Description
Heading : Georgian coaching glass
Date : c1800
Period : George III
Origin : English
Colour : Clear
Bowl : Drawn round funnel with applied hollow handle “toe”
Pontil : Snapped ( on the sole of the heel)
Glass Type : Lead
Size : 9cms tall
Condition : Excellent
Restoration : None
Weight : 97 Grams
References : Coloured Glass By Derek C. Davis & Keith Middlemas – Page 79.
Old Glass By O. N. Wilkinson – Plate 102.
Coaching glasses were first produced in the latter decades of the eighteenth century. As the name suggests. they were used at coaching houses. or staging inns if you prefer that were situated at regular intervals along major routes. By the late 18th century. stagecoaches and mail coaches in particular. ran with significantly increased average speed. reliability and efficiency. The changing of horses had been refined to an exact science and was typically accomplished within three to five minutes of arrival.
With such short stopping times it became increasingly difficult for the passengers to take advantage of refreshments and vittles on offer. Thus Innkeepers. not wishing to loose this valuable passing trade would send beverages out to the coach.
Coaching glasses taken out to the passengers on a large tray. brim down. The glasses were handed around to the passengers wishing to partake in refreshments. at a cost. The passengers held the glass whilst it was filled by an attendant. The beverage was consumed and the glass returned to the tray. Coaching glasses could not be set down inside a carriage as they were highly unstable thus increasing the likelihood that they would be returned after its contents were consumed.
This “Boot” was intended for the well “heeled “to use on their travels and with such a pedigree this glass really does have a “sole”.
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