Milk Pan

Original OwnerOriginally owned by Horace Staples (American, 1802 - 1897)

Date1830-1840

MediumBlown colorless non-lead glass with a light green tint

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x diameter): 5 1/2 x 15in. (14 x 38.1cm)

ClassificationsGlassware

Object number1960.63.0

DescriptionMilk pan made of blown colorless non-lead glass with a light green tint. The milk pan has a thick, slightly flared rim with a folded edge, tapered sides, and a medium kick with a rough pontil mark in the center of the bottom. There is a ring of scratches on the bottom edge of the milk pan. Additional scratches are located on the interior bottom, over the pontil mark.

Kick: An indentation in the bottom of a drinking glass, bottle, or other glass object.
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: According to a letter written by the donor, Horace Staples (1802-1897) owned a lumber yard and several farms. He realized that cleanliness was very essential in handling milk; the tin milk-pans that were commonly used to separate cream from milk for butter making were hard to keep clean and free from rust. Horace Staples thought that glass milk-pans might be the answer, and he had a number made especially for him. He discovered that glass pans broke too easily, and he had to discontinue their use. After his death, three of the glass milk-pans were found in his home. (Hudson 3/30/2005)

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