Flask, 1790-1830

Summary

American glass factories produced flasks, like this one, from the late 1700s well into the mid-1800s. The pint-sized flask could hold water but more likely contained alcoholic beverages. Its textured decorative exterior -- formed when the hot glass was dipped into a pattern mold before it was blown -- made the flask easier to grasp. And its flattened shape fit nicely into pockets providing ready access to the liquid refreshment.

American glass factories produced flasks, like this one, from the late 1700s well into the mid-1800s. The pint-sized flask could hold water but more likely contained alcoholic beverages. Its textured decorative exterior -- formed when the hot glass was dipped into a pattern mold before it was blown -- made the flask easier to grasp. And its flattened shape fit nicely into pockets providing ready access to the liquid refreshment.

Artifact

Flask (Bottle)

Date Made

1790-1830

Creators

Unknown

Place of Creation

United States, New England 

United States, Eastern United States 

Creator Notes

Possibly made in New England or the Eastern United States.

 On Exhibit

at Greenfield Village in Davidson-Gerson Gallery of Glass

Object ID

61.122.46

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Glass (Material)

Technique

Glassblowing

Color

Olive green

Dimensions

Height: 6.75 in

Width: 4.625 in

Length: 2.675 in

Weight: 13 oz

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