manufacturers made reasonably priced blown-glass items available to the expanding middle class.

Sugar Bowl, 1797-1840

Sugar bowl

American glass factories made a variety of glass products for the early-nineteenth-century consumer. Glassblowers turned out bottles, flasks, tableware and other household items. Earlier products were affordable only to the well-to-do. But by the second quarter of the 19th century, a growing number of manufacturers made reasonably priced blown-glass items available to the expanding middle class.

Sugar Bowl, circa 1833

Sugar bowl

Sugar Bowl, 1844-1865

Sugar bowl

Tumbler, 1785-1795

Tumbler (Drinking glass)

Whale Oil Lamp, 1813-1830

Whale oil lamp

Hat-Shaped Whimsey, 1825-1840

Whimsey

Glassworkers of the 19th and early 20th centuries created fanciful or humorous objects called whimsies to show off their skill and creativity. These pieces were usually made during breaks or at the end of a long day working in a hot factory. Various forms of whimsies include animals, canes, pipes, chains, rolling pins, or curiosities like this hat -- whatever struck a worker's fancy.

Wine Bottle, 1780-1800

Wine bottle

Bowl, 1675-1725

Bowl (Vessel)