SOLD – Regency Engraved Glass Rummer c1830

Description

A superb Georgian Regency Engraved Glass Rummer which dates to c1830.

It has a large Bucket Bowl which is very nicely engraved with Hops and Barley  and the initials AS. It has a blade knop and conical foot with a polished pontil. No chips or cracks or restoration. It stands 5 3/8th inches high with a 3 5/8th bowl and a 3 inch foot. English lead.

Having the initials “AS” myself this glass obviously appeals to me. The letters are entwined and incorporated into a design with engraved hops and barley.

The lower half of the bowl has 11 slice cuts around the bowl. This must have amused both the fabricator and the user some two hundred years ago. Allow me to explain. In 1750 the British government decided to change the calendar to put us on the same basis as most other countries in Western Europe. the Gregorian calendar (named after Pope Gregory). This was first proposed in Elizabethan times and was rejected by her majesty. In 1752 the 3rd September became the 14th and eleven days were lost. This lead to the “calendar” riots. most notably in Bristol where a number of people died. people demanding that their eleven days were returned to them as their lives had been shortened. Worse still the change to the Gregorian calendar had papal support. this was a catholic plot ! Saints days would have to be changed and the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne would need to be moved from the 1st July to the 12th. The start of the financial year was moved from ending the 25th March to the 6th April. does this mean I will be paid late?

Hogarth and other satirists had a field day at the expense of the non-conformists. “Eleven days may be lost in drink”. It is also worth noting that some period communion goblets also have eleven sides. We are advised that this represents the loyal disciples. but not Judas. Eleven is also used widely in masonic glass. being the number of persons required to have a quorum.  So eleven is not just a random prime number.