Calabash Bottle, 1845-1860

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 calabash -- a gourd-like form popular in the mid-19th century -- contains an image of a sheaf of grain. This symbol of agriculture also may allude to the flask's content of grain-based alcohol.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Bottle

Date Made

1845-1860

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

78.73.33

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Mr. Preston R. Bassett.

Material

Glass (Material)
Blown glass
Mold-blown glass

Technique

Glassblowing
Blow molding

Color

Amber (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 8.875 in
Width: 4.125 in
Length: 5.25 in