Antique Cranberry Optic-Ribbed Pitcher With Ruffled Rim, C. 1880

Details

Description

Description
Hand‑blown Victorian cranberry glass pitcher featuring a classic melon / optic‑ribbed body, a dramatically ruffled crimped rim, and a … Read more Description
Hand‑blown Victorian cranberry glass pitcher featuring a classic melon / optic‑ribbed body, a dramatically ruffled crimped rim, and a clear applied handle with shell-style terminal. The rich cranberry tone deepens toward the base and glows in natural light. You can see gentle waviness, tool marks, and tiny air bubbles from the original blowing process — all hallmarks of late 19th‑century handmade glass. The underside shows a polished pontil.

Details
• Period: Late 19th Century (c. 1880–1900)
• Style: Victorian / American Art Glass
• Origin: Attributed in style to high-quality American and British houses active in the late 19th century, including New England Glass Co., Boston & Sandwich, Mount Washington, Hobbs Brockunier, and Thomas Webb & Sons
• Material: Cranberry glass colored with gold in the melt; clear applied handle
• Technique: Hand‑blown with optic melon ribs, ruffled rim, applied handle, polished pontil
• Function: Decorative pitcher / small ewer / display vessel

Dimensions (inches)
Height 8.5 in
Width 6.25 in
Depth 3.5 in
Approx. weight 3 lb

Condition
Excellent antique condition. No chips, cracks, or repairs observed. Minor trapped bubbles, light tooling marks, and natural glass wave are present and consistent with hand‑blown Victorian production.

Why It Works in a Room
This piece reads as both historic and glamorous. The saturated cranberry color acts like a jewel tone accent on a bar cart, vanity, bookcase, or dining console. The ruffled mouth and clear handle give it sculptural presence, so it stands beautifully on its own, or can be styled with a few stems of flowers.

Care
Hand wash only in lukewarm water with mild soap. Avoid thermal shock, dishwashers, and abrasive pads. Do not microwave. See less