A 19th Century Glass Boot

Description

Heading : A 19th century “boot glass”
Period : 1800-1840
Origin : England 
Colour : Clear 
Bowl : In the shape of the boot
Pontil : Polished
Glass Type : Lead 
Size :  8.9 cm tall
Condition : Excellent. no chips or cracks 
Restoration : None 
Weight:  41grams 

A fabulous piece of antique novelty glassware. Allegedly first made to ridicule John Stuart 3rd Earl of Bute. The Prime Minister responsible for the imposition of “cider tax”. not a good way to endear yourself to any Englishman. His key relationship for furthering his fortunes was with Frederick Prince of Wales. the eldest son of George II. Frederick died leaving his son to become George III. The tutor of the latter was Bute himself. 

Bute was thus considered to be moving in elevated circles and was seen to be promoted well above his station. He was a favourite of the King. He was the first Scot to act as Prime Minister following the union and he lasted one year. He is also had an affair with the Dowager Princess of Wales. the widow of prince Frederick. Enough reasons to merit him being a laughing stock for decades. However. these were made for far too long a period to be related to Bute. They are still to be found in coaching houses to this day.

I expect glass sturgeons to soon be all the rage.