Topic: cut glass items?

[krsilber]

This is a typical shape for cigarette holders, at least in the US.  Beyond that, I just don't know.  I agree with Christine, they aren't earlier than late 19th C.

[glass]

Hi Mrs Vulture, I think these are great and very unusual, Theres two types in this shape 1) Pinched glass posy holder 2) Toothpick holder.

Posy holders tend to be a bit more curved and have arched rims whereas toothpick holders are more square with straight rims. The feet on yours are known as everted feet.

These are toothpick holders which were popular in the 1930s and were possibly made by Webb c1930. Thanks for showing them.  :thup:

[Lustrousstone]

It's not a very practical shape for toothpicks, it's too wide, once it began to get empty they would fall sideways and be hard to get out. It's also not a shape you could arrange flowers in, even violets, you would have to ram them in completely upright. I know some of the frogs are designed for short stems but they are meant for arrangements of flower heads, and you wouldn't get more than two in one of these.

It is however a known shape for cigarette holders cf Royal Brierley pattern no 65669

[glass]

I always thought cigarette holders had wider feet.

I've uploaded a couple of pictures of a Victorian amber pinched glass posy holder.

Thanks

[mrs vulture]

HI, I've certainly prompted some different answers!!  They have become a talking point at home too . The age of these appears to be widely ranging to say the least, and their use is still baffling me!!!  I had got used to the idea of them being cigarette holders, now they could be posy holders or toothpick holders. I agree that to put toothpicks in them would be awkward because they would fall in the bottom, and flowers seem an odd thing to put in such a shape too. So I'm back to where I started not knowing. This web site is great though, at least people give their honest opinions and all answers are really welcome. Cheryl