Tumbler

Original OwnerOriginally owned by Moses Wheeler American, born 1750

Date1800-1820

MediumBlown and engraved colorless non-lead glass

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x diameter): 5 3/4 x 4 1/8in. (14.6 x 10.5cm)

ClassificationsGlassware

Credit LineGift of Mary A. Clark

DescriptionBlown and engraved colorless non-lead glass tumbler. The tumbler has a plain rim, tapered sides, and a shallow kick with a wide pontil mark on the bottom. The lower sides of the tumbler were formed in a pattern mold to create narrow flutes. A wheel-engraved border circles the tumbler just below the rim. The border consists of two undulating lines. The top undulating line circles almost the entire tumbler, with one small break. The second undulating line is broken into three shorter sections. Between each section is an abstract design, similar to a wave. Beneath each section is a double curl motif. There are a few small air bubbles and seeds, or unvitrified matter, in the glass. There is a ring of light scratches on the bottom edges of the tumbler.

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.

Object number1994.79.1

NotesHistorical Note: According to a note written by the donor, this tumbler belonged to Moses Wheeler (b. 1750) of Derby, Connecticut, and was consecrated and used as a Communion cup at house communions during the Revolutionary War. According to Arlene Palmer, NEH ceramics and glass consultant, the tumbler dates to 1800-1820; while it could still have belonged to Moses Wheeler late in life, it dates too late to have been used in the Revolutionary War. (Hudson 5/23/2005)

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