Exhibit Antiques has dated this Armorial Pedestal Stem Goblet to the Georgian era.
An exceptionally rare 18th-century engraved pedestal wine goblet, produced in England circa 1730. It features a pointed round funnel bowl with a solid base enclosing a single central air tear. The bowl is engraved with a ceremonial United Netherlands armorial.
It is raised on a rib-moulded domed foot, with a rough snapped pontil to the underside.
The Engraving: A wheel engraving of the coat of arms of the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands (1581–1795) - the precursor to the modern Dutch Royal Coat of Arms. It features a crowned lion rampant holding a sword and seven arrows, representing the united provinces, strength, and sovereignty. The motto is engraved with a diamond-point tool: “CONCORDIA RES PARVÆ CRESCUNT”, which translates as "Harmony makes small things grow", and was used to reflect the nature of the Republic.
It is difficult to overstate just how rare an English armorial engraved pedestal stem is. So few examples are known that attempting to quantify their rarity in percentage terms would be meaningless.
Date & Origin
England, c1730. Period of King George II.
Condition
Excellent. No chips or cracks. There are two very small restorative fills to the wear line on the foot, both of which are difficult to detect, as shown. These were carried out professionally and sympathetically, ensuring the long-term preservation of this very important glass.
Dimensions
Height: 19.1cm
Rim diameter: 8.3cm
Foot diameter: 8.7cm
Provenance
The Dr Rigby Collection
If you wish to see more from the Dr Rigby Collection, comprising over 100 fine 18th-century wine glasses, please use the link.
Historical Context
This goblet is a rare survivor from the first half of the 18th century, capturing the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands at a time of immense pride and global influence. While the glass was blown in England during the reign of George II, its heart is purely Dutch, representing a period when the Republic was a world leader in trade, science, and art.
The "Silesian" Pedestal Stem: The six-sided pedestal stem was a revolutionary design in 1730. Introduced to England following the arrival of King George I from Hanover, it moved away from the heavy, rounder shapes of the late 1600s toward a more architectural, regal aesthetic. The "long air tear" within the stem was a deliberate mark of quality, showing the glassmaker’s ability to trap a perfectly symmetrical bubble of air within the molten gather.
Mixed-Media Artistry: This piece is particularly interesting because it utilises two distinct decorating techniques. The intricate Coat of Arms was created using wheel engraving (grinding the glass with a copper wheel), while the motto was added using diamond-point engraving. Diamond-point was a highly specialised skill often practised by gifted amateurs and Dutch socialites, making this glass a unique collaboration between a professional workshop and a precision engraver.
A Symbol of Unity: The motto “Concordia Res Parvæ Crescunt” (Harmony makes small things grow) was the defining ethos of the Republic. The seven arrows held by the lion represent the seven provinces (including Holland, Zeeland, and Utrecht), which, though small individually, became a global superpower through their "concord" or unity.
The Rib-Moulded Foot: The "rib-moulded" domed foot is a classic 1730s feature. It wasn’t just decorative; it added structural strength to the glass and caught the candlelight during evening banquets, emphasising the brilliance of the English lead crystal.
Exhibit Antiques has dated this Armorial Pedestal Stem Goblet to the Georgian era.
Specialists in 18th & 19th century antique glass
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18th Century Ceremonial Armorial Pedestal Stem Wine Goblet C1730
