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Glass Discussion & Research. NO IDENTIFICATION REQUESTS here please. => British & Irish Glass => Topic started by: neilh on June 03, 2022, 10:31:01 AM

Title: Glass nipple... or something... from an archaeological dig
Post by: neilh on June 03, 2022, 10:31:01 AM
The last of these mystery fragments from the Percival Vickers dig, placing the glass item at 1914 or earlier.
This one came from the annealing area of the factory.

I am lacking inspiration as to what it could be, might be more industrial or scientific rather than decorative.

Any ideas?
Title: Re: Glass nipple... or something... from an archaeological dig
Post by: NevB on June 03, 2022, 11:54:06 AM
I'd guess industrial lighting of some sort, with the nipple designed to act like a lens?
Title: Re: Glass nipple... or something... from an archaeological dig
Post by: chopin-liszt on June 03, 2022, 01:39:18 PM
Or could it be for tying a bit of string around? To create a handle, or the ridges around the whole part being used to tie a cover on - like a jam-pot cover.
It's rather crude for commercial or laboratory use, but could be a bit of kitchen stuff.
Title: Re: Glass nipple... or something... from an archaeological dig
Post by: Ekimp on June 03, 2022, 03:40:00 PM
Or a boss to locate a hinged metal handle, such as on an ice bucket.
Title: Re: Glass nipple... or something... from an archaeological dig
Post by: glassobsessed on June 05, 2022, 07:53:06 PM
How big is it?

John
Title: Re: Glass nipple... or something... from an archaeological dig
Post by: neilh on June 06, 2022, 06:54:09 AM
It's a small piece, just over 2 inches across
Title: Re: Glass nipple... or something... from an archaeological dig
Post by: glassobsessed on June 06, 2022, 09:34:18 AM
Pretty small then, I was wondering about an electrical insulator of some sort but can't see how that would fit...
Title: Re: Glass nipple... or something... from an archaeological dig
Post by: neilh on June 06, 2022, 09:39:36 AM
Given that these companies made a lot of lighting, lamps and lenses, I am thinking it is in that category with the nipple being an attachment point for a surrounding brass frame etc.
Title: Re: Glass nipple... or something... from an archaeological dig
Post by: glassobsessed on June 06, 2022, 09:56:21 AM
The overall shape looks curved, could see it as part of a decorative lantern as well.

By chance I had a look at a star shaped lantern yesterday, unlike the modern versions it was made with thick metal and very small thick pieces of coloured glass, all leaded. Smaller and much heavier than those I see for sale today. My impression was that it dated to the 1930s but guess it could have been later, lovely thing.

Along these lines but way more work involved: https://www.lanternshop.com/collections/star-lanterns/products/lantern-xl-starburst?variant=40743735197849