Exhibit Antiques has dated this Ruby Glass Dram Tumbler to the Victorian era.
A very unusual mid 19th century ruby cased glass dram tumbler, probably English and dating to c1840.
The rich ruby red glass is cased in clear, becoming brilliantly translucent around the thin rim, while the substantial integral base is predominantly clear glass, providing a striking contrast with the ruby bowl.
At only 7.2cm tall, its diminutive size and capacity are consistent with a small drinking glass intended for whisky, gin or another spirit. Although the outline has some similarities to contemporary jelly glasses, the pronounced internal thickening towards the base of the bowl would make it impractical for eating jelly with a spoon, as the jelly would be stuck under the thicked section.
The glass displays good genuine wear to the clear base together with hand tooling and irregularities within the glass metal. The character of the glass, with the small imperfections associated with less controlled melting and refining, is consistent with early to mid 19th century manufacture, prior to the widespread introduction of more efficient regenerative gas-fired furnaces during the second half of the century.
Historical Context
Cased coloured glass was being produced in Britain by this period, with examples recorded in the Richardson and Stevens & Williams pattern books from as early as 1829. Richardson's of Stourbridge were also experimenting extensively with coloured glass during the 1830s and 1840s, including ruby and cased ruby glass, demonstrating that this type of construction was well established in English glassmaking by the period of this tumbler.
Date & Origin
England, c1840. Period of Victoria.
Condition
Excellent. No chips, cracks or retoration. Good genuine age-related wear to the underside of the base.
Dimensions
Height: 7.2 cm
Rim diameter: 5.3 cm
Foot diameter: 4.3 cm
Weight: 72 grams
Exhibit Antiques has dated this Ruby Glass Dram Tumbler to the Victorian era.
Specialists in 18th & 19th century antique glass
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Rare 19th Century Small Ruby Cased Dram Tumbler C1840
