![\"IMG_8846\"](\"http:\/\/blog.andrewbaseman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_8846.jpg\")
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This unusual hand blown commemorative glass jug with applied handle was made in England around 1840 and stands 6-1\/4″ high.\u00a0It features\u00a0beautifully\u00a0engraved images including\u00a0a frigate in full sail under the Wearmouth\u00a0Bridge in Sunderland, an oval cartouche with “WH” monogram, an elaborate fruit basket, a spray\u00a0of wheat, roses and grapes. Examples of Sunderland souvenirs made of glass are more unusual than the popular\u00a0pottery pieces with colorful transfer decoration, overglaze washes and pink lustre highlights.<\/p>\n
The Wearmouth\u00a0Bridge was completed in 1796 but was still being commemorated well into the middle of the 19th century.\u00a0When opened it was the longest single span bridge in the world.\u00a0The original bridge was\u00a0replaced in 1929 and is still in use today.<\/p>\n
It must have taken a skilled hand to stabilize\u00a0the large horizontal crack\u00a0using\u00a0just 5 metal rivets. The underside reveals a ground pontil mark, as well as scratches and wear, showing that this jug has been well used. But it’s remarkable that a fragile glass jug such as this hasn’t sustained even more wear and damage over the past 175 years.<\/p>\n
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