Early 19th Century Highly Cut Lead Crystal Salt c.1810

This is a stunning, high quality cut lead crystal salt, probably British in origin and dating to between 1810 and 1820. The bowl is made from thick lead crystal and is made from five horizontal rings of glass that have been overcut with thirteen vertical panels to give a grid-like pattern. The stem is waisted with a central discoid knop, bordered above and below by a stepped portion. The whole stem has been overcut with six facets, making it hexagonal in section. These facets extend down on to the wide lower attachment with the foot as petals. The foot is round but is cut in the centre with a star cut; alternating cuts within the star extend to the edge of the foot, making it scalloped. This glass could be a small rummer, although it is quite heavy for that purpose. Looking at the proportions of this piece I came to the conclusion it was probably a salt. It has a height of approximately 10.8cm, with a diameter at the rim of about 7.4cm and across the foot of about 6.8cm. It is in excellent condition, with no chips or cracks, although there are a few wear and tear scratches to the bowl and foot, commensurate with the age of the piece.