Little Brown Jug Early Free Blown Glass

Early Free Blown Glass Little Brown Jug with Bow Handle

Fascinating little brown jug hand-blown a long, long, long time ago. How old? Guessing 1800’s, perhaps earlier, could be 18th century.

It is not a new reproduction. The earmarks of early glass are all present here. Primitive rough open pontil mark, ring of bottom-wear on base, tilted back form (prevents dripping), applied crooked bow handle, entrapped unintentional bubbles, straw marks (from old cooling methods), hand-tooled melon ribs, organic brown color, made by hand. The solid ring of bottom-wear is a result of sliding this little beauty across the table for a hundred years of so. It weighs only 1/4 lb – bottom-wear develops very slowly on light-weight glass.

Glass is in excellent condition. No liquid stains. A stopper once belonged to it. You can see the stopper wear marks on the inner elongated oval neck. The big bowed handle is applied crooked. Whether this was done because the blower was in a hurry or because it adds to the balance when pouring is unknown. It certainly adds to its allure.

Probably held a dining condiment such as oil, vinegar, cream, etc.. Measures 4″ at widest, 3″ tall. It’s amazing how artful simple glass objects can be. It’s primitive make and functional form has an ageless beauty.