What is a plain stem wine glass?

A plain stem wine glass is an eighteenth-century drinking vessel featuring a straight, unadorned cylindrical stem. These pieces date primarily from the Georgian era and were produced in English glasshouses. They represent a period of transition in glassware design before complex air twists and baluster stems became fashionable. Collectors value them for their minimalist silhouette and tactile weight.

How do I identify an 18th century glass?

Eighteenth-century glasses typically display pontil marks on the underside of the base where the punty rod was snapped off. The metal often contains tiny air bubbles and impurities characteristic of early hand-blown manufacture. Examining the foot for wear scratches helps confirm age, as does noting the heavier weight associated with lead glass formulations of that period.

Were these glasses used for wine?

These vessels served various alcoholic beverages including wine, ale, and spirits depending on their size and capacity. Shorter variants functioned as dram glasses for potent liqueurs. Larger versions known as goblets handled heartier pours or communal toasts during formal dinners and tavern gatherings.

What does folded foot mean?

A folded foot is a base where the hot glass edge is turned underneath itself and pressed flat against the underside. This creates a smooth, thickened rim that resists chipping. Found frequently on Georgian glassware, the fold adds necessary counterweight to balance tall trumpet or cup bowls.

What are Jacobite wine glasses?

Jacobite glasses are political artefacts engraved with secret symbols supporting the exiled Stuart dynasty. Common motifs include six-petal roses, oak leaves, and specific Latin inscriptions. Plain stem examples bearing these covert designs were raised in secret toasts to the king over the water.