How do I identify a Jacobite wine glass?

A Jacobite wine glass often displays specific engraved symbols such as roses, buds, or portraits associated with the exiled Stuart cause. These clandestine emblems expressed political loyalty among supporters during the 18th century. Authentication relies on the pairing of these specific motifs with appropriate stem formations like air twists or plain stems of the period.

What is Old Sheffield plate?

Old Sheffield plate is an early form of plated metal created by fusing silver to a copper core under high heat. This method produced durable tableware and drinking vessels that mimic solid silver construction. Pieces from the 18th century often reveal subtle traces of copper along cut edges or worn high points where the outer silver layer has thinned over generations of use.

What distinguishes a rummer from a wine glass?

A rummer is typically a larger, heavier drinking vessel with a sturdy short stem and a capacious bowl designed for ale, wine, or punch. They emerged toward the late 18th century to accommodate heartier pours. Unlike delicate baluster or twist stem wine glasses, rummers prioritise stability and robust daily utility over intricate optical stem work.