Topic: Sowerby pattern 1972 gondola, RD 95300, registered 7 March 1888.

[agincourt17]

Sowerby produced several patterns of glass boat. Their pattern 1874 boat (from RD 42947, registered on 10 February 1886) is not uncommonly seen in a variety of sizes and colours, but I have only seen their less-common pattern 1921 boat (from RD 64086, registered 22 December 1886) as a 5 inch, clear item.

Here is an uncommon Sowerby pattern 1972 gondola in clear pressed glass, RD 95300, registered 7 March 1888. It appears on page 9 of Sowerby’s 1892 pattern book (described as ‘Moulded, 8 and 10 inch 8 and 10 inch. Two Sizes, no Cabin to Largest Size’, and illustrated in the pattern book with a cabin).

This particular example is 8 inches long (so is presumably the smallest size) but has no cabin, and there is no sign of the cabin being broken from the body of the gondola.

(Permission for the re-use of these images on the GMB granted by Rob Young).

Jenny Thompson shows Sowerby patterns 1874, 1921 and 1972 as a catalogue cut on page 25.

This is the first time that I have come across an example of the pattern 1972 gondola.
Does anyone know if the cabin is simply meant to sit loosely on the gondola? Does anyone have photos of the 10 inch gondola for comparison? Does anyone know if the the pattern 1972 gondola was made in coloured glass?

Fred.

[Penelope12]

Hi Fred,

A bit late I know...I received a copy of Jenny Thompson’s book today and have just identified one of these in my cabinet in clear glass as in the photos. It doesn’t have the cabin, but it is in mint condition with no signs of wear, I would have expected to see some wear around the points where the cabin was meant to sit, but it is as shiny as when it left the factory. It looks from the catalogue as though the cabin just sat precariously on top of the points so maybe none survived for very long. I can’t believe that I’ve had it all this time and have only just spotted the Sowerby peacock and reg number in the base 95300. It also measures 7 ½” inches and not 8” as stated in the catalogue.

Penny

[Penelope12]

Some photos...Should have gone to Specsavers! 

[agincourt17]

Thank you for posting the photos's.

May I have your permission to add copies to the Glass Gallery Sowerby and RD databases (with appropriate attribution, of course)  please?

Fred.

[Penelope12]

Hi Fred,

Yes of course, are these ok or would you like me to send the higher resolution ones?

Penny

[agincourt17]

Thank you, Penny.

The photos with your post are fine as they are, thanks.

Fred.

[thewingedsphinx]

Dad’s only seen these in clear Flint.