Chalices
Original OwnerPossibly originally owned by
First Congregational Church of Groton
(American)
MakerMade by
Unknown
Date1730-1760
MediumBlown colorless lead glass
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x diameter of each chalice): 7 1/2 x 3 5/8in. (19.1 x 9.2cm)
ClassificationsGlassware
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Howard Bulkeley Haylett
Object number1955.1.1a-b
DescriptionPair of chalices, or goblets, made of blown colorless lead glass, each in the shape of a large wine glass. Each has a plain rim and cylindrical bowl, over a solid cylindrical stem, and a round foot with a pontil mark on the bottom. The edge of each foot has been folded under. Both chalices have a ring of light scratches around the bottom edge of the foot, as well as a cloudy appearance to the glass at the bowl.
Chalice .b has a rectangular wove paper label adhered to the side. The paper has yellowed, and there is extensive ink hand-writing on the label. It reads, "Brought from England about/ the year A.D. 1690 by Rev./ Ephraim Woodbridge, and used/ in the administration of the/ Lords Supper by the first/ Congregational Church/ established in Groton". The same chalice has a small paper label adhered to the bottom, over the pontil mark. "Rhodes" is hand-written in black ink on the label.
Pontil mark: A rough place on a blown glass object where the solid metal rod, or pontil, is cracked off the object after final shaping and decoration. Pontil marks can be polished to achieve a smooth surface.
NotesHistorical Note: Ephraim Woodbridge was born in Wethersfield, Connecticut, in 1680. He graduated from Harvard College in 1701 and was ordained 1704. In 1704, he also married Hannah Stone. Reverend Woodbridge was the first minister of the First Congregational Church in Groton, from 1704 to 1724. He died in 1725.Chalice .b has a rectangular wove paper label adhered to the side. The paper has yellowed, and there is extensive ink hand-writing on the label. It reads, "Brought from England about/ the year A.D. 1690 by Rev./ Ephraim Woodbridge, and used/ in the administration of the/ Lords Supper by the first/ Congregational Church/ established in Groton". The same chalice has a small paper label adhered to the bottom, over the pontil mark. "Rhodes" is hand-written in black ink on the label.
Pontil mark: A rough place on a blown glass object where the solid metal rod, or pontil, is cracked off the object after final shaping and decoration. Pontil marks can be polished to achieve a smooth surface.
Status
Not on view
