Topic: Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper pressed glass tray

[Bernard C]

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This is a reasonably accurate miniature of Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper in pressed glass, bordered in Fruiting Vine, and possibly English, as it is the third I have owned.    The mouldmaker was well aware of the painting's significance, as he accurately reproduced Judas's elbow upon the table, and you can just make out the small bag in his hand.

The tray measures 3ΒΌ" x 5Β½" x Β½", and weighs 6oz / 175g.

Someone once told me that a larger version is known carrying a Sowerby peacock's head trademark.   If so, and this is Sowerby, then the blue colour of this tray is a good match to the blue of their Tynesyde glass, launched at the end of the 1920s.

I would welcome any information as to its attribution, date, or formal purpose (if any).

Bernard C. 

[Tony H]

Bernard
Take a look here http://indianaglass.carnivalheaven.com/id188.htm  this is a very good site for Indiana Glass,which I am quite sure is what you have.

Tony H in NZ

[Bernard C]

Tony β€” Grateful thanks.

That web page tells us that the two sizes were reissued by Indiana Glass from 1974.    Does anyone know their earlier history?

Bernard C. 

[Frank]

Same site http://indianaglass.carnivalheaven.com/id187.htm

[Sid]

Bernard:

The original plate was introduced by the Model Flint Glass Co. of Findlay, Ohio in late 1890 or early 1891.  There was an article in a Findlay newspaper on November 24, 1890 that gave mention of the mould being completed by Mr. Henry Coons of Arduser & Co., a mould factory.  In April 1891, the plate appeared with the caption "The Finest Iron Mould Work ever Executed" in an ad in China, Glass and Lamps. (Ref. pp 121-3 of Findlay Glass by James Measell and Don Smith).

According to Identifying Pattern Glass Reproductions by Jenks, Luna and Reilly (pp 207-8), the first reproductions appeared in 1937 produced by New Martinsville Glass Company.  by 1973, Indiana Glass Co. was producing a large plate from a new mould in many colours.  In 1976, Mosser Glass, Cambridge, Ohio introduced yet another version.

There is a book out on the Indiana Glass Co. that may have more information but I do not have it in my library.

[Bernard C]

Frank & Sid β€” Grateful thanks for the additional information.   Sid, I was rather taken aback by the wealth of information you found, and your kindness in providing it.

Bernard C. 

[Sid]

Bernard:

You are more than welcome. 

I have a little more to add.  The original manufacturer, Model Flint, apparently made two versions both of which were 11" x 7".  One version has a solid, closed flange, the other has an open grapvine border.  I can't tell you who introduced the smaller version(s).

Sid