Late Victorian Triple Moulded Glass Half-Pint Beer Tankard c.1890-1900

This is a handsome but mass-produced late 19th-century or early 20th-century glass half-pint beer tankard.

The tankard has been made in a three-part mould. It widens out towards the thickened base, which has a raised rim and is plain in the centre.

The body is moulded below the rim with a circumferential mitre, below which is a complex panel comprised of six arches which overlap each other. Within the kite-shaped panel formed within each arch is a radiating fan motif. Each is flanked by a smaller arched panel containing diamonds in relief. Below the rim are six triangles which each contain angular radiating wedges.

The handle is angular and moulded with ribs. There is a small collar at the bottom of the handle, below which the handle is moulded with multiple ridges.

The tankard is made from soda glass, and owing to its mass-produced nature it contains numerous flaws, enclosed bubbles, striations and pieces of frit.

It has a height of approximately 10.8cm, with a diameter across the rim of about 8.0cm and across the base of about 8.6cm.

It has a liquid capacity (to the brim) of 325ml, which means it can hold half a pint comfortably.

It has an unwrapped weight of 390g.

It is in fair condition, given its age and purpose. There are a few small chips within the design and one on the underside of the base. There are also some visible mould lines and ridges within the design where the glass has overflowed. Despite this wear, the piece is a wonderful example of social history and still entirely fit for purpose!