Topic: Leveler? Leveller? Levelor? Levellor? or something else?

[Bernard C]

What is the name of the man (or woman) who levels up the vase or bowl by grinding and polishing the feet or base and who sorts out the pontil scar, if any?

Is it a leveler, leveller, levelor, levellor, or something else?   Does the name and/or spelling change in mid-Atlantic?

Bernard C.  

[Frank]

I am sure like all such terms it will differ per works. At Vasart Joe Dickson was the man and he was called the grinder, probably called other things to depending on what he was doing.

Also heard the term 'Finisher' in use but cannot recall where.

[Adam]

Sowerbys called the department concerned the "flattening shop".  I never heard a job title for the ladies who worked there.

Adam D.

[Sklounion]

ICG's Dictionary of Glass-making, gives ground base, puntied base, and the verb puntying, for the grinding of the base.
Don't know if you can assume puntier.The dictionary also refers, in the section on cutting and polishing of glass to the terms, flatter, and stoner for occupations. Both of these last, appear to be terms covered by BS3447:1962, and BS 952:1953, which has been superceded by BS 952 1: 1980
Regards,
Marcus

[Bernard C]

Thanks everyone.   I think it best to avoid specific terms for these post-annealing jobs as it could cause more confusion than clarification.

Adam — I noticed your mention of this being ladies' work.   With the well-known photograph of Catherine Ysart signing Vasart glass, and my own experience at a Doncaster fair some years ago meeting the tiny and incredibly beautiful Bagley polkadot lady (and she was worried that I might laugh!!! — it was like meeting royalty), this side of the annealing oven, at least here in Britain, seems to have been dominated by the fair sex.

Bernard C.  

[Sklounion]

Bernard wrote:

this side of the annealing oven, at least here in Britain, seems to have been dominated by the fair sex

A fair observation, and equally applicable to the pottery and ceramics industry, where most casting/forming/mouldmaking and kiln work was carried out by men, and decorating, linishing and many other skilled tasks were carried out by women.
regards,
Marcus

[Bernard C]

Eeeeek — I got that wrong!    And although I corrected it, you, Marcus, have quoted me so that all can see my terrible error!    With my OH a full-blooded tartan-swinging clan Maxwell, complete with several ruined castles, this could be the end for me.   It's been a pleasure knowing you all.

Farewell,

Bernard C.  

[Sklounion]

Bernard,
Your blushes are spared....
Regards,
Marcus

[Bernard C]

Marcus — Thanks, but too late.

Bernard C.  

[Frank]

... At Vasart Joe Dickson was the man and he was called the grinder...