A Georgian Toasting Glass c1780

Description

Heading : A Georgian toasting glass
Period : George III
Date :  1760-1800
Origin : England
Colour : Clear
Bowl : Lipped trumpet
Stem : Thin plain stem
Foot :  Conical
Pontil : Snapped
Glass Type : Lead
Size : 17.2cm tall with a bowl of 7.5cm and foot of 8cm
Condition : Excellent
Restoration : None
Weight : 150 grams

Additional Information : Plain stem toasting glasses were made from the late 17th century onwards. The concensus seems to be that those with the very thin stems are earlier. particularly those made from soda glass that are prone to crizzling. This glass is brighter than early 18th century equivalents and has a “thicker” stem than reference examples from the late 17th and early 18th century. hence the date range given.

Most authors state that toasting glasses were made for one time use. such that. having toasted the well being of some fair lady. or the health of the king then the stems of the glasses would be snapped or the glasses smashed to prevent the value of the toast being denuded.

References :

Eighteenth Century English Drinking Glasses an Illustrated Guide. By L.M Bickerton – Page 136 Plate 332.

Old English Drinking Glasses Their Chronology and Sequence By Grant R. Francis F.S.A – Plate 179.

The Arthur Negus Guide To British Glass By John Brooks– Page 34 Plate 16.

 Glass By E. Barrington Haynes – Plate 50e.