Images(2)

GX-20

Object NameFlask with Steamboat

Manufacturer Bakewell, Page & Bakewell (September 1, 1813-1814; December 19, 1815-1819; 1820-1827)

Made FromGlass

Dateabout 1824

Place MadeUnited States, PA, Pittsburgh

TechniqueMold-blown

SizeOverall H: 17.5 cm

Accession Number60.4.462

Curatorial Area(s)

Early Modern

Exhibitions

American Historical Flasks

On ViewAmerican Gallery

Interpretive Notes

Web Text

The inscriptions on this flask refer to the tariff system. Tariffs protected American manufactured goods. Henry Clay, the author of this system, ran for president in 1824.

Physical DescriptionColorless glass with violet tinge; mold-blown; plain lip, pontil mark. Obverse: early steamboat with paddle wheel steaming to right; long narrow flag streaming to left from bow and large American flag, stars and stripes flying from mast back of smoke stack. Above boat in curving line "THE AMERICAN" and beneath the water through which the boat is steaming, the word "SYSTEM". Reverse: large upright Sheaf of Rye encircled by inscription "USE ME BUT DO NOT ABUSE ME"; also encircling the sheaf and between it and the inscription twenty-seven small dots or pearls, possibly intended to represent stars. Beneath sheaf narrow rectangular frame with curved ends and containing inscription "B. P & B". Edges: herringbone ribbing, no medial rib.
Provenance

Source McKearin Antiques - 1960