Topic: cut and moulded pedestal stand for what?

[Paul S.]

I have now discussed this with the the V. & A., and they have confirmed their agreement that this has its origins in the C19, somewhere.            However, they didn't recognize the shape and were unable to help with it's exact use, although they agreed that a stand, or as a part of some more complex unit was a possibility.     So, if anyone else has any bright ideas............

As usual my sincere thanks to the Glass department at the V. & A. for their time.

[Ohio]

Over here it would be considered a shelf support. Many older retail establishments would use a pair to support a thick glass shelf where a wide variety of merchandise could be displayed. We have them in most of our antique malls.

[Paul S.]

o.k. - sounds workable - would the practice have extended back as far as the mid C19 do you think?

[Ohio]

Over here they are called shelf risers & have been in use since the 19-teens. Not certain about an earlier date. I believe they were manufacturered using the 3-4 day tank furnaces rather than the freestanding pots since they were mass produced commercially. I've seen many variations, some round like yours & some that uses a + shaped top for added stability. 

[Paul S.]

many thanks, and certainly a possibility - I will need to look further into this potential use