Exhibit Antiques has dated this Georgian Wrythen Ale Glass to the Georgian era.
This is an independent date report produced by Sellingantiques using its own proprietary system. The process uses the photographs shown on this page. The system is never told the date the dealer has declared. This report shows that the two dates corroborate.
A fine example of an 18th-century English Somerset ale glass, dating to c1770.
The bowl sits above two small graduated shoulder knops, leading down to a wide conical foot with a rough pontil.
A particularly attractive example of Georgian ale glassmaking, displaying the distinctive flowing spiral moulding and elegant proportions associated with Somerset ale glasses of the period.
Date & Origin
England, c1770. Period of King George III.
Condition
Excellent. No chips, cracks or restoration.
Dimensions
Height: 14.3 cm
Rim Diameter: 6.1 cm
Foot Diameter: 7.5 cm
Weight: 171 grams
Historical Context
Ale remained one of Britain's staple drinks throughout the Georgian period, and glasses of this form were produced for serving beer and ale in both taverns and private households. During the mid-18th century, glassmakers increasingly employed wrythen moulding to create decorative optical effects, producing elegant spiralling patterns that caught and reflected candlelight while demonstrating the skill of the glassblower.
This distinctive form is commonly known amongst collectors as a "Somerset Ale" glass. The name is generally believed to derive from Somerset's long-standing reputation for brewing strong ales, although there is no evidence that these glasses were exclusively made in, or for, Somerset. Today the term is recognised as a traditional collectors' description rather than a definitive place of manufacture.
Exhibit Antiques has dated this Georgian Wrythen Ale Glass to the Georgian era.
This is an independent date report produced by Sellingantiques using its own proprietary system. The process uses the photographs shown on this page. The system is never told the date the dealer has declared. This report shows that the two dates corroborate.
Specialists in 18th & 19th century antique glass
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Exhibit Antiques Profile Page
18th Century Georgian Somerset Ale Glass with Full Wrythen Moulding C1770
