Flask, 1815-1817

01

Artifact Overview

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. Membership in the Freemasons grew in the early decades of the 1800s. Supporters of the Masonic order would recognize the ritualistic symbols on this and other similar flasks.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Flask (Bottle)

Date Made

1815-1817

Location

at Greenfield Village in Davidson-Gerson Gallery of Glass

Object ID

60.10.37

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Glass (Material)
Mold-blown glass

Technique

Glassblowing
Blow molding

Color

Amethyst (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 7.5 in
Width: 4.375 in
Length: 2.25 in

Inscriptions

pressed on back: E Pluribus Unum / IP
Flask, 1815-1817