Topic: Slumped, but Chance? for Pilks

[Lustrousstone]

Not exactly beautiful but interesting because of the way it's made. It's 5mm slumped window glass and based, I suspect, on bullseye glass. Made for the 150th aniversary of Pilkington's Crown Works - the original glass works. Click to enlarge



useful link http://www.glasslinks.com/newsinfo/pilk_history.htm

[David E]

Very interesting Christine: but I wonder who did make it? Looks to have 10 flutes, so despite being 5mm thick glass it could still have been made by Chance if it's around 7" diameter. The 'bullseye' centre is rather curious but could have been formed after slumping, I suppose, if it wasn't part of the mould.

I've no information on whether Pilkies ever made slump glass, but it's not inconceivable.

Strange they were celebrating the 150th Anniversary on the 151st year! Maybe someone's slide rule had a slight bend in it, or perhaps they forgot! :lol:

I do have a Pilkies 150th Anniversary pin dish that was almost certainly sourced by Chance.

EDIT: Like this one : 270013131425

[Lustrousstone]

I have just compared it with a 7-in Chance and it's the same! Maybe Chance made a short run to be sold at the Pilkington museum or as gifts for the workers. The stall I found it on was on the flea market about 6 miles from St Helens and being run by pensioners rasing money for a local charity, possibly a church

[David E]

I have just compared it with a 7-in Chance and it's the same! Maybe Chance made a short run to be sold at the Pilkington museum or as gifts for the workers.

Yes, my exact thoughts: so possibly Chance. It would only mean using a thicker blank and probably leaving it slightly longer in the furnace. The 'bullseye' is still a little odd but might have been a consequence of the thicker glass or, as mentioned, formed afterwards.

I'm not aware of Pilkies making slumped glass but it's not inconceivable.

[David E]

As an aside: Chance quite often produced very small runs and Tony Cartwright mentioned 250 as being the smallest they would attempt. I currently have a dish with all the Newcastle United 1974 FA Cup finalist player's signatures on it. This was commissioned by one of the directors and only 250 were produced. Sadly it's Tony's and not mine  :wink: