Topic: Walsh Glass - but what were these for.

[ian the sculptor]

Hi All,
This was a recent acquisition,  believed to be Walsh though unsigned. I've often wondered what the purpose of these odd shaped glasses made in this period by a few glassworks were actually for. Are they just quirky decorative / cabinet pieces?
Interestingly, when photographing it I notice it has a faint opal ring around the edge. It's only visible when you put a light on it.
I haven't tested it under UV yet but my feeling is that it will react.
Ian

[chopin-liszt]

Pretty thing. I always thought these were for holding confections or sweetmeats.
I have seen larger and more robust ones used for jam; and on the mainland of Europe, I've seen them on breakfast tables holding multicoloured coloured sugar straws for sprinkling on cereal or porridge.

[ian the sculptor]

Hi Sue,
You could be right. I've seen them described as vases, which might be okay on a heavier piece but wouldn't seem practical here.
Size is 5.5 inches at the highest point and 5 inches across top.
Ian