Gimmel Flask – 19th Century Vine Engraved c1845

Description

Heading : A engraved Victorian table gimmel flask ( US Gemel). Tall and functional
Date : c1830-1860
Period :  George IV -Victoria
Origin : England
Colour : Clear. smokey hue
Stopper : Two white metal and cork stoppers ( tests silver)
Neck : Curved necks with metal rims
Body : Wheel engraved with fruiting vines and ivy leaves. Polished printie cuts on flanks
Pontil : Twenty fout point star cut
Glass Type : Lead
Size : 28cm tall. 13cm bowl. 10cm foot
Condition : Excellent. Some mossing on the wear rim of the foot. consistent with age and use. The corks have hardened and shrunk and will require soaking prior to use.
Restoration : None
Weight : 953gms 

There is a great deal of non-uniformity in the star cut base. The width of the cuts left and right in each point is not consistent. there is variance in he depth of cuts and the distance at which they terminate from the foot rim. This is indicative of the foot being cut by hand.

The body is wheel engraved with polished detail. the leaves are cut and not acid etched or sand blasted. We did have a very similar example that was dated 1830 and according to the associated provenance belonged to Sir Walter Scott of Ivanhoe fame. Sadly this was stolen but we are certain that it will reappear in a similar fashion to others stolen items via the auspices of a former employee.

The decorative engraved theme was used from the mid 18th century onwards and “twins” flasks  are known to have been produced in Venice in the 16th century. The polished but irregular twenty four point star cut foot will almost certainly be post 1830. The smokey hue of the glass is consistent with late Regency and early Victorian glass wares. The engraving would not have been admired by a fashionable consumer receptive to the Gothic and Arts and Crafts style some thirty to forty years later.

This is a magnificent piece. Enough capacity one and half pints of spirits and a real talking point at the dinner table. The finest example for which we have had the pleasure of temporary custodianship