desk set

Object NameDesk Set

Maker Boston & Sandwich Glass Company (active 1825-1888)

Made FromGlass

Dateabout 1830

Technique(a) pressed; (b) mold-blown

SizeOverall L: 18.5 cm

Accession Number68.4.532

Curatorial Area(s)

Modern

Interpretive Notes

Web Text

The problems involved in pressing glass were summarized by a glassmaker in 1849: “If an overplus of metal [glass] be gathered, it thickens the article throughout; but if too little, it fails to fill up the mould, and is spoiled. . . . The chief condition of success, in getting a polished surface on pressed Glass, depends upon the moulds being kept . . . a little short of red heat.” In this three-piece desk set, made about 1830, the color is not well mixed, and the surface has fissures from contact with the mold. Nevertheless, this object, which would have graced the desk of a fashionable home, is a very rare and attractive example of the glassmaker’s craft. Only six such sets are known. This one contains two wells for ink and a slot for a pen.

Place Made

United States, MA, Sandwich

Physical DescriptionLight blue opaque glass; pressed. (a) Rectangular shape with four feet; two indentations to hold inkwell and sand shaker; slot for pen; wreath of flowers encircling stand; (b) light blue opaque glass and pewter inkwell; mold-blown. Globular shape with vertical fluting; pewter cap; (c) light blue opaque glass and pewter sand shaker; mold-blown. Globular shape with vertical fluting; pewter cap with holes.
Provenance

Provenance Remark

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