Topic: is this a 'small ale' or 'champers flute'

[Paul S.]

same origin as the drinking container - and initially I just assumed they were champagne flutes.   Must be the find of the month for me - cost £2. for a full set of six - and all without a single flea bite.
Ground/polished concave pontils - with.....base dia. 67mm ...max. top dia. 61mm .... overall height 150mm ....and thickness of foot 4mm - 5mm.    Foot is not symmetrically circular, and shows reasonable wear.    Decoration is I'm thinking panel cut, and there is a short blade-knopped stem.       They 'ding' quite well, so I'm guessing some lead content - and I'm thinking stylistically they are late C18 to early C19  -  but stand to be corrected, of course.   Problem is that Champagne flutes and short ales look virtually the same  -  and style wise seem to be virtually interchangable.   What do people think please, am I 'slightly warm'.     thanks for looking.      

[oldglassman]

HI ,
       Looks like an ale glass to me  champagnes are usually a little taller and with a more slender bowl ,the date i would think is around 1840 ish onwards,nice to find a set  and of course you can use them for whatever you like these days .

Cheers ,
          Peter

[Paul S.]

thanks Peter  -  appreciate the help.   Unfortunately, your date knocks these out of the classical 'Georgian' period, just.  But no matter, I am really chuffed with them, and quite amazing that I have the full half dozen.     Unfortunately, the more I learn about drinking glasses from this period the less I seem to know - so many similar shapes and designs with only subtle differences.   Probably should use them, but regret to say that I'm one of those people who keep their goodies locked up in cabinets to be seen only - otherwise I fear something will get broken.    Anyway, when I drink 'ale' I want one hell of a bigger glass than one of these.     cheers.

[oldglassman]

 What you need is one of these , 10 3/4 ins and weighing in at 4lbs c 1740,you can have a good glug of ale from that one and get a workout at the same time  :spls:

Cheers  :cheers:

[KevinH]

... when I drink 'ale' I want one hell of a bigger glass than one of these ...

Modern ale is nothing like what it used to be way back then. You would not have needed a bigger glass in those days. :thud: