Uses of Glass

  If someone were to ask me how I would describe ‘Glass’, my simple reply would be “a container that holds cold beverages for drinking purposes.” However, I could also think of a multitude of uses as well. If you were to ask someone the same question in the 1800-1900's, the reply might be "hand made or mold blown" for what kind of drink or purpose? . During that time period, the use for glass was endless.

   In 1877, Blow-molded, paneled Sandwich Glass salt shakers were patented. They have metal screw caps and “agitators” to keep the salt from caking.

   In the 1900's, the first glass nursing bottle was manufactured in England. The bottles were either hand or mold blown and could be sterilized. In addition, they were curved, (like a banana)and had two openings; one for a nipple and one for a rubber stopper. Similar examples were still used in the 1950's and today it has become a dramatical vase used for one flower. 

   Created in the 1800's, footed blown-glass bowls were used for holding goldfish as well as blood sucking leeches for medicinal purposes.

   In 1876, French pressed-glass carafes with stoppers called "Orangeade Terrier" was made as an advertisement for a well-known orange syrup company. The matching pressed-glass footed goblets were etched with the Liberty Bell, celebrating 100 years of American Independence.

   Since the sixteenth century, the popularity of the handled blown-molded beer tankards with flat facets or raised round bubble-shaped pattern lives on. During that era, the shape of the mug is derived from pewter or ironstone, however, since they preferred warm beer, the mugs included covers.

   In the eighteenth century, condiments were sold throughout the countryside by itinerant vendors. By the middle of the nineteenth century, the artisanal production had been industrialized, and by 1900 the famous ‘Dijon’ mustard was created in Dijon, France. Prior to Dijon mustard commercial packaging, (blow-molded glass jars) condiments were sold in traditional ironstone pots.