Topic: Optic cut glass custard cup with ground pontil - could it be Whitefriars?

[peejyweejy]

I think this is what you call this piece but I am very curious about the pontil mark. I saw some Whitefriars drinking glasses at the Cambridge Glass fair with similar pontils. Is it wishful thinking?

[Lustrousstone]

Pontil marks are not exclusive to Whitefriars. A lot of good old handmade glassware of every sort has such marks. Pontil mark = Whitefriars is yet another ebay myth.

[peejyweejy]

Morning Christine - at least it's probably good quality...needle in a haystack trying to ID such pieces, I probably never will. Any idea of age?

[Bernard C]

Peejy — Really top quality with a good early strap handle, which probably dates it to the mid-Victorian period, see Hajdamach I.  Beautifully accurate cutting.   The lower ring of "leaf" cuts is difficult to get so accurate anyway, but so well tucked under, and with the foot getting in the way.

Well above average, in my opinion, and English.

Bernard C.  

[peejyweejy]

Thanks so much Bernard.....I have a bit of a thing for glasses and they are so hard to trace!  :kissy:

[Pinkspoons]

It's noted in Sweetmeat and Jelly Glasses by Therle Hughes that the fashion for short plain stems was introduced in the late 19th century.

With regards the handle, it mentions that this style was introduced during the 18th century, but was "so attractive - and so adequate for lightweight sweetmeats - that it is as often found on Victorian and later custard vessels."

[Bernard C]

Nic — Thanks for the correction.   I must find myself a copy of the specialist book.

Bernard C. 

[Pinkspoons]

My pleasure - I've had it on my shelf for about 3 years, and this is the first occasion I've had to reference it. 

But it can still be bought from new for £4.25 on Amazon... and only marginally less secondhand.

[Bernard C]

Nic — I'll go for second-hand.   You can sometimes be really lucky and find interesting margin notes.

Bernard C. 

[peejyweejy]

It's noted in Sweetmeat and Jelly Glasses by Therle Hughes that the fashion for short plain stems was introduced in the late 19th century.