Glass in Early America

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.