Topic: date request for old drinking glasses.

[Paul S.]

These measure approximately 162mm and 152 respectively, with the taller example having a ground/polished pontil mark, whilst the smaller one does not.   In the larger example the glass has a very slightly greyish/purple tone, which may well be 'sun-purpling', although the shorter glass is reasonably clear.   The quality of both is quite poor, with noticeable irregularities, some bubbles and a couple of seeds, with quite a lot of wear on the bases.     The thickness of both is considerable, and in the area of the 'pressed gadrooning' they almost verge on being like the 'deception' glasses  i.e.  very thick so as to deliberately contain less than you might imagine.      I know that this type of gadrooning is found on late C18 glasses  -  although I appreciate these two are one century further on........but is it possible to say if they are early, mid or late C19....Peter??
Thanks for looking, and will be grateful for all replies. :fc:

[oldglassman]

HI ,
         I would not describe these as being Gadrooned , Gadrooning ,popular from the 17th c till the early 19thc  was achieved by first blowing a bubble to make a bowl then regathering more glass over the bubble and blowing into a mould ,(double gathered)it could then also be manipulated to create Flamiforms and the like ,your glasses i have seen many of and it has been suggested that they are from the mid 19thc onwards, the crudity would suggest bar use ,some say possibly for Absinthe,with a sugar holder above to pour the Absinthe through, the drink then being set on fire before drinking , hence the thickness of the glass , to withstand the heat,and rough bar use .

of course this could all be a story , but its the only 1 know with regard to these glasses , some others may have a more informed opinion .

Cheers ,
             Peter.

[Paul S.]

many thanks Peter - and your suggestion re bar use sounds most likely in view of the very thick glass.   The possible connection with Absinthe implies a darker side to their history perhaps  -  artists and characters from a seedier side of life, so I'm told.   If only some of these pieces could talk!   Certainly items I will keep, and thanks again. :fc:

[Anne]

More on absinthe glasses here: http://www.moderndrunkardmagazine.com/issues/11-02/11_02_absinthe.htm and a fascinating earlier topic about this most decadent of drinks: http://www.glassmessages.com/index.php/topic,833.0.html

[Paul S.]

very many thanks Anne - the history and uses/abuses of Absinthe are very intoxicating   -  a very interesting and enjoyable read.    I've supped on most things over the years but this one seems to have eluded me.   Obviously, you seem experienced with this particular bevy, so you must teach me sometime how to enjoy it.      By the way, is that you blowing the butterflies from your hand.

[Anne]

Oddly enough, Paul, I've never tried it either! It was way back when Leni asked about the bottles her mother used to buy each Christmas that set me off searching for more information. (And I had a wormwood bush in the garden at the time too!) It's one of those drinks about which a whole culture seems to have arisen, with lots of accessories to go with it. I especially loved the uranium glass absinthe glasses here: http://www.oxygenee.com/absinthe/absinthiana3.html - by the way, the swirl uranium ones on the right about half way down this page look similar to yours.

[Ivo]

The clear variety (not the Uranium) is very common in France.  Barware was extremely solid and could survive a bar fight, and it has been in production for a very long time. They also make great wine glasses!

[Paul S.]

My thanks to both of you.    I certainly know the aromatic smell of the herb Wormwood - very potent indeed.     Those Uranium items from Baccarat are superb, and scarce I should think - especially when complete - and think you are right Anne, that swirl pattern appears to be identical to my examples.   Maybe the wrythen look disguises the very thick glass and makes them look a little less utilitarian.   It is amazing in fact how thick the glass really is, and you really need to 'feel' the piece to appreciate how thick, and in views of Ivo's comments re France, maybe these two perhaps started their life there.   I have seen many different 'second hand' drinking glasses, but must admit hadn't come across this style before now.