English Gaof Wheel-Engraved Lead-Glass Rummer, 1820s

Details

Description

An early 19th-century english lead-glass rummer, probably made in north-east england, in the newcastle or sunderland area, circa 1820–1830. The … Read more An early 19th-century english lead-glass rummer, probably made in north-east england, in the newcastle or sunderland area, circa 1820–1830. The copper-wheel engraving is in the north-east english manner associated with john richardson.

the glass was made for the grand alfred order of old friends (gaof), a british friendly society. Its working-class membership adopted masonic and royal arch rituals, lodge organisation and symbols for a system based on mutual financial support, fellowship and trade solidarity.

one side is engraved with a crowned heraldic cartouche flanked by crossed swords. The cartouche contains an elaborate interlaced cipher monogram, presumably for the original owner. Below the cartouche are the engraved numbers 7814 and 5, possibly referring to the original member and his lodge or division.

the reverse carries the all-seeing eye in rays above the triple tau, with the initials g, o, a and f around the central emblem. Further motifs include a crown and mitre, crossed keys, jacob's ladder, square and compasses, an open book, a chequered pavement, english roses and scottish thistles.

the grand alfred improved order of old friends is documented by an 1880 numismatic catalogue through a membership medal. Its inscription records that the order was founded by brother sansum on 5 august 1818 and refers to 47 lodges and 20,000 members.

dimensions
height: 14.8 cm
upper diameter: 10 cm
weight: 607 g

condition
excellent antique condition, with no cracks or chips. The glass remains clear and substantial, with crisp hand-wheel engraving throughout. See less