Topic: 19th century 'onion' decanter

[Paul S.]

my apologies -  this has just crossed with Nigel's reply.

[Paul S.]

in view of the indistinct details in the original pix., and to try and avoid confusion - attached are some pix showing saw tooth decoration on facet cut stems of drinking glasses  -  one being a C19 sherry and the other a C20 hock.       
For obvious reasons this sort of decoration can only be applied to what Nigel describes correctly as 'flat facet cut and polished neck' - sometimes called flat flutes - and the marks are placed on the 'arris' (the sharp intersection between two flat surfaces).
Elville says this decoration occured in the C18, but I can't see any examples in Ward Lloyd  -  he also says it is sometimes described at 'notched decoration'.
I'd also agree with Nigel's proposal that this piece is possibly of later manufacture than I'd thought originally.
P.S.   If anyone does have Andy McConnell's book which they no longer require  -  give me a shout please  

[scavo]

Europe, ooops - continental European! Yes the 1 is how I know the French do them, i.e. with the tail on the bottom line. The 7 is crossed as I know the Germans do them.

Wear: there are lots of flea-bites around the stopper. There are a few scratches on the base. Not many. Colour is very clear. The other decanter I have that I have, that you commented on - is very yellow by comparison.

[scavo]

Thanks to Paul and Nigel for all your helpful info:

Stylistically circa 1840, production could be any time after that.
Numbers on both pieces match and indicate continental European manufacture.
Neck is flat facet cut and the arris is 'saw tooth' decorated (for grip one assumes).
Style is known as 'shaft and globe' (a common shape).
Quality - skilled cutting.
Use - sherry.
As it's probably not that old, the trade - off is condition.

Recommendation to use it - it isn't really my style. It came in a mixed auction lot so doesn't stand my very much. I was thinking of putting it on my flea market stall for £20 or trading it. Maybe I'll stash it until the Xmas silly season and ask £40 for it.