Thumbprint Pattern Small Tumbler with Amethyst Flash
Decorative art, glassware • Likely American (e.g., Adams and Company, Bryce Brothers) or Bohemian manufacturer
Style & Movement
Victorian / Early American Pattern Glass (EAPG)
Medium & Technique
Pressed glass with amethyst flash (stained glass staining technique) and mold-blown pattern
Creation Period
Late 19th to Early 20th Century (Victorian/Early American Pattern Glass era)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 3-4 inches in height; cylindrical tapered format with flared rim.
Subject Description
Utilitarian drinking vessel featuring a repetitive 'thumbprint' or 'bullseye' molded pattern on the lower half and a flared rim with cold-stained amethyst coloring.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair; the colored flashing shows significant surface abrasion and loss.
Estimated Market Value
$10 - $25 USD
Auction Estimate
$5 - $15 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; typical of mass-produced domestic glass found in estate collections or secondary antique markets.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the industrialization of glassmaking in the late 19th century, where decorative effects like flashing were used to mimic more expensive solid-colored glass.
Notable Features
Distinctive thumbprint molded base providing a tactile grip; the 'flash' technique is a thin layer of color fired onto clear glass rather than solid colored glass.
Condition Issues
Heavy scuffing, scratches, and pigment loss on the amethyst flash; possible flea bites on the base or rim due to age and usage.
Conservation Recommendations
Hand wash only in lukewarm water; avoid abrasive cleaners or dishwashers which will further strip the amethyst flashing.