SOLD – Georgian Jacobite Engraved Air Twist Wine Glass c1750

Description

A fine Georgian Jacobite Engraved Air Twist Wine Glass c1750

It has a drawn trumpet bowl engraved with a Jacobite Rose with an open bud and two leaves on the left hand side and a closed bud and two leaves on the right hand side. It also has the word Fiat and an Oakleaf engraved upon the bowl. Sits on a multi spiral air twist stem with conical foot and snapped pontil.

English lead. no chips cracks or restoration. this is an outstanding glass. It measures an impressive 6 ¼ inches tall with a 2 ½ inch bowl and 2 9/16 inch foot. Excellent dark color showing excellent striations and tooling.

The word ‘Jacobite’ comes from Jacobus. the latin for James and the original Jacobites were supporters of James II who was deposed by his daughter Mary II and her husband “The Usurper” William of Orange. Later in the 18th century it referred to those who favoured the return of the Stuart dynasty. So Jacobitism was the political movement dedicated to the restoration of the Stuart Kings to the thrones on England. Scotland and Ireland.

The main emblem of the Jacobites was the White Rose of York which is the central theme of their engraved glass. Although opinions do vary. it is accepted that the open rose represents James Stuart (the old pretender) or the Crown of England. On most. but not all Jacobite glasses. there are  two buds. representing his sons. An open bud on the left representing Price Charles. James’ direct heir (Bonny Price Charlie the Young pretender)  and a closed bud on the right representing Price Henry. the prince in waiting should anything ever happen to Charles. The word Fiat is normally interpreted as “let it be done”. The engraved oak leaf. a symbol which has been associated with the Stuart family since Charles 2nd escape after the battle of Worcester in 1651 via concealment in the Boscobel oak. Oak leaves and trees have also long been a symbol of wealth and prosperity and pastoral idealism. both associated with the Stuarts.

References :           

The Jacobites and their Drinking Glasses By Geoffrey B. Seddon – Page 79 Plate 25 & Page 86 Plates 16 & 17.

English. Scottish & Irish Table Glass By G. Bernard Hughes – Page 240 Figure 197.

Glass By Geoffrey Wills – Page 24 Plate 24.

Glass Source Book By Jo Marshall – Page 93.

Miller’s Glass Buyers Guide – Page 113.

The Turnbull Collection of English 18^th Century Drinking Glasses By Martine S. Newby – Page 31.