Early 20th-Century American Brilliant Cut Glass Tankard

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Excellent Pre-Owned Condition.

Although glass making was the first industry to be established in America at Jamestown, Virginia in 1608, … Read more Excellent Pre-Owned Condition.

Although glass making was the first industry to be established in America at Jamestown, Virginia in 1608, no glass is known to have been cut in the New World until at least 160 years later. Henry William Stiegel, an immigrant from Cologne, Germany, founded the American Flint Glass Manufactory in Manheim, Pennsylvania and it was there, in about 1771, that the first cut glass was produced in America. What is now termed the "Brilliant Period" in America began about the time our country was preparing to celebrate its hundredth birthday. From about 1876 until the advent of World War 1, American cut glass craftsmen excelled all others worldwide, and produced examples of the cut glass art that may never again be equaled. Thousands of patterns were cut by hundreds of shops, and only a small percentage has been confidently identified, and only some have maker marks. Hobstars and fans, strawberry diamonds and flutes, beading and caning, are but a few of the motifs that make up American designs. Which leads to this incredibly gorgeous American Brilliant cut glass tankard, made sometime during the American Brilliant period, possibly late in the period, 1900 to 1910. The miter cuts are deep for maximum brilliance and a beveled scalloped rim and double notched applied handle are eye catching. The exciting design consists of one solitary pinwheel on the front of the tankard with a Brunswick star at its center. Both left and right sides of the tankard, at the top and at the bottom consist of shooting fan cuts that frame a center triangular motif of crosshatching and blaze (also called fringe) with a prism flair to the right of each. Beneath the spout is a triangular motif that consists of prism flairs to the left and right. The base is a cut 24-point ray. It measures 10” x 7½” H/W; top diameter 5”; base diameter 5¼”; weight 4 lbs. 8 oz.; medium is clear and brilliant American cut glass. In excellent pre-owned condition with minimal use wear. Beautiful piece that will definitely add a great deal of drama and elegance at your next gathering!

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