Flask, 1850-1870

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, appealed to America's common man. This Baltimore-made flask contains an image of a sheaf of grain above crossed agricultural tools. This symbol of America's agriculture bounty probably also referred to the flask's content of grain-based alcohol.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Flask (Bottle)

Date Made

1850-1870

Location

at Greenfield Village in Davidson-Gerson Gallery of Glass

Object ID

60.10.66

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Glass (Material)
Blown glass
Mold-blown glass

Technique

Glassblowing
Blow molding

Color

Blue

Dimensions

Height: 8.75 in
Width: 5.5 in
Length: 2.5 in
Weight: 1.333 lb

Inscriptions

pressed on front: BALTIMORE GLASS WORKS