Glass in Early America
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The earliest glass in America was imported from the British Isles. Immigrants from mainland Europe brought their own traditions, establishing the first American glass factories. These entrepreneurs hoped to make money producing glass for household needs and window glass, but most failed due to foreign competition.
THF302458
Bottle, 1780-1795
Bottle, 1815-1850
Bowl, 1820-1850
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.
View ArtifactCelery Vase, 1810-1830
Creamer, 1800-1840
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.
View ArtifactDish, 1822-1829
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.
View ArtifactCommunal Drinking Vessel, 1790-1810
Goblet, 1785-1795
Goblet, 1800-1850
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.
View ArtifactSugar Bowl, 1797-1840
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.
View ArtifactSugar Bowl, circa 1833
Sugar Bowl, 1844-1865
Tumbler, 1785-1795
Whale Oil Lamp, 1813-1830
Hat-Shaped Whimsey, 1825-1840
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.
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