Archive for June, 2021

Glass water goblet with wood base, c.1865

Sunday, June 27th, 2021

This EAPG (Early American Pressed Glass) water goblet in the Bullseye & Rosette – aka Star – pattern was most likely made in Pittsburgh, PA by Bakewell, Pears & Company. It dates from 1865 and stands 6.75 inches high.

At one point in its early life, the original glass base snapped off and was replaced by a turned wood replacement. The new base appears to be an at home repair, repurposed from a section of a stair newel post, as seen in the last photo. A lovely example of making-do, don’t you think?

This goblet with a similar pattern suggests what the original base on mine would have looked like.

Photo courtesy of Early American Pattern Glass Society

Photo courtesy of eBay

Barroom brawl survivor, c.1880

Sunday, June 20th, 2021

I’d like to imagine that this pewter tankard lost its original handle during a rowdy barroom brawl, sometime in the late 1800s. How else would you explain the sturdy metal handle becoming detached? One can only imagine the scenario of punching fists, smashed chairs, and flying drinking vessels. This survivor was most likely made in England at the end of the 19th century and measures 6.75 inches high with an opening of 3.75 inches. It has an engraved monogram of “DAO.”

After the broken tankard was picked up off of the barroom floor, it was was fitted with a thin metal replacement handle with thumb rest. Though diminutive in scale, the new handle does the trick in allowing the ale to be served again. This time men, please be more careful and leave the drinkware alone.

Photo courtesy of Invaluable

This example suggests what the original handle on my tankard might have looked like.

Photo courtesy of Ruby Lane

Delft jug with pewter lid, c.1690

Sunday, June 6th, 2021

I purchased this ovoid Dutch Delft blue & white earthenware jug from a dealer last year because I loved the stylized decoration and the unusual inventive repair. It has a slightly flared neck, blue & white Chinoiserie decoration, and a scroll handle. Jug was made in Holland in the late 1600s.

The pewter lid with a patch to cover the missing spout is one I have not seen before. I assumed that liquids would not pour well from this damaged vessel, but was pleasantly surprised how well the water flowed. I guess that the tinker or whoever did the repair over 150 years ago knew what they were doing.

Here’s another jug with similar form and decoration, but without damage. I prefer mine over this “perfect” example.

Photo courtesy of Anticstore