When I first saw this 18th century German Milch glass mug, I though that the hand painted scene of a distinguished gentleman and lovely lady fabric shopping was quaint.
![](http://blog.andrewbaseman.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0370.jpeg)
Then it dawned on me that they would have been a contemporary couple, wearing outfits from when the mug was made.
![](http://blog.andrewbaseman.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0373.jpeg)
So, imagine that if a mug was made today showing a contemporary couple shopping for fabric, the image would look something like this…
![](http://blog.andrewbaseman.com/wp-content/uploads/693-06325084en_Masterfile-1-2.jpeg)
Right?! Now, you may wonder why this mug is even included here. Well, if you turn the mug around…
![](http://blog.andrewbaseman.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0375.jpeg)
…you will find 16 metal staples holding the broken pieces together. As if drilling into delicate porcelain isn’t impressive enough, stapled glass is just mind boggling, don’t you think?
![](http://blog.andrewbaseman.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0377-1.jpeg)
![](http://blog.andrewbaseman.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0379.jpeg)
![](http://blog.andrewbaseman.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0384.jpeg)
![](http://blog.andrewbaseman.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0389.jpeg)
![](http://blog.andrewbaseman.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0390.jpeg)
Tags: German, glass, staples/rivets
OUCH !
Andrew,
What a wonderful post! Aside from the amazingly difficult repair to glass(!), the mug is such a great document to illustrate 18th century consumerism and retail trade. And look at that wonderful counter with the drawers (on bun feet)!
Thank you Leslie! and Joanne?