Flask, 1800-1840

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

1800-1840

Place of Creation

United States, Midwest 

 On Exhibit

at Greenfield Village in Davidson-Gerson Gallery of Glass

Object ID

00.4.5650

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Glass (Material)

Color

Amber (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 8.5 in

Width: 6.75 in

Length: 2.875 in

Weight: 12.4 oz

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