What is a balustroid glass?

A balustroid glass is a lighter, slenderer version of the heavy baluster drinking vessel, typical of the mid-eighteenth century. These stems often feature knops and tapering profiles. They bridge the transition between heavy early-century forms and the delicate twist stems that followed.

How do air twists differ from opaque twists?

Air twists contain spiralling channels of trapped air inside the clear glass stem. Opaque twists incorporate solid white enamel rods within the clear metal. Both styles required high skill from the glassblower to maintain uniform spiral patterns throughout the stem.

Why do some glasses have folded feet?

Glassmakers folded the rim of the foot underneath to create a thicker, more durable edge on everyday and tavern drinking vessels. This construction helped prevent chips during frequent use. Folded feet are particularly common on mid-eighteenth-century ale, wine, and cordial glasses.

What was a dram glass used for?

A dram glass served small, concentrated measures of spirits or liqueurs. Their thick walls and small bowls suited potent contents. Some variants included deceptive bowls designed to hold less liquid than their exterior size suggested.