This tumbler, engraved "Federal," is believed to commemorate the establishment of the American federal government in 1789 and is arguably one of the most important examples of early American glass. It was made by John Frederick Amelung’s New Bremen Glass Manufactory. Amelung, the superintendent of a German glass factory, was enticed by a group of prominent Americans to immigrate to their newly independent country. Shortly after his arrival, he acquired an existing glasshouse and began producing window glass, bottles, and tablewares. As a testimony to the factory’s accomplishments, Amelung produced a series of presentation glasses, including one for George Washington.