Bridgeton Glass Works
Figured Flask

Public Domain

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Images(2)

Maker Bridgeton Glass WorksAmerican, 1836–1855

CultureAmerican

Titles

Figured Flask

Datec. 1840–1855

Made inBridgeton, New Jersey, United States

MediumNonlead glass

Dimensions6 13/16 in. (17.3 cm)

Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of Miss Ima Hogg

Object numberB.72.64

Current Location

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens

Glazed Porch

On view

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Department

Bayou Bend

Object Type

GLASS

DescriptionAmerican glassmakers produced small, rounded, and flattened forms as pocket bottles or flasks in the 1700s. By the 1820s, mold-blown flasks with images on both sides grew in popularity. Many featured portraits of political or military leaders, patriotic emblems, and slogans, images of abundance or technological achievement, or decorative designs such as sunbursts and scrolls. Another popular subject was the United States’ victory in the Mexican-American War of 1846 to 1848. Zachary Taylor rose to great fame and popularity in the wake of his victories in this war, winning the 1848 election to become the 12th president of the United States. This flask, which includes Taylor’s image on one side and George Washington’s portrait on the other, attests to Taylor’s acclaim.
Provenance[Probably Stephen Van Rensselaer, Peterborough, New Hampshire, 1927, or Samuel H. Laidacker (1904–1994), Bristol, Pennsylvania,1958]; purchased by Miss Ima Hogg; given to MFAH, 1972.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks

Oval medallion with bust of George Washington in uniform facing left, "WASHINGTON" inscribed overhead

Oval medallion, truncated at bottom, with bust of Zachary Taylor in uniform, facing left and inscribed "BRIDGETON*NEW JERSEY" in semicircle overhead

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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